Free Flap Reconstruction in Head and Neck Surgery: Experience in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University

Free flap reconstruction after surgical ablation of head & neck cancer greatly improve the surgical outcome. Microvascular anastomosis is an important part of Microsurgery and it is not widely practiced in every center. A retrospective review was conducted in the Head & Neck Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery Department, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Bangladesh from May 2016 to June 2017. Total 20 patients with head & neck cancer had been treated surgically between this period and 14 patients were reconstructed with free flap. The focus of this study is to establish the surgical outcome, which is more with free flap reconstruction in the patients previously diagnosed as head & neck cancer. We reconstructed 14 cases of oral cavity carcinoma (Stage IV) with the free flap. Majority cases were carcinoma involving the buccal mucosa with retromolar trigone (36%) followed by buccal mucosa (22%), buccal mucosa with lower alveolus (21%), carcinoma tongue with floor of the mouth (14%) and floor of the mouth (7%). Radial forearm freflap (RFFF) were commonly used in 10 cases (71.4%) and Anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) used in four cases (21.5%). Partial flap loss was seen in one case and wound infection occurred in another case but both were managed successfully with postoperative dressing and debridement. Microvascular free flap reconstruction can be a good choice after surgical removal of the head & neck cancer diseases and it should be practiced in every well-equipped tertiary medical center with the help of properly trained surgeon.

Physiological mechanism of transglutaminase-mediated improvement in salt tolerance of cucumber seedlings

Transglutaminase (TGase) is inextricably associated with plant growth and development. However, the mechanism by which TGase enhances salt tolerance of higher plants under salt stress is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of NaCl stress and exogenous o-phenanthroline (o-Phen, a metalloprotease inhibitor) on TGase activity, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, carbohydrates contents, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging system, and endogenous polyamines (PAs) contents of salt-sensitive 'Jinyou No. 4' and salt-tolerant 'Inbred Line 9930' cucumber. Salt stress significantly inhibited plant growth of the two cultivars, as well as hindered carbohydrates transport, which was more evident in the salt-sensitive cultivar. TGase activity and expression, ROS scavenging capacity, and bound PAs content were up-regulated by salt stress to some extent, which was more distinct in the salt-tolerant cucumber cultivar. However, o-Phen treatment significantly inhibited TGase expression, and further decreased plant growth and the actual photochemical efficiency of photosystem II in the two cultivars. In addition, application of o-Phen significantly decreased endogenous PAs content in leaves of 'Jinyou No. 4' and 'Inbred Line 9930' seedlings by 9.60% and 42.32% under NaCl stress, respectively. These results suggested that high activity of TGase increases the salt stress tolerance of cucumber plants by increasing endogenous PAs content and ROS scavenging capacity, and promoting carbon assimilation and photosynthetic products.

Nitrous Oxide versus Medical Air Using in General Anaesthesia During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Comparative Study

This study was designed to observe the haemodynamic changes, recovery status and cost effectiveness during anaesthesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy with medical air in comparison to anaesthesia with nitrous oxide associated with maintain of adequate analgesia and was conducted in the department of Analgesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2017 to June 2017. Nitrous oxide is popularly using as an analgesic in current balanced general anesthesia in addition carrier agent for anesthetic. Intraoperative pain intensity depends on many variables including, type of surgery, surgical stimulation and surgical incision. It is difficult to measure intraoperative pain properly under general anesthesia therefore anesthetist depends on the surrogate marker of inadequate analgesia like raised heart rate, blood pressure, sweating and lacrimation. However, unfortunately, these parameters may changes in same direction with light plane of anesthesia, hypercarbia and ongoing procedural status of the patient.

A Case Study on Chronic Hepatitis-C Viral infection Associated with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Tertiary Hospital of Bangladesh

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an important reason of liver-related death globally. HCC is the fifth most common cancer, the third most common cause for cancer related death in the world and responsible for approximately one million deaths each year. The incidence of HCC is expected to increase in the next two decades, largely due to hepatitis C infection and secondary cirrhosis. We have reported a case of hepatocellular carcinoma in a 56-year-old man with peritoneal metastasis. Diagnostic imaging (Ultra sonogram & CT-Scan) shown: a large hypo density, irregular outline lesion noted in right lower liver, post contrast image shown patchy enhancement of the lesion. His serum Alpha-Feto Protein (AFP) level was very high with elevated serum alanine amino transaminase (ALT) enzyme and prothrombin time. Histopathological (microscopic) features are compatible with Hepatocellular carcinoma. His Hepatitis C viral DNA load e.g., core protein variants and genotype 1, have been reported. The patient was treated by surgical resection followed by conservative treatment includes sorafenib & interferon alpha. This case report aims to outlines the epidemiology of HCC in chronic HCV, risk factors and pathophysiology that contribute to this disease process, related pathophysiology of patient's clinical features, screening recommendations, and the available statistics on the impact of new direct-acting antiviral treatment on the development on HCC.

Dietary black cumin (Nizella sativa) seed meal on growth and meat yield performance of broilers

A total of 144, day old as hatched Cobb-500 broilers were fed adlibitum basis on a diet with 0%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% of Black Cumin Seed Meal up to 35 days of age to compare the effect of BCSM as herbal growth promoters on growth performance, meat yield characteristics and profitability of broilers. The experimental diets consisted of broiler starter and broiler grower, which were fed from 0-16 and 17-35 days of age, respectively. Diets supplemented with 1.5% BCSM showed significant effect on live weight at 21, 28 and 35 days of old in broilers in various groups as compared to that of control group. Better feed conversion (2.02) also noticed at 1.5% level of BCSM at early stage (14 days of old) of broilers. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) among the average live weight, dressing yield, thigh meat, wing meat, heart, gizzard liver, at 0%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% level of BCSM diet. But difference found within breast meat, drumstick meat, abdominal fat and skin of broilers at 1.5% level of BCSM diet. It may be concluded that supplementation of BCSM at 1.5% had the highest significant effect (P<0.01) on feed cost (Tk kg-1 b), production cost (Tk kg-1 b) and profit (Tk kg-1 b) and lower mortality. So that 1.5% BCSM in diets can be used for economic and efficient broiler production than 0.5% and 1.0 % level.SAARC J. Agri., 13(2): 151-160 (2015)

Correlation and Path Analysis in Six Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) Genotypes

A field experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka with a view to study character association and path analysis in six strawberry genotypes. The trial was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Data on crown height, number of flower buds per plant, number of flowers per plant, number of fruits per plant, length and breadth of fruit and fruit yield per plant were collected. All the characters showed significant correlation with fruit yield. Path analysis revealed that crown height, number of flowers per plant and length of fruit had the positive direct effect on yield per plant. Number of flower buds per plant, number of fruits per plant and breadth of fruit had negative direct effect on yield per plant. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v11i2.17491 The Agriculturists 2013; 11(2) 74-78

Effect of moisture, lipids, and select amino acid blocking agents on the formation and stability of metastable radicals in powdered soy proteins

Incremental increases in the moisture content of powdered soy protein products from 4.4% to 13.4% produced an inverse effect on the ability of soy proteins to maintain metastable free radicals. The corresponding reduction in electron paramagnetic resonance signal was not due to dielectric loss in the range of moisture contents examined. Subsequent evaluations of various treatments were conducted after drying soy proteins with molecular sieve to a water activity below 0.085 in order to minimize the influence from variations in moisture. Isolated soy protein (ISP) samples, prepared with "defatted flour" that had been further extracted with chloroform/methanol (2: 1), had a 96% reduction in total lipids compared to the control ISP samples. The initial rate of radical accumulation in the "reduced-lipid" ISP for the first 3 wk was not significantly different from the initial rate of radical increases in the control ISP. After 3 wk, radical accumulation in the "reduced-lipid" ISP continued to increase, but at a rate that was less than the control. These findings indicate that the initial reactions contributing to the formation of metastable radicals in the powdered ISP are not strongly dependent on associated lipids. Blocking sulfhydryl groups during ISP preparation with N-ethylmaleimide did not significantly slow the rate of radical accumulation compared to the control ISP. Blocking arginine residues in ISP samples with phenylglyoxal caused an increased rate of radical accumulation for the first 4 wk.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Levels of metastable radicals in powdered soy protein products typically range from 10 to 100 times greater than the free radicals in other food protein sources. This current research examines various compositional and treatment parameters that might be used to minimize the content of free radicals in foods containing soy proteins.

Effects of packaging environments on free radicals in gamma-irradiated UHMWPE resin powder blend with vitamin E

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) powder (GUR 1020) was blended with high concentration (20%) of vitamin E (alpha-Tocopherol (alpha-T)) for direct detection of alpha-T radicals in presence of PE radicals. Samples were gamma-irradiated in sealed packages filled with N(2), or in open air. Free radicals were measured in open air environment for 71 days using electron spin resonance (ESR) technique. When irradiated in air, both alpha-T and alpha-T-resin produced identical ESR signals characteristics of tochopheroxyl radicals (alpha-T-O(*)), suggesting that PE radicals are quenched by alpha-T. There was no indication of growth of oxygen-induced radicals (OIR) either. However, when alpha-T-resin was irradiated in N(2), presence of both PE and alpha-T radicals were evident in the ESR spectra. And, OIR were produced by the same samples when they were subsequently exposed to air (for 71 days). Oxidation data recorded 85 days after postirradiation aging in air using Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, however, did not show any measurable difference between samples irradiated in N(2) and air.

Carbon-centered radicals in isolated soy proteins

Solid-state electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy of commercial samples of isolated soy proteins (ISP) revealed a symmetrical free-radical signal typical of carbon-centered radicals (g= 2.005) ranging from 2.96 x 10(14) to 6.42 x 10(14) spins/g. The level of free radicals in ISP was 14 times greater than similar radicals in sodium caseinate, 29 times greater than egg albumin, and about 100 times greater levels than casein. Nine soy protein powdered drink mixes contained similar types of free radicals up to 4.10 x 10(15) spins/g of drink mix, or up to 6.4 times greater than the highest free-radical content found in commercial ISP. ISP samples prepared in the laboratory contained trapped radicals similar to the levels in commercial ISP samples. When ISP was hydrated in 2.3 mM sodium erythorbate or 8.3 mM L-cysteine, frozen and dried, the level of trapped free radicals increased by about 17- and 19-fold, respectively. The ESR spectrum of defatted soybean flakes contained overlapping signals from the primary free-radical peak (g= 2.005) and a sextet pattern typical of manganese-II. The manganese signal was reduced in the laboratory ISP and very weak in the commercial ISP.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a life-threatening reaction of neuroleptic medication. The estimated incidence rate of neuroleptic malignant syndrome is between 1% and 1.5% of patients treated with neuroleptics. The reported mortality rate varies from 11% to 38%. Risk factors include younger males (80% less than 40 years) and physical disability. Although 80% of neuroleptic malignant syndrome cases develop within the first 2 weeks of treatment, the syndrome can develop anytime during the therapy period. The clinical picture and laboratory findings are not always unique. Less than 50% of cases manifest with classical symptoms. Deaths usually result from cardiovascular collapse. Renal failure, pulmonary emboli, aspiration pneumonia, and respiratory failure are also reported. Familiarity with the syndrome, baseline laboratory values including creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, serum glutamicoxaloacetic transaminase, and complete blood cell count with a differential count, and a high index of suspicion are of the utmost importance in making the diagnosis of neuroleptic malignant syndrome. A judicial choice of neuroleptic medication and careful observation of patients may reduce the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Combined chemical and mechanical effects on free radicals in UHMWPE joints during implantation

An electron spin resonance (ESR) technique is employed to determine the free radical distribution in the articulating surfaces of retrieved acetabular cups and knee-joint plateaus (retrieved after more than 6 years of implantation). Similar measurements made on samples prepared from cyclically stressed and unstressed cups, and on samples following oxidations in nitric acid and intralipid solutions provided sufficient data to gain more knowledge about the combined chemical and mechanical effects on PE free radicals during implantation. In UHMWPE free radicals are primarily initiated by gamma-ray sterilization; however, during implantation, peroxy (scission type) free radicals are formed and reach a maximum concentration level (equilibrium state) due to oxidation by chemical (hemoglobin and/or synovial fluids) environment of the joints. Subsequently, due to frictional heating and stress in the loading zones, free radical reaction is accelerated and their number is reduced only in those areas. This is consistent with the observations of a temperature rise in acetabular cups during in vitro frictional wear stress tests and in vivo telemetry observations, as reported by others. Compared with the previously reported SEM micrographs the low-free-radical regions are correlated with high-wear areas and the high-free-radical regions with the low-wear areas.

Colon cancer in blacks: a disease with a worsening prognosis

Despite the fact that a significant national effort has been made over the past 10 years to improve the early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer, blacks have not had any change in their prognosis compared to whites, and their survival rate appears to be independent of stage at the time of diagnosis. The disease incidence is practically the same for both races, 49 per 100,000. We reviewed all patients with colorectal cancer in our Tumor Registry over a 10-year period to determine whether the experience at an all-black institution with a black patient base for much of its history would help clarify these crucial questions. There were 118 cases (73 women/45 men), and the mean age was 68 years (range: 29 to 93). The most common signs and symptoms were gross bleeding (34%) and abdominal pain (30%), with most patients presenting with a combination of symptoms. Remarkably, none were symptom-free. Of the 96 patients who were staged surgically and pathologically, 68 (71%) were beyond Duke's B staging at the time of diagnosis and surgery. The overall 5-year survival rate was 47%, significantly related to stage of disease at diagnosis (P less than .001). We concluded that blacks have not shared in the progress made in early diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer, and that special attention should be given to developing screening and surveillance methodology targeted specifically at blacks.

AIDS: knowledge and attitudes among different ethnic groups

To study the ethnic differences in knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about AIDS, we surveyed 161 US residents from 31 different countries. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was developed to compile these data. The results of this survey suggest that AIDS-related knowledge is generally incomplete and there are still misconceptions about AIDS regardless of ethnicity or national origin. However, Americans and Europeans were more aware of some of the modes of contracting AIDS than were people from Asia, the Middle East, or Africa. We conclude that some ethnic and national groups are more likely to have misconceptions about AIDS than others. Therefore, additional public educational programs and activities with special outreach programs for ethnic groups in the United States must be accomplished through methods that are culturally sensitive if they are to be effective.

Comparative efficacy of powdered form of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) leaves and glimepiride in induced diabetic rats

Now a day, various medicinal plants are becoming popular for the treatment of different diseases. Some medicinal plants are being used for the treatment of diabetes all over the world. The study was conducted to investigate the effects of powdered form of Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) leaves on blood glucose concentration and body weight in Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats and for its efficacy study with a patent drug, Glimepiride. The effects of powdered form of Stevia leaves was evaluated in the Streptozotocin (STZ; 55 mg/kg body weight as single intraperitoneal injection) induced diabetic rats and for this, powdered form of Stevia leaves was orally administered at three different dose rates of 150 mg/kg, 200 mg/Kg and 250 mg/Kg body weight, respectively once a day for 3 weeks. Changes in the blood glucose levels and body weights were measured and the data obtained were compared with that of Glimepiride statistically by using Student's unpaired t-test. The powdered form of Stevia leaves produced significant (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) hypoglycemic effects on Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats in comparison with that of the standard drug, Glimepiride. Powdered form of Stevia leaves at a dose rate of 250 mg/Kg decreased body weight significantly (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) in STZ-induced diabetic rats. From this study, it was observed that powdered form of Stevia leaves possessed both hypoglycemic and body weight reducing effects. Key words: Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, glimepiride, streptozotocin, diabetic rat doi: 10.3329/bjvm.v6i2.2338 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2008). 6 (2): 211-215

Effect of garlic and vitamin B-complex in lead acetate induced toxicities in mice

The experiment was performed on 25 adult mice, (Swiss albino), weighing about 25 gm, maintained on standard pellet diet and drinking water ad libitum. All the mice were randomly divided into five equal groups (5x5). Each group comprised of five mice was marked as group A, B, C, D and E. In the present study an attempt has been taken to study the effect of Garlic and vitamin B-complex in lead induced toxicities in mice with the observation of some parameters as toxic signs and body weight, some haematological parameters like total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC), haemoglobin content (Hb%) and Packed cell volume (PCV), some biochemical parameters such as serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase SGPT/ALT, Serum glutamate Oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT/AST) and postmortem changes in mice. An attempt was also made to estimate the residual deposition of lead in body tissues i.e. blood, liver, kidney, brain and bone in mice. Mice treated with lead acetate showed severe toxic signs and significantly reduced total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, haemoglobin content and packed cell volume and significant elevation of SGPT and SGOT. But in case of mice treated by lead acetate along with Garlic and vitamin B-complex showed almost normal levels of haematological and biochemical parameters. From this experiment it is revealed that Garlic and vitamin B-complex has protective and curative effect in lead toxicity. The mean body weight of mice of group B (only lead acetate) was significantly (p < 0.01) decreased, in comparison with the other treated groups. Lead acetate group also significantly reduced (p < 0.01) total erythrocyte count, packed cell volume and hemoglobin content was on 42 days of treatment. SGPT and SGOT were significantly elevated in all treated groups in comparison with control group. The liver of the mice of group B were blackish discoloration and enlarged. The significant reduction of lead in blood, liver and kidney was found in group E < C< D in comparison to group B (lead treated). The order of effectiveness was Garlic + Vitamin B- complex > Garlic > Vitamin Bcomplex. Key words: Garlic, vitamin B-complex, lead acetate, mice   doi: 10.3329/bjvm.v6i2.2337 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2008). 6 (2): 203-210

Studies on medicinal plants against gastroinstestinal nematodes of goats

A detailed investigation was performed with the aim to find out the indigenous medicinal plants having anthelminthic action. Ten (10) indigenous medicinal plants were primarily selected and the ethanol extracts were prepared for anthelminthic trial and determination of anthelminthic properties in vitro and in vivo against the gastro-instestinal nematodes in goat during the period from July 2006 to December 2006. Screening of ethanol extracts of selected plants showed the anthelmintic activity against gastrointestinal nematodes at lower concentration (50 mg/ml). In vivo screening (by oral administration) of four plant extracts (ethanol) showed variable degree of efficacy in experimentally infected goats, as measured by faecal egg count reduction test. A relatively higher efficacy was recorded in ethanol extract of neem treated animals in comparison to other plants extracts. Ethanol extracts of korolla also showed significant efficacy. The results obtained in this study showed that ethanol extract of Labanga, Neem, Karolla and Pineapple at the dose of 100mg/kg showed a significant and potent antinematodal effect. These findings indicate that the adult gastrointestinal nematodes are more vulnerable to selected indigenous plants. Within these ten (10) plants 4 showed more than 70% efficacy at a concentration of 100mg/mkg. Key words: Medicinal plants, anthelmintics, nematodes, fecal egg count, goat doi: 10.3329/bjvm.v6i2.2333 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2008). 6 (2): 179-183