Osteoinductive and Osteogenic Capacity of Freeze-Dried Bovine Bone Compared to Deproteinized Bovine Bone Mineral Scaffold in Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Culture: An In Vitro Study

OBJECTIVE

 Freeze-dried bovine bone scaffold (FDBB) or decellularized FDBB (dc-FDBB) was developed as an ideal scaffold with osteoinductive properties. This research aims to compare the osteoinductive properties marked by the expression of runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2) and Osterix (OSX) and the osteogenic capacity of these scaffolds imbued with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 This study was performed in five experimental groups: a negative control group (C-) of hUCMSCs with a normal growth medium, a positive control group (C + ) of hUCMSCs with an osteogenic medium, experimental group 1 (E1) with an FDBB conditioned medium (CM), and experimental group 2 (E2) with a dc-FDBB-CM, and a third experimental group (E3) consisting of a DBBM-CM. Alizarin red staining was performed to qualitatively assess osteoinductive capacity. RUNX2 and OSX expression was quantified using real-time quantification polymerase chain reaction with two replications on day six (D6) and day 12 (D12) as fold changes.

RESULTS

 This experiment revealed that hUCMSCs were positively expressed by CD73, CD90, and CD105 but were not expressed by CD34. Alizarin red staining showed that E1 had the most calcium deposition on D6 and D12, followed by E3 and then E2 The RUNX2 and OSX expression was higher in E1 but this difference was not significant. The OSX expression in E1,E2,E3 was lower on D12 and C+ of OSX had the highest expression. There was a significant difference of fold change measured between all groups (p < 0.05), and there was no significant difference between any of the groups treated with OSX and RUNX2 on D6 and D12.

CONCLUSION

 FDBB osteoinduction and osteogenic capacity were higher when compared with DBBM and dc-FDBB.

Quality of Life Evaluation of Postsurgical Mandibular Fracture Patients with Oral Health Impact Profile 14 and General Oral Health Assessment Index Parameters

OBJECTIVE

 Mandibular fracture is the most common maxillofacial fracture accompanied by complaints of malocclusion and pain. This causes a decrease in the quality of life. Mandibular fracture management can be done with open reduction and internal fixation or intermaxillary fixation. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP 14) and the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) were used to evaluate the quality of life after surgical treatment based on the distribution of age, sex, type of neglect, and surgical management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 This research is an analytic study with an analytical observational method with total sampling. The total sample used was 15 patients during the 2006 to 2020 period. The results of this study were scored, and then, the data were processed using the eta test.

RESULTS

 The results of the study based on the OHIP 14 parameters showed the results of each distribution, namely, age: p = 0.154, gender: p = 0.080, neglected type: p = 0.080, and management: p = 0.419. Meanwhile, the GOHAI parameters showed the results of each distribution, namely, age: p = 0.105, gender: p = 0.356, neglected type: p = 0.356, and management p = 0.286. The results of this distribution showed that there was no significant difference between patients' quality of life based on age, sex, neglected type, and treatment using both OHIP 14 and GOHAI parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

 The results obtained in this study using characteristics of age, gender, type of fracture, type of neglect, and management did not have a significant effect on the level of patient satisfaction after surgery, using both OHIP 14 and GOHAI questionnaires.

Effect of α-Mangostin on Interleukin-11 and Runt-related Transcription Factor-2 Gene Expression on Cell Line Osteoblast Cultures Induced with Lipopolysaccharide

Background

Loss of permanent teeth after tooth extraction without replacement of missing teeth can result in impaired masticatory, esthetic, phonetic functions, and impaired balance of the masticatory organ in the mouth. Therefore, a method is needed to inhibit the alveolar bone resorption process so that the dimensions of the tooth socket can be maintained vertically or horizontally until the time of implant placement, which is called the socket preservation procedure. α-mangostin is known to have a potential anti-inflammatory effect and most likely can be used as a potential therapeutic agent to inhibit bone resorption caused by posttooth extraction inflammatory processes.

Aims

The aim of the study was to determine the effect on the inflammatory process and osteogenesis on osteoblast cell line culture by induction with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and α-mangostin.

Materials and Methods

This was an in vitro laboratory experimental study on mouse osteoblast cell line culture. The treatment was given with LPS, α-mangostin, and combination on osteogenic medium, using the same concentration for all concentrates. The sample will then be processed and analyzed using the real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The highest interleukin-11 (IL-11) gene expression was found in α-mangostin treatment, but there was no significant difference in IL-11 expression between the study groups. The highest runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX-2) gene expression was found in a group that received induction with LPS and α-mangostin, and from these results, it was found that there was a significant difference in RUNX-2 expression between the study groups.

Conclusions

LPS and α-mangostin can increase osteogenesis in osteoblast cell culture in the osteogenic medium.

Assessment of Nutritional Status of Children with Chronic Kidney Disease in a Tertiary Care Level Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Malnutrition is recognized to be a serious and common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in children. Early identification and swift intervention is the key in the management of malnutrition in CKD. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in children with CKD, to see the prevalence of malnutrition according to different anthropometric indices, to see the prevalence of malnutrition in different stages of CKD, to compare the nutritional status of children with CKD according to chronological age and height age. This analytical cross sectional study was done in the Department of Pediatric Nephrology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from March 2014 to May 2015. Thirty children were enrolled in the study by purposive sampling. Nutritional assessment was done from dietary assessment by 72 hours recall and anthropometric measurements. Anthropometric indices were expressed in Z-scores and percentiles according to both chronological age and height age. Numeric data was analyzed by ANOVA and categorical data was tested by chi-square test. Difference between proportions was tested by Z-test of proportion. P value (<0.05) was considered significant. Data shows that the mean age of the studied population was 10.99±3.5 years with a male predominance. Eighteen (60.0%) children were on hemodialysis and rests on conservative management. Average calorie intake was 74.31±9.34% of estimated energy requirement (EER). The prevalence of malnutrition was 70.0% (95% CI: 53.6-86.4) according to height Z-score (HAZ), 66.7% (95% CI: 45.8-80.2) for weight Z-score (WAZ) and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) Z-score, according to BMI percentile it was 56.7% (95% CI: 39-74.4), for mid arm muscle circumference (MAMC) the prevalence was 53.3% (95% CI: 35.5-71.1), according to arm muscle area (AMA) and arm fat area (AFA) the prevalence was 50.0% (95% CI: 38.1-67.9) and for triceps skin fold thickness (TST) it was 43.3% (95% CI: 25.5-61). Height was the most affected parameter and triceps skin fold thickness was the least affected parameter. When anthropometric indices were adjusted for height age, the prevalence was 36.7% according to BMI and TST, 30.0% according to AFA, 13.3% according to MUAC, 10.0% each for MAMC and AMA and 3.3% for WAZ. The difference in the prevalence of malnutrition according to this two approach was statistically significant in all parameters accept BMI, TST and AFA. Malnutrition was more associated with advanced stage of CKD. Low calorie intake was associated with low BMI and low serum albumin level. Serum albumin level was low in the present study population. In conclusion, prevalence of malnutrition is very high in children with CKD.

Evaluation of outcome of Coronavirus disease 2019 patients receiving RAAS inhibitors (OCRAS study): a prospective observational study of Bangladeshi hypertensive patients

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Beximco Pharmaceutical Limited, Bangladesh

OnBehalf

Cardiology Study Group (Bangladesh)

Background

The fact that SAARS-Cov2 virus enters cells through ACE2 receptors and the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Inhibitors (RAASi) upregulate the ACE2 receptors, there was speculation that use of RAASi may lead increased cellular entry of the virus.  There was a pause for a brief period of the use of RAASi in COVID 19 patients. But clinically the speculation has been found to be incorrect. Different professional societies come up with the assertion to continue to use RAASi. As the hesitancy among the clinicians appears to continue and there is no first hand data regarding the safety of the use of RAASi in Bangladeshi population, the study was undertaken to evaluate the safety of RAASi in COVID 19 patients.

Aims & Methods

This study was a prospective, observational multi-center study to evaluate the outcome of COVID-19 patients receiving RAAS inhibitors. Adult Hypertensive patients (age ≥18 years) with diagnosed COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR test who have a history of taking either ACE inhibitor/ARB or any other anti-hypertensive medication. Evaluation of outcome was assessed by rate of hospitalization, requirement of oxygen therapy, requirement of high flow nasal cannula, admission to ICU and mortality between two groups. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS for Windows, version 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results

We collected data from 147 Covid-19 positive patients confirmed by RT-PCR. Among them, 117 (79.6%) had a history of taking RAAS inhibitor and 30 had history of taking other antihypertensive medications. Of them, two-third patients had more than 50 years of age and more than half of the patients had overweight or obesity. Other than hypertension they had several comorbidities such as Diabetes Mellitus (45.4%), Ischemic Heart Diseases (35.4%), Asthma or COPD (15%) etc. Rate of hospitalization had no statistical difference between RAAS inhibitor group and other hypertensive group (48.7% vs 46.70% respectively; p-value - 0.841). There was no statistical difference between two groups in terms of requirement of oxygen therapy (p-value - 0.297), High Flow Nasal Cannula (p-value - 0.430), intensive care unit (p-value - 0.194) and death (p-value – 0.383) also. Almost half and one-third of the patients had persistence of symptoms even after 14 days and 28 days respectively. Fatigue, cough, breathlessness, loss of appetite and taste were the most common symptoms among those.

Conclusion

In our study we found that RAAS inhibitor treatment had no adverse effect on the outcome of COVID-19 patients compared with other antihypertensive drugs. Patients may continue receiving ACEIs and ARBs for the treatment of any indication for RAASi without an increased risk of worse outcomes.

An Autopsy Based Study on Socio-economical Pattern of Organophosphorus Poisoning Cases Recorded from Sir Salimullah Medical College Morgue

Poisoning is one of the commonest methods employed for committing suicide, especially in Developing countries like Bangladesh. In this retrospective study, a total of 114 organophosphorus poisoningcases autopsied at Sir Salimullah Medical College morgue, Dhaka, Bangladesh, were analyzed during the period from January 2016 to December 2017. Male predominance was noted accounting for 75% of total cases compared to females 25% cases. Most common age group involved was 21-30 years 31% followed by 31-40 years 22% belonging to lower socioeconomic status. Suicide was the commonest manner of death in majority of cases. The reason may be the increasing stress in the family and economic constraints. Accidental deaths due to occupational exposure or inhalation of OPC compounds are reported but in these cases mortality rate is less than that suicidal poisoning. To reduce poisoning cases proper emphasis should be given for safe use of pesticides and consciousness should becreated among the population about poisonous compounds.

Proteome size reduction in Apicomplexans is linked with loss of DNA repair and host redundant pathways

Apicomplexans are alveolate parasites which include Plasmodium falciparum, the main cause of malaria, one of the world's biggest killers from infectious disease. Apicomplexans are characterized by a reduction in proteome size, which appears to result from metabolic and functional simplification, commensurate with their parasitic lifestyle. However, other factors may also help to explain gene loss such as population bottlenecks experienced during transmission, and the effect of reducing the overall genomic information content. The latter constitutes an 'informational constraint', which is proposed to exert a selective pressure to evolve and maintain genes involved in informational fidelity and error correction, proportional to the quantity of information in the genome (which approximates to proteome size). The dynamics of gene loss was examined in 41 Apicomplexan genomes using orthogroup analysis. We show that loss of genes involved in amino acid metabolism and steroid biosynthesis can be explained by metabolic redundancy with the host. We also show that there is a marked tendency to lose DNA repair genes as proteome size is reduced. This may be explained by a reduction in size of the informational constraint and can help to explain elevated mutation rates in pathogens with reduced genome size. Multiple Sequentially Markovian Coalescent (MSMC) analysis indicates a recent bottleneck, consistent with predictions generated using allele-based population genetics approaches, implying that relaxed selection pressure due to reduced population size might have contributed to gene loss. However, the non-randomness of pathways that are lost challenges this scenario. Lastly, we identify unique orthogroups in malaria-causing Plasmodium species that infect humans, with a high proportion of membrane associated proteins. Thus, orthogroup analysis appears useful for identifying novel candidate pathogenic factors in parasites, when there is a wide sample of genomes available.

Melatonin‑induced miR‑181c‑5p enhances osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of human jawbone‑derived osteoblastic cells

Our previous study revealed that treatment with a combination of fibroblast growth factor‑2 and melatonin (MEL) synergistically augmented osteogenic activity and mineralization of MC3T3‑E1 mouse preosteoblast cells. Thus, the objective of the present study was to assess the effect of MEL on osteogenetic characteristics in human osteoblastic cells. Human jawbone‑derived osteoblastic (hOB) cells were isolated from mandibular bone fragments. RUNX family transcription factor 2 (Runx2) expression, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme activity and the mineralization ability of hOB cells in the presence of MEL were evaluated. Microarray analysis was also performed to assess the expression of MEL‑induced microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) in hOB cells. Treatment with MEL significantly enhanced Runx2 expression, ALP activity and mineralization staining. However, this effect was significantly reduced following transforming growth factor‑β1 treatment. In total, 124 miRNAs were differentially expressed in MEL‑treated hOB cells, compared with untreated cells. Of the upregulated miRNAs, miR‑181c‑5p exhibited the largest fold change. Runx2 mRNA expression and mineralization staining in the presence of MEL were significantly reduced following transfection with a miR‑181c‑5p inhibitor. In addition, transfection with miR-181c-5p mimics significantly increased Runx2 expression and mineralization staining. These results suggested that MEL‑induced miR‑181c‑5p was involved in osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of hOB cells. Using TargetScan, a putative miR‑181c‑5p binding site was identified in the Notch2 gene. Moreover, Notch2 mRNA and protein expression levels in hOB cells were significantly reduced following transfection with miR‑181c‑5p mimics, confirming Notch2 as a target gene for miR‑181c‑5p. Notch2 siRNA knockdown significantly increased Runx2 expression and mineralization staining, which suggested that Notch2 may negatively regulate osteogenic differentiation of hOB cells by downregulating Runx2. In conclusion, MEL‑induced expression of miR‑181c‑5p enhanced osteogenic differentiation and calcification of hOB cells.

Synergism between the Black Queen effect and the proteomic constraint on genome size reduction in the photosynthetic picoeukaryotes

The photosynthetic picoeukaryotes (PPEs) comprise a rare example of free-living eukaryotes that have undergone genome reduction. Here, we examine a duality in the process; the proposed driver of genome reduction (the Black Queen hypothesis, BQH), and the resultant impact of genome information loss (the Proteomic Constraint hypothesis, PCH). The BQH predicts that some metabolites may be shared in the open ocean, thus driving loss of redundant metabolic pathways in individual genomes. In contrast, the PCH predicts that as the information content of a genome is reduced, the total mutation load is also reduced, leading to loss of DNA repair genes due to the resulting reduction in selective constraint. Consistent with the BQH, we observe that biosynthetic pathways involved with soluble metabolites such as amino acids and carotenoids are preferentially lost from the PPEs, in contrast to biosynthetic pathways involved with insoluble metabolites, such as lipids, which are retained. Consistent with the PCH, a correlation between proteome size and the number of DNA repair genes, and numerous other informational categories, is observed. While elevated mutation rates resulting from the loss of DNA repair genes have been linked to reduced effective population sizes in intracellular bacteria, this remains to be established. This study shows that in microbial species with large population sizes, an underlying factor in modulating their DNA repair capacity appears to be information content.

A Study to find out the Correlation between Handgrip Strength and Hand Breadth of Bangladeshi Male Cricket Batsman

This cross sectional analytical type of study was conducted at department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2015 to June 2016 on 50 adult Bangladeshi male sprinters (Group A) and 50 adult Bangladeshi male cricket batsman (Group B). Sample collection was done by convenient purposive sampling technique. History of any injury of hand during playing was excluded to construct standard measurement. Hand breadth was measured with the help of slide calipers. Hand grip strength Dynamometer was used to measure the hand grip strength. Paired Student's 't' test, unpaired student's 't' test and Pearson's correlation coefficient test were done for statistical analysis of the result. The aim of the present study was to determine hand breadth and average hand grip strength of Bangladeshi male cricket batsman to find out correlation between them that may be used as a baseline for other professions as well for future research in our country. The mean right and left hand grip strength was significantly higher in the cricket batsman than in the sprinters. The mean right and left hand breadth was found to be significantly higher in the cricket batsman than in the sprinters. Right and left hand grip strength showed significant positive correlation with hand breadth in both hand. The study findings suggest that regular physical exercise and training increase hand grip strength.

Outcome of Surgical Repair of Post-Infarction Ventricular Septal Rupture: A Single Center Observational Study

To review the experience of surgical repair of post-infarction ventricular septal rupture (VSR) and analyze the associated outcomes in National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute (NHFH & RI). This retrospective review was performed on 19 consecutive cases who had undergone surgical repair of post-infarction VSR between 2009 and 2017. Continuous variables were summarized as mean plus/minus the standard deviation or median. Categorical variables were expressed as percentage of the sample. Comparison between in-hospital survivors versus non-survivors was performed by Student's t-test and chi-square or Fisher's exact test for continuous and categorical variables respectively. A value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Mean age of survivor and non-survivors were 53.53±9.2 and 56.33±1.5 years consecutively. Anterior VSR 14(73.6%) was more common than posterior VSR 5(26.4%). All patients had significant coronary lesions; the frequency of 1-, 2-, and 3-vessel disease was 22.2%, 27.7% and 50.0% consecutively. The left anterior descending coronary artery was the infarct-related artery in all patients with anterior VSR. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 157±58.6 minutes and 249±78.3 minutes in survivor and non-survivor groups consecutively (p=0.018). Operative mortality within 30 days was 21%. Low output syndrome (LOS), multiple organ failure (MOF), septicemia, tracheostomy and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay were the major factor for survivals. Surgical repair of post-infarction VSR carries a high operative mortality. But, stable hemodynamic at the time of VSR diagnosis is a significant predictor of survival and concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) improves early survival.

Celiac Disease in Children with Chronic Diarrhoea Attending At Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Department of BSMMU

This descriptive, cross sectional study was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University from July 2012 to July 2015 to see the occurrence of celiac disease in children with chronic diarrhea. A total of 62 children (age <18 years) attending the Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition department of BSMMU with chronic diarrhoea were enrolled for the study. Mean age of studied children was 7.87±4.67 years. Ratio of the male and female was 2.27:1. Maximum (66.1%) children came from middle income class family. Out of 62 children with chronic diarrhea, 35.5% (22) were positive for IgA anti-tTG of whom female were 11.3% and male 24.2%. Mean duration of diarrhoea was 44.07±21.77 months in serology positive patients and 34.49±30.52 months in serology negative patients. The age group, 10-14 year showed the highest (50%) prevalence of positive anti-tTG. In the tTG positive group mean Hb was 9.6±1.14gm/dl and which is lower than that in tTG negative group (11.7±1.47gm/dl). Among 22 seropositive patients, histological changes compatible with CD were found in 19 (86.3%) cases and normal in 3 cases. Histological changes were of 3c category of Marsh was found in 3(15.8%) cases, 3b in 4(21.1%) cases and 3a in 12(63.2%) cases. In conclusion, Screening for celiac disease may be included in diagnostic tests for evaluating chronic diarrhoea in children.

CD44high/ESAlow squamous cell carcinoma cell-derived prostaglandin E2 confers resistance to 5-fluorouracil-induced apoptosis in CD44high/ESAhigh cells

We previously found that CD44^high/ESA^low head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells harboring high dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) expression exhibited potent resistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced apoptosis. In addition, susceptibility of HNSCC cells to 5-FU was compromised in the presence of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2)-derived prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂). In this study, we examined 5-FU-induced apoptosis in sorted cell populations (i.e., CD44^high/ESA^low, CD44^high/ESA^high, and CD44^low cells from the HNSCC cell line A-253) to clarify the anti-apoptotic effect of PGE₂ on CD44^high cells. Notably, CD44^high/ESA^low cells upregulated PGE₂, compared with other populations. To investigate the effect of CD44^high/ESA^low cell-derived PGE₂ on CD44^high/ESA^high cells, direct and indirect co-culture assays were performed. The percentage of apoptotic cells in a culture of CD44^high/ESA^high cells was significantly reduced when they were directly and indirectly co-cultured with CD44^high/ESA^low cells. Furthermore, 5-FU-induced apoptosis of CD44^high/ESA^high cells was significantly increased in the presence of an inhibitor of the PGE₂ receptors (EP1/EP2) when CD44^high/ESA^high cells were co-cultured with CD44^high/ESA^low cells. These results suggest that CD44^high/ESA^low cell-derived PGE₂ may contribute to the inhibition of 5-FU-induced apoptosis in CD44^high/ESA^high cells. Additionally, NR4A2 knockdown enhances 5-FU-induced apoptosis in CD44^high/ESA^high cells, suggesting that PGE₂ attenuates 5-FU-induced apoptosis in an NR4A2-dependent manner in CD44^high/ESA^high cells. In conclusion, CD44^high/ESA^low cells contribute to induction of resistance to 5-FU in CD44^high/ESA^high cells through provision of PGE₂. CD44^high/ESA^low cell-targeted therapy may be effective in treatment of HNSCC.

Heavy metal accumulation in leafy vegetables grown in industrial areas under varying levels of pollution

The concentration of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) in three popular leafy vegetables such as spinach (Spinacia oleracea), red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor) and amaranth (Amaranthus oleraseus) and that in the respective soils were assessed. These crops and soils were collected from two industrial areas (Kalakoir and Zorun, Konabari, Gazipur), and one non-industrial area (Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute-BARI) under Gazipur district. The concentration of heavy metal in different parts of plant followed the roots>leaves>stem and in soils the order was Kalakoir (pollution)> Zorun (medium pollution) > BARI (low/non-pollution). In all three leafy vegetables similar trend of metal contents was observed i.e. Ni>Cr>Pb>Co>Cd. In the highly pollution area (Kalakoir) the Pb and Ni concentration was found in the order of amaranth>spinach>red amaranth. The Cd concentration was in the order of spinach>amaranth>red amaranth whereas for Cd it was amaranth>red amaranth>spinach and for Cr it was red amaranth>amaranth>spinach. The Pb, Cd, Ni, Co and Cr concentrations in the studied vegetables grown in the low polluted area were below the maximum acceptable levels proposed by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, except, Cd in spinach and amaranth. However, the higher concentrations of Pb, Cd, Ni, Co and Cr in vegetables grown in the industrial areas indicates that industrial discharge causes heavy metals contamination of soil and eventually their accumulation in plants.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(1): 39-51, March 2018

Serological evidence of hepatitis E virus infection in pigs and jaundice among pig handlers in Bangladesh

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of viral hepatitis in humans. Pigs may act as a reservoir of HEV, and pig handlers were frequently identified with a higher prevalence of antibodies to HEV. The objectives of this study were to identify evidence of HEV infection in pigs and compare the history of jaundice between pig handlers and people not exposed to pigs and pork. Blood and faecal samples were collected from 100 pigs derived from three slaughterhouses in the Gazipur district of Bangladesh from January to June, 2011. We also interviewed 200 pig handlers and 250 non-exposed people who did not eat pork or handled pigs in the past 2 years. We tested the pig sera for HEV-specific antibodies using a competitive ELISA and pig faecal samples for HEV RNA using real-time RT-PCR. Of 100 pig sera, 82% (n = 82) had detectable antibody against HEV. Of the 200 pig handlers, 28% (56/200) demonstrated jaundice within the past 2 years, whereas only 17% (43/250) of controls had a history of jaundice (p < .05). Compared to non-exposed people, those who slaughtered pigs (31% versus 15%, p < .001), reared pigs (37% versus 20%, p < .001), butchered pigs (35% versus 19%, p < .001) or involved in pork transportation (28% versus 13%, p < .001) were more likely to be affected with jaundice in the preceding 2 years. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, exposure to pigs (odds ratio [OR]: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2-3.9) and age (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95-0.99) was significantly associated with jaundice in the past 2 years. Pigs in Bangladesh demonstrated evidence of HEV infection, and a history of jaundice was significantly more frequent in pig handlers. Identifying and genotyping HEV in pigs and pig handlers may provide further evidence of the pig's role in zoonotic HEV transmission in Bangladesh.

Higher prevalence and gene amplification of HPV16 in oropharynx as compared to oral cavity

Objective

The objective of this study was to clarify differences regarding HPV16 infection and gene amplification between the oral cavity and oropharynx in healthy individuals.

Material and Methods

The subjects were 94 healthy asymptomatic individuals (41 males, 53 females; mean age 58.6 years, range 16-97 years) who visited the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstructive Surgery of the Hiroshima University Hospital from 2014 to 2015. Oral epithelial cells were collected from oral rinse and pharynx gargle samples and placed in saline. The human endogenous retrovirus gene ERV3-1 was used as a reference to estimate the number of human cells in each sample. DNA samples were extracted from approximately 10,000 human cells and tested for HPV16 DNA by PCR using a type-specific primer. Similarly, we analyzed the HPV16 viral copy number in HPV16-positive cases using real-time PCR to examine genomic amplification.

Results

The percentage of HPV16-positive cases was higher in the gargle (28.7%) as compared to the rinse (16.0%) samples. In the oral rinse samples, males (26.8%) showed a significantly higher rate of HPV16 than females (7.5%) (P=0.021). Importantly, in older subjects (aged 60-89 years), gargle samples showed a significantly higher rate of HPV16 (33.3%) than oral rinse samples (13.7%) (P=0.034). The average number of viral copies was approximately 8 times higher in the gargle than in the oral rinse samples (0.16±0.27 vs. 1.35±1.26 copy numbers per cell), a significant difference (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the oropharynx is more susceptible to HPV16 infection as compared to the oral cavity, while HPV16 gene amplification is also more commonly found in the oropharynx.

Combined effects of melatonin and FGF-2 on mouse preosteoblast behavior within interconnected porous hydroxyapatite ceramics - in vitro analysis

Objective Biocompatible materials such as interconnected porous hydroxyapatite ceramics (IP-CHA) loaded with osteogenic cells and bioactive agents are part of an evolving concept for overcoming craniofacial defects by use of artificial bone tissue regeneration. Amongst the bioactive agents, melatonin (MEL) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) have been independently reported to induce osteoblastic activity. The present in vitro study was undertaken to examine the relationship between these two bioactive agents and their combinatory effects on osteoblastic activity and mineralization in vitro. Material and Methods Mouse preosteoblast cells (MC3T3-E1) were seeded and cultured within cylindrical type of IP-CHA block (ø 4x7 mm) by vacuum-assisted method. The IP-CHA/MC3T3 composites were subjected to FGF-2 and/or MEL. The proliferation assay, alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity (ALP), mRNA expressions of late bone markers, namely Osteocalcin (OCN) and Osteopontin (OPN), and Alizarin Red staining were examined over a period of 7 days. Results FGF-2 mainly enhanced the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells within the IP-CHA constructs. MEL mainly induced the mRNA expression of late bone markers (OCN and OPN) and showed increased ALP activity of MC3T3 cells cultured within IP-CHA construct. Moreover, the combination of FGF-2 and MEL showed increased osteogenic activity within the IP-CHA construct in terms of cell proliferation, upregulated expressions of OCN and OPN, increased ALP activity and mineralization with Alizarin Red. The synergy of the proliferative potential of FGF-2 and the differentiation potential of MEL showed increased osteogenic activity in MC3T3-E1 cells cultured within IP-CHA constructs. Conclusion These findings indicate that the combination of FGF-2 and MEL may be utilized with biocompatible materials to attain augmented osteogenic activity and mineralization.

Preoperative oral health care reduces postoperative inflammation and complications in oral cancer patients

The records of 70 patients with oral cancer who were treated at a single institution between 2008 and 2014 were reviewed. The body temperature, white blood cell count, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were compared between those who had received preoperative oral care (oral care group) and those who had not received any (non-oral care group). When the patients were divided into those who underwent minimally invasive surgery and those who underwent severely invasive surgery, the mean CRP level in the early postoperative period was lower in the oral care group as compared with the non-oral care group in those who underwent minimally invasive surgery as well as those who underwent severely invasive surgery. However, the mean CRP level was most evidently reduced in the severely invasive group on days 1 and 3-5. However, no significant differences were observed with regard to the percentage of postoperative infectious complications (for example, surgical site infection, anastomotic leak and pneumonia) between the oral care (13.6%) and non-oral care (20.8%) groups, though a reduced prevalence of postoperative complications following preoperative oral care was noted. The results of the present study suggest that preoperative oral care can decrease inflammation during the early postoperative stage in patients with oral cancer who undergo severely invasive surgery.

Efficiency of the Clinical Veterinary Diagnostic Practices and Drug Choices for Infectious Diseases in Livestock in Bangladesh

As in most low-income countries, adequate laboratory facilities are not available in Bangladesh to assist veterinarians in diagnosing animal diseases. We aimed to determine the efficiency of veterinary diagnoses for two common ruminant diseases in Bangladesh: Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). We conducted the study from May 2009 to August 2010 in three government veterinary hospitals where veterinarians collected samples from sick livestock and recorded the presumptive diagnosis on the basis of clinical presentations. Samples were tested for PPR and FMD using real-time RT-PCR. We estimated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of the presumptive diagnoses when compared to laboratory tests. We tested 539 goats for PPR and 340 cattle and goats for FMD. Our results indicate that the veterinarians' presumptive diagnoses were different from laboratory findings for both PPR (P < 0.05) and FMD (P < 0.05). The overall sensitivity of the presumptive clinical diagnoses was 54% (95% CI: 47-61%) while specificity was 81% (95% CI: 78-84%) compared to real-time RT-PCR tests. The kappa value obtained in our validation process for PPR (kappa: 0.25) and FMD (kappa 0.36) indicated a poor performance of the presumptive diagnoses. Most of the animals (93%) were treated with antibiotics. Our findings indicate that veterinarians can detect animals not infected with FMD or PPR but miss the true cases. The clinical competency of these veterinarians needs to be improved and access to laboratory diagnostic facilities could help veterinarians to improve the diagnostics and outcomes. The rational use of antibiotics by veterinarians in animals must be ensured.

Comparison between Decompressive Craniectomy with Durotomy and Conservative Treatment in Spontaneous Supratentorial Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Large Intracerebral hematoma (ICH), compounded by perihematomal edema can produce severe elevations of intracranial pressure (ICP). Decompressive craniectomy (DC) beneficially addresses mass effect. Therefore this study is aimed to prove that decompressive craniectomy with durotomy has better outcome in patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH than conservatively treated patients. This Quasi-Experimental study was carried out in the Department of Neurosurgery, Dhaka Medical College & Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2012 to December 2013 using purposive sampling procedure. A total of 80 admitted adult hypertensive patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH were enrolled in the study population fulfilling all selection criteria. Of them 40 patients underwent decompressive craniectomy with durotomy was considered as surgical group and 40 patients were treated conservatively was considered as conservative group. All the cases were continuously followed up and GCS score at 7(th) day of treatment (D7) and at discharge was recorded. Mean±SD hematoma volume was 56.91±13.72ml in surgical patients and in conservative group 51.80±13.58ml. Outcome measured by modified Rankin Scale at 3 months. Sixty percent (60%) patients had good outcome (mRS 0-4) and 40% patients had poor outcome (mRS 5-6) in surgical group. On the other hand, 52.5% patients had good (mRS 0-4) and 47.5% had poor (mRS 5-6) outcome in conservative group. In logistic regression analysis, conservative group was 3.643 times more prone to develop poor outcome than surgical group which was statistically significant (95% CI, 1.040-13.047; p value <0.05) and volume of hematoma [OR (95% CI), 1.131(1.059-1.207); p value <0.001)] was the most important predictor of outcome. This study indicates that decompressive craniectomy with preservation of brain integrity in patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH is feasible and safe. It can be a useful alternative surgical procedure in the treatment of spontaneous supratentorial ICH.

Professional oral health care reduces the duration of hospital stay in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery

The present study reviewed the records of 58 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery [sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO), Le Fort I osteotomy, genioplasty, anterior maxillary alveolar osteotomy] between 2010 and 2015. To investigate the influence of preoperative oral health care on postoperative inflammation, infection and length of hospital stay in those patients, white blood cell (WBC) count and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were compared between patients who received and did not receive preoperative oral care. The mean CRP level throughout the postoperative term was lower in the oral care group as compared to the non-oral care group. By contrast, the oral care group had a lower occurrence of postoperative infectious complications (surgical site infection, anastomotic leak) (13.6 vs. 20.8%) and a shorter average length of hospital stay (16.2±3.8 vs. 21.2±7.4 days). These results suggest that preoperative professional oral health care decreases the duration of hospital stay following orthognathic surgery by inhibiting inflammation and infectious complications during the postoperative stage.

Overexpression of sonic hedgehog in the triple negative breast cancer: clinicopathological characteristics of high burden breast cancer patients from Bangladesh

Dysregulation of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway has been documented in mammary gland development and breast cancer (BC) progression. Despite the remarkable progress in therapeutic interventions, BC related mortality in Bangladesh increased in the last decade. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) still presents a critical therapeutic challenge. Thus effective targeted therapy is urgently needed. In this study, we report the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of BC patients from Bangladesh. Routine immunohistochemical analysis and high throughput RNA-Seq data from the TCGA library were used to analyze the expression pattern and association of high and low level of Shh expression in a collection of BC patients with a long-term follow-up. High levels of Shh were observed in a subset of BC tumors with poor prognostic pathological features. Higher level of Shh expression correlated with a significantly poorer overall survival of patients compared with patients whose tumors expressed a low level of Shh. These data support the contention that Shh could be a novel biomarker for breast cancer that is involved in mediating the aggressive phenotype of BC. We propose that BC patients exhibiting a higher level of Shh expression, representing a subset of BC patients, would be amenable to Shh targeted therapy.

Osteopenia of Prematurity: Are We at Risk?

The continuous advances in intensive care have led to increased survival of premature infants. As a consequence, the problem of less imminent, slowly progressing disorders such as osteopenia of prematurity has been emerging. Osteopenia of prematurity (OOP) also called metabolic bone disease of prematurity (MBD) or rickets of prematurity is characterized by a reduction in bone mineral content usually manifest between 6th to 12th weeks of corrected gestational age. It occurs in up to 55% of infants born with weight <1000gm and 23% of infants weighing <1500gm. Clinical features of osteopenia of prematurity are mostly non-specific often appears as a late symptoms. Several biochemical markers have frequently been used as screening tools and diagnostic markers, but timing of measurements and the levels at which treatment should be initiated vary widely. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and Quantitative ultrasnogram are important diagnostic tool. Standard X-ray, a widely accepted but cannot detect osteopenia unless 20% loss of bone mineralization. The treatment of osteopenia includes provision of adequate mineral supplementation. Monitoring of serum and urinary markers are mandatory. The focus on prevention has largely centered on providing adequate intake of phosphorus and calcium but more research is needed. Till date there are neither enough data regarding clinical risk factors, valid biochemical markers which can detect premature babies at risk of osteopenia nor supplementation as well as appropriate timely management protocol is practicing in Bangladesh.

Unusually High Mortality in Waterfowl Caused by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) in Bangladesh

Mortality in ducks and geese caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) infection had not been previously identified in Bangladesh. In June-July 2011, we investigated mortality in ducks, geese and chickens with suspected H5N1 infection in a north-eastern district of the country to identify the aetiologic agent and extent of the outbreak and identify possible associated human infections. We surveyed households and farms with affected poultry flocks in six villages in Netrokona district and collected cloacal and oropharyngeal swabs from sick birds and tissue samples from dead poultry. We conducted a survey in three of these villages to identify suspected human influenza-like illness cases and collected nasopharyngeal and throat swabs. We tested all swabs by real-time RT-PCR, sequenced cultured viruses, and examined tissue samples by histopathology and immunohistochemistry to detect and characterize influenza virus infection. In the six villages, among the 240 surveyed households and 11 small-scale farms, 61% (1789/2930) of chickens, 47% (4816/10 184) of ducks and 73% (358/493) of geese died within 14 days preceding the investigation. Of 70 sick poultry swabbed, 80% (56/70) had detectable RNA for influenza A/H5, including 89% (49/55) of ducks, 40% (2/5) of geese and 50% (5/10) of chickens. We isolated virus from six of 25 samples; sequence analysis of the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase gene of these six isolates indicated clade 2.3.2.1a of H5N1 virus. Histopathological changes and immunohistochemistry staining of avian influenza viral antigens were recognized in the brain, pancreas and intestines of ducks and chickens. We identified ten human cases showing signs compatible with influenza-like illness; four were positive for influenza A/H3; however, none were positive for influenza A/H5. The recently introduced H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1a virus caused unusually high mortality in ducks and geese. Heightened surveillance in poultry is warranted to guide appropriate diagnostic testing and detect novel influenza strains.

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling promotes tumorigenicity and stemness via activation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in bladder cancer

Activation of the sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway controls tumorigenesis in a variety of cancers. Here, we show a role for Shh signaling in the promotion of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), tumorigenicity, and stemness in the bladder cancer. EMT induction was assessed by the decreased expression of E-cadherin and ZO-1 and increased expression of N-cadherin. The induced EMT was associated with increased cell motility, invasiveness, and clonogenicity. These progression relevant behaviors were attenuated by treatment with Hh inhibitors cyclopamine and GDC-0449, and after knockdown by Shh-siRNA, and led to reversal of the EMT phenotype. The results with HTB-9 were confirmed using a second bladder cancer cell line, BFTC905 (DM). In a xenograft mouse model TGF-β1 treated HTB-9 cells exhibited enhanced tumor growth. Although normal bladder epithelial cells could also undergo EMT and upregulate Shh with TGF-β1 they did not exhibit tumorigenicity. The TGF-β1 treated HTB-9 xenografts showed strong evidence for a switch to a more stem cell like phenotype, with functional activation of CD133, Sox2, Nanog, and Oct4. The bladder cancer specific stem cell markers CK5 and CK14 were upregulated in the TGF-β1 treated xenograft tumor samples, while CD44 remained unchanged in both treated and untreated tumors. Immunohistochemical analysis of 22 primary human bladder tumors indicated that Shh expression was positively correlated with tumor grade and stage. Elevated expression of Ki-67, Shh, Gli2, and N-cadherin were observed in the high grade and stage human bladder tumor samples, and conversely, the downregulation of these genes were observed in the low grade and stage tumor samples. Collectively, this study indicates that TGF-β1-induced Shh may regulate EMT and tumorigenicity in bladder cancer. Our studies reveal that the TGF-β1 induction of EMT and Shh is cell type context dependent. Thus, targeting the Shh pathway could be clinically beneficial in the ability to reverse the EMT phenotype of tumor cells and potentially inhibit bladder cancer progression and metastasis.

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)

Comparison between retrograde and transeptal approach in radiofrequency catheter ablation of left accessory pathways

To study a series of patients submitted to radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) of left accessory pathways (AP) using the transeptal approach (TSA) as compared to the conventional retrograde arterial approach (RAA). Sixty consecutive patients (44 male; mean age of 35.60±11.63 years) with 60 left APs (39 overt and 21 concealed) underwent catheter ablation using the TS method (30 patients) and the RAA method (30 patients) in an alternate fashion. The analysis was performed according to the intention-to-treat principle. The transeptal puncture was successfully performed in 29 patients (96%). This access allowed primary success in the ablation in all the patients without any complication. When we compared this approach with the RAA there was no difference as regards the primary success (p=0.103), fluoroscopy time (p=0.565) and total time (p=0.1917). Three patients in the RAA group presented a vascular complication. The TSA allowed shorter ablation times (p=0.006) and smaller number of radiofrequency applications (p=0.042) as compared to the conventional RAA. The patients who had unsuccessful ablation in the first session in each approach underwent with the opposite technique (cross-over), with a final ablation success rate of 100%.The TS and RA approaches showed similar efficacy and safety for the ablation of left accessory pathways. The TSA allowed shorter ablation times and smaller number of radiofrequency applications. When the techniques were used in a complementary fashion, they increased the final efficacy of the ablation.

Effect of lemon grass (Cymbopogen citratus) extract on seed health of rice

Lemon grass extract was evaluated in different dilutions on rice seed health in laboratory and net house experiments. The objectives were to investigate the effect of lemon grass extract on seed-borne pathogen of rice and seedling vigour. Four treatments as 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 dilution of lemon grass extract including a control were studied. Lemon grass extract at 1:1 dilution showed highest germination and vigour index of rice seed and seedlings. It was also found most effective in controlling seed borne fungi of rice. The fungi Bipolaris oryzae, Alternaria padwickii, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium moniliforme, Aspergillus and Penicillium spp. were controlled effectively by soaking seeds in the extract of lemon grass at 1:1 dilution for 6 hours.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/brj.v17i1-2.20904Bangladesh Rice j. 2013, 17(1&2): 105-108

Clinicopathological analysis of salivary gland carcinomas and literature review

Malignant salivary gland tumors are rare and exhibit a broad spectrum of phenotypic heterogeneity. The objective of this study was to investigate prognostic factors in patients with salivary gland carcinomas and review the results in light of other reports. We retrospectively reviewed 40 patients with primary salivary gland carcinomas who were diagnosed and treated at our institution between 1991 and 2014. Of the 40 tumors, 19 (47.5%) were mucoepidermoid carcinomas, 11 (27.5%) were adenoid cystic carcinomas, 7 (17.5%) were acinic cell carcinomas, 2 (5.0%) were myoepithelial carcinomas and 1 (2.5%) was a squamous cell carcinoma. Clinically positive lymph nodes were present in 4 patients (10.0%). As regards clinical stage, 15 cases (37.5%) were stage I, 13 (32.5%) were stage II, 1 (2.5%) was stage III and 11 (27.5%) were stage IVA. The majority of the patients (97.5%) were treated with surgery, of whom 25 (62.5%) received surgery alone and 14 (35.0%) underwent surgery in combination with chemotherapy or chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The median follow-up time for all the patients was 48 months. The disease-specific survival rate at 5 years was 87.1%. We identified a significant correlation between poor survival rate and histological grade (intermediate/high), tumor size (T3/T4), lymph node metastasis (node-positive) and clinical stage (III/IV) using the Kaplan-Meier method (P<0.05 for each). In addition, the Cox proportional hazards regression analysis confirmed that lymph node metastasis and tumor size were independent prognostic factors for disease-specific survival (hazard ratio = 18.7 and 15.1, respectively; P=0.023 and 0.037, respectively). Furthermore, tumor size was found to be a predictive factor regarding recurrence in the multivariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio = 8.35; P=0.025). Our results suggest that lymph node metastasis and tumor size are significant prognostic factors for patients with salivary gland carcinomas.

Correlation of platelet count and acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction

The study was conducted in the Department of cardiology, NICVD Dhaka during the period January 2006 to December 2007 to assess the impact of platelet on ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). To perform this prospective study 200 patients with STEMI within 72 hours of chest pain of both sexes were randomly selected and were evaluated by clinical history, physical examination and with the help of ECG, Echocardiography and others cardiac risk factors analysis. Heparin therapy before admission, previously documented thrombocytopenia (<140,000/cmm), history of previous or current haemostatic disorder, renal impairment (Creatinine >1.6mg/dl) and history of PCI & CABG were excluded in this study. Patient of Platelet count (PC) ≤200000/cubic millimeter (cmm) in Group I and patient of Group II, platelet counts were PC >200000/cmm. Follow up period was 3 days to 7 days after hospital admission. Primary outcome heart failure (any Killip class) was significantly more in Group II than Group I (40.0% vs. 23.0%; p=0.009). Though the incidence of Killip class I and cardiogenic shock were not significant between these two groups but Killip class II (18.0% vs. 8.0%; p=0.036) and Killip class III (15.0% vs. 6.0%; p=0.037) heart failure were significantly more among the patient with higher platelet counts. In-hospital mortality, one of the primary outcomes of this study, was significantly higher in Group II (13.0%) than Group I (5.0 %) and p value was 0.048. Re-infarction was more in patient with higher platelet counts group (Group II) than patients with lower platelet count (Group I) but statistically was not significant (16.0% vs.11.0%; p=0.300).

Disease extent and local complication of ulcerative colitis in Bangladeshi population

Ulcerative colitis may involve anywhere from the rectum alone to the entire colon. Local complications like perforation, life threatening haemorrhage, toxic megacolon, pseudo polyps, stricture, and carcinoma of colon are seen. Patients who were diagnosed as Ulcerative Colitis in Departmental Ulcerative Colitis record book from January 1990 to June 2010 was considered as study population. Information regarding the extent of the disease and local complications were taken from earliest documented Lower GIT Endoscopy. Out of 164 patients disease extent were seen in 126(76.83%) patients and among them proctitis/proctosigmoiditis were seen in 57(45.24%) patients, left sided colitis were seen in 11(8.73%) patients, extensive/pan colitis were seen in 58(46.03%) patients. Complication were seen in 164 patients and 1(0.60%) patient had life threatening haemorrhage, 25(15.24%) patients developed pseudo polyps. There was no report of perforation, toxic megacolon, stricture or carcinoma of colon. The differences found between our study and studies from other Western and Asian countries in terms of complication rate and disease extent for were probably due to low index of suspicion, incomplete workup, or incomplete records, and influence of various environmental factors. So, further large scale prospective evaluation is suggested.

A young child with bilateral diaphragmatic palsy after bilateral bidirectional Glenn shunt

A 13-months old boy was admitted in National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute on 3 August 2011 with the diagnosis of Dextrocardia, A-V discordance, DORV, large perimembranous VSD, severe infundibular and valvular PS, bilateral SVC. He was operated on 10 August 2011. Bilateral bidirectional Glenn shunt was done off pump along with interruption of PDA. Antegrade pulmonary blood flow was minimized by tight PA banding. Baby was extubated 3 hours after surgery but had to reintubate immediately due to intense respiratory distress. Subsequent three trials of extubation failed. Chest x-ray revealed elevation of both the hemidiaphragm. Ultrasonogram of abdomen and Bronchogram along with fluoroscopy done and bilateral diaphragmatic palsy was diagnosed. Tracheostomy was done on 25th August 2011. Plication of left hemidiaphragm was done on 27th August and right hemidiaphragm plication was done on 10th September 2011. Though it took long period of time we managed to take him out of ventilator on 57th postoperative day. He was oxygen dependent for a period of time and finally he managed to take his own breath without tracheostomy tube from 67th postoperative day. After a long eventful postoperative hospital stay he was discharged home on 78th postoperative day. Discharge Chest x-ray revealed well expanded lung with flattened diaphragm. Echo revealed well functioning bilateral Glenn shunt. Tracheostomy wound healed nicely and there was no evidence of tracheal stenosis.

Peginterferon α-2a and rivabirin in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C

Peginterferon α-2a with ribavirin produces significantly higher sustained virological response (SVR) in comparison to conventional interferon monotherapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of peginterferon α-2a plus ribavirin combination in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C among Bangladeshi patients. A total of 64 patients were randomly selected in this study and were assigned for treatment with peginterferon α-2a 180μg once weekly plus ribavirin daily for 24 weeks in case of genotypes 2 and 3 infections and 48 weeks in case of genotypes 1 and 4 infections. Ribavirin was given 800mg in divided doses in case of genotypes 2 and 3 infections and 1000mg-1200 mg in case of genotypes 1 and 4 infections according to body weight daily(1000 mg in divided doses if body weight <75kg and 1200mg in divided doses if body weight >75kg). Efficacy was assessed by measurements of serum HCV-RNA and serum ALT. A higher proportion of patients (71.87%) who received peginterferon α-2a plus ribavirin had a sustained virological response. It is observed that genotype 3 (a and b) patients showed poor response (SVR-47.05%), where as genotypes 1(a,b), 3 and 4 mixed, 2b and 4 infections showed response rate of 100%. So it can be concluded that once weekly peginterferon α-2a plus daily ribavirin is effective in chronic HCV infection in Bangladesh and overall response rate is similar to that reported in other studies.

Clinical, biochemical, virological and sonographic profile of incidentally detected asymptomatic HBsAg positive subjects, in Bangladesh

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) is known to be the significant cause of Liver related morbidity and mortality, affecting 400 million people worldwide and a major public health problem in Bangladesh where carrier rates of HBV infection varies from 7.5 to 10%. In Bangladesh prevalence of asymptomatic HBV infection and incidentally detected HBsAg positive subjects were not well studied. The aim of this study is to evaluate the disease activity, replicative status of the virus and to find out the stages of chronic liver disease among incidentally detected asymptomatic HBsAg positive Bangladeshi subjects. Two hundred (200) incidentally detected healthy HBsAg positive subject were evaluated clinically, biochemically, serologically and ultrasonographically from January 2004 to June 2008. HBeAg was found positive in 17(8.5%), anti-HBe was positive in 174(87%), raised serum ALT (>45iu/L) in 45(22.5%), prothrombine time (PT) >3 sec of control in 33(16.5%). Ultrasonography showed coarse hepatic echotexture in 13(6.5%). Evidence of active viral replication and signs of chronic liver disease were observed among incidentally detected healthy HBsAg positive subjects. Such individuals should be followed up at regular interval to evaluate the replicative status of the virus and disease activity so that appropriate measures could be initiated in time.

Comparative efficacy and safety of trimebutine versus mebeverine in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder characterized by chronic or recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort with bowel disturbances. This prospective, randomized clinical trial has been conducted on IBS patients, using trimebutine and Mebeverine in separate group in parallel design to compare the efficacy and safety of Trimebutine 100mg twice daily with mebeverine 135mg twice daily. Patients of 15 to 60 years old and both sexes were included from the out patient department (OPD) of gastroenterology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from June 2010 to December 2011. A validated IBS-QOL instrument consisted of 34 questions used to assess improvement of quality of life before and after treatment. A total of 140 patients were enrolled in this study. Eighteen patients dropped out. One hundred twenty two patients completed the trial. In this study at the end of 6 weeks therapy, improvement of symptoms was statistically significant. However, differences of improvement between the two groups in relieving various symptoms were not statistically significant. Mean QOL score before treatment was 103 in Trimebutine group and 106 in Mebeverine group. After 6 weeks of treatment mean QOL score was 82 in Trimebutine group and 95 in Mebeverine group indicating improvement in both groups was statistically significant. The difference between the two groups was also significant. No worsening of symptoms and no side effects of the therapeutic agents was observed in any patient during the trial.

Sustained virological response after treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection--a five year follow up

Peginterferon alpha-2a and ribavirin combination therapy achieves a sustained virological response (SVR) in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Little is know about long-term durability of hepatitis C virus--Ribonucleic acid (HCV-RNA) negativity in patient treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy. Aim of this study was to evaluate the durability of virologic response in patients with SVR to anti-viral therapy treated at our centre. A total of 52 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection who had obtained SVR after Peginterferon alpha-2a and ribavirin combination therapy were followed up to 5 years with annual HCV-RNA testing. During this follow up period, 4 of 52 patients with initial SVR developed late relapse of hepatitis C virus infection. Relapse was more common in patients who has cirrhosis (3/6 [50%]) vs (1/46 [2.17%]) without cirrhosis. In conclusion, SVR is durable in most patients, but some patients do have late relapse; long-term follow up may be particularly important in a subset of patients with hepatitis C virus infection who have liver cirrhosis.

Impact of metabolic syndrome in acute myocardial infarction at hospital

The study was aimed to find out the impact of metabolic syndrome in patients with acute myocardial infarction during hospital stay. This prospective study was carried out in coronary care unit, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital from August 2009 to May 2010. Patients were followed up for minimum 3 days to maximum 6 days after admission. Variables of this study were age, sex, smoking, anterior AMI, inferior AMI, Non STEMI, hyperglycemia, low high density lipoprotein (HDL), raised blood pressure, high triglyceride (TG), waist circumference, recurrent non fatal MI, heart failure (Killip class), arrhythmia (VT, VF), ejection fraction (EF), family history of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. Considering inclusion and exclusion criteria total 100 patients were included and divided into two groups, Group A - Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) with Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and Group B - Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) without Metabolic Syndrome (MS). Investigations included ECG, FBS, fasting lipid profile, cardiac enzyme (troponin I) and echocardiography (2D & M mode). The data were analyzed by computer software SPSS version 12. Chi-square test, t test, ANOVA test was used as test of significance. Among the study population (n=100), female were 12.0%. Mean age of study population was 53.3±10.6 years vs. 47.5±11.3 years. Distribution of metabolic syndrome components in study population, High TG (?150mg/dl) was more prevalent (81.1% vs. 25.8%). Heart failure (Killip class) was significantly more in metabolic syndrome patients than those without metabolic syndrome (46.0 % vs. 20%). LV ejection fraction also lowers in metabolic syndrome patients (46.76±8.34 vs. 50.45±7.50) with MI. Among the components of metabolic syndrome, hyperglycemia had strongest association for development of heart failure (OR 3.05; 95% CI 0.80-12.14).

Promising new assays and technologies for the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases

In the first decade of the 21st century, we have seen the completion of the human genome project and marked progress in the human microbiome project. The vast amount of data generated from these efforts combined with advances in molecular and biomedical technologies have led to the development of a multitude of assays and technologies that may be useful in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases. Here, we identify several new assays and technologies that have recently come into clinical use or have potential for clinical use in the near future. The scope of this review is broad and includes topics such as the serum marker procalcitonin, gene expression profiling, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and nucleic acid aptamers. Principles that underlie each assay or technology, their clinical applications, and potential strengths and limitations are addressed.

A primary spinal hydatid cyst

Hydatid disease occurs in humans as a result of faeco-oral contamination. Spinal hydatid cyst is a rare entity and a serious form of hydatid disease affecting less than 1% of the total cases of hydatid disease. Neural compression is common in vertebral hydatidosis where prognosis is always considered as very poor. Difficulty in management due to recurrence of this rare entity makes it a challenging disease to eradicate entirely. Efficacy of use of anthelminthic even after complete surgical removal is yet to be established. We are reporting diagnosis and management of a case of primary extradural and paraspinal hydatid cyst (HC) in an otherwise healthy patient who did not show any other evidence of systemic hydatid disease. The diagnosis was recognized preoperatively by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and confirmed postoperatively by histopathology. Surgical removal of the cysts/lesions was followed by anti-helminthic medication and recovery was satisfactory until the patient had recurrence after one year. The patient underwent surgery for the second time and was given anti-helminthic again for a longer period and was recurrence free for the next one year.

Cardiac contractility modulation device-new hope for refractory heart failure patients

A large number of patients with advanced heart failure (HF) are refractory to optimal standard medical therapy. This has given rise to development and testing of a host of new device based therapies. One recent and potentially broadly applicable treatment under investigation is cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) electrical signals. The CCM signals are relatively high-voltage electrical impulses applied to the myocardium during the absolute refractory period. These signals do not initiate a new contraction or modify activation sequence as is the case with other therapies such as cardiac resynchronization therapy. Rather, CCM signals are intended to enhance systolic function of the failing myocardium. A device similar to a pacemaker is typically implanted in the right pectoral region. Three standard pacemaker leads are placed intravenously. One right arterial lead is used to sense atrial activity, and two right ventricular leads are used to sense ventricular activity and deliver the CCM pulse trains. The electrodes of the ventricular leads are placed on the right ventricular septum at least 2cm apart. In contrast to a Pacemaker and defibrillator the system is designed to modulate the strength of contraction of the heart muscle rather than the rhythm. Application of CCM signals to the failing heart is associated with improved gene expression which ultimately causes LV global, cellular and biochemical remodeling as a result improved LV systolic function.

Diagnosis of breast lump by fine needle aspiration cytology and mammography

Breast carcinoma is the most common malignant tumour and the leading cause of death from cancer in women. A large number of patients in Bangladesh have been suffering from breast cancer. Now-a-days, Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is being performed as a pre-operative test to evaluate breast lump. FNAC is cost effective and can prevent unnecessary surgery. As FNAC became more reliable in diagnosing malignancy and thereby the use of frozen-section histology had been reduced by about 80%. But erroneous diagnosis is more common with FNAC than with histopathology. However, mammography can identify breast cancers too small to palpate on physical examination and theoretically beneficial to diagnose even noninvasive lesions. Present study aimed to see the accuracy of FNAC and mammography in the diagnosis of palpable breast lumps and to study their correlation. In this study 222 patients were included in the study and FNAC was done in all the patients. Mammography was done in 112 cases. Among these 112 patients 32 cases were found malignant. Histopathology was done in total 89 cases. Among 112 patients who were underwent mammography only 43 were found for histopathology. Finally, 36 cases were found malignant. Fibroadenoma is mostly found in below 20 years group and malignancy is mostly occurring in older age group. Mammography shows total 8 false positive and 5 false negative cases. FNAC shows only 1 false positive and 1 false negative case. On analysis mammography showed 82.76% sensitivity, 90.36% specificity, 75% Positive predictive value (PPV), 93.75% Negative predictive value (NPV) and 88.39% accuracy. FNAC showed 97.22% sensitivity, 99.46% specificity, 97.220% PPV, 99.46% NPV and 99.095% accuracy. Mammography was found to be less sensitive, specific and accurate in the diagnosis of breast lump though there is highly significant correlation among them. However, the study has shown a much higher performance of FNAC than other previous studies indicating the improved skill in cytological diagnosis to a satisfactory level.

Virulence of environmental Stenotrophomonas maltophilia serologically cross-reacting with Shigella-specific antisera

This research involved an environmental strain of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia which has been reported to produce serological cross-reactivity with Shigella dysenteriae type 8 specific antisera. Since clinical diagnosis of shigellosis is largely based on culture and serology, the investigation was aimed at in vivo and in vitro virulence comparison between the culturally similar environmental S. maltophilia isolate and the reference S. dysenteriae strains. The findings of this study revealed the absence of virulent genes of Shigella sp. like ipaH, virA and stx1 and characteristic invasive large plasmid in the test isolate. The Western blot analysis revealed that serological cross-reactivity of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was due to certain protein component(s) in its outer membrane. The isolate was capable of producing extracellular protease, exhibited alpha hemolysis and was negative for hemagglutinating assay. The isolate gave negative reaction with rabbit ileal loop and Sereny tests. The S. maltophilia isolate did not possess any enterotoxic or invasive property as that of virulent S. dysenteriae strains. Further characterizations and adequate genetic manipulations of this environmental isolate may contribute to the development of a potential vaccine candidate for shigellosis.

Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the urinary bladder: A case report

Background: Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the urinary bladder is very rare variety of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) with a prominent component of spindle-shaped cell. The incidence rate of this tumor is 0.5 % of all bladder tumors.Case report: Herein, we report a case of sarcomatoid carcinoma of urinary bladder of a farmer aged 70 years old, smoker  with the complaints of lower abdominal pain, mild burning during urination and 3 episodes of painless gross haematuria. USG of KUB revealed a cystic lesion in front of the anterior bladder wall.  We planned for total cystectomy but patient refused, so, partial cystectomy was carried out. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological study. Patient refused for radiotherapy or chemotherapy and died after 7 months of surgery due to metastasis.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pulse.v4i1.6961Pulse Vol.4 January 2010 p.28-29

Role of homocysteine in cerebrovascular disease

Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and places a huge burden on the health care system. The most common forms of CVD are ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD) and hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease (HCVD). Since, the treatment, prognosis and rehabilitation of CVD is frustrating, prevention of CVD by properly addressing its modifiable risk factors might be the spearhead to combat the burden. There are several established risk factors associated with CVD, but a newer modifiable risk factor, hyperhomocysteinemia has created a new window for limiting the occurrence of CVD. Homocysteine is potentially vasculotoxic because of its association with endothelial dysfunction and impairment of fibrinolytic system. A total of 248 subjects were included in this case control study. Among them 104 were diagnosed CVD cases (ICVD-59, HCVD- 45) and 144 were age and sex matched healthy controls. Serum total homocysteine was measured in all the study subjects. Mean total homocysteine was found 12.95+/-6.20 micromol/L, 15.55+/-7.35 micromol/L in controls and cases respectively and 15.70+/-7.82 micromol/L, 15.34+/-6.78 micromol/L in ICVD and HCVD respectively. Homocysteine found to be significantly raised in CVD cases compared to controls but sub groups of CVD (ICVD & HCVD) did not differ between themselves with respect to serum homocysteine.

Choledochal cyst

Choledochal cyst, a congenital anomaly, is a premalignant condition. Progressive damage to the bile ducts and to the liver parenchyma may also have association with the condition. Subsequent risk of developing cholangiocarcinoma may be lessen by early diagnosis and prompt definitive surgical treatment, that may even permanently correct the condition. A young lady was admitted into Mymensingh Medical College Hospital and was presented with pain in the upper abdomen associated with intermittent vomiting for several months. Her per abdominal examination revealed an ill defined mass in the epigastrium and right hypogastrium with diffuse tenderness. Patients may also present with attacks of jaundice of obstructive type, but this was absent in this particular case. Diagnosis of choledochal cyst was confirmed by the ultrasound. On exploration, the cyst was excised and Hepatico-jejunostomy and jejuno-jejunostomy was done by Roux-en-Y method. Her post operative period was uneventful and followed up till to date. Purpose of this presentation is to emphasize early diagnosis and definitive treatment of this developmental anomaly that may predispose to malignancy.

Serum total protein, albumin and A/G ratio in different grades of protein energy malnutrition

The serum total protein, albumin and serum A/G ratio was studied on 20 healthy children and 30 children suffering from protein energy malnutrition of different grade such as grade-I grade-II and grade-III. Serum total protein and albumin levels in grade-I grade-II and grade-III PEM were significantly lowers than control. Serum total protein between different grades of PEM was changed but not significantly. Serum A/G ratio of grade-1 & grade-II PEM were high than that of control, but not significantly. Serum A/G ratio of grade I and grade II PEM were higher than that of control, but not significantly. But in grade-III PEM this values were significantly higher than that of control. When comparison were done within the different grades of PEM, it was found that their A/G ratio were changed but not significantly.

Effect of alcohol withdrawal on liver transaminase levels and markers of liver fibrosis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Acute alcohol withdrawal causes changes in hepatic blood flow and metabolism that may result in liver damage. This study aims to assess liver function tests and markers of hepatic fibrogenesis following alcohol withdrawal in alcoholics with clinically compensated liver disease.

METHODS

Serial liver function tests and clinical assessments were performed on 22 male alcoholics during alcohol withdrawal. Plasma tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1), an inhibitor of collagen degradation, and plasma amino-terminal procollagen III peptide (PIIINP), a collagen precursor molecule, were measured in these alcoholics and in 11 control subjects.

RESULTS

Transaminase levels did not change significantly over 7 days when all subjects were analyzed together. However, 32% of subjects showed a marked transaminase rise. These subjects did not differ from the others in baseline characteristics or short-term outcome, but had a greater benzodiazepine requirement. Only one subject consumed paracetamol (acetaminophen; 1-2 g/day). He had the largest transaminase rise. By comparing PIIINP assays, intact PIIINP concentration appears to increase following alcohol withdrawal. The TIMP1 levels were elevated in alcoholic subjects, but did not change following withdrawal.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing PIIINP suggests that hepatic fibrogenesis increases, or hepatic clearance falls, during acute alcohol withdrawal. The TIMP1 elevation in these alcoholics suggests that the inhibition of collagen degradation occurs while liver disease is still compensated. The period following alcohol withdrawal may be a time of marked increased susceptibility to paracetamol. The biochemical changes we observed were not associated with adverse short-term outcome, but the cumulative effect after repeated episodes of abrupt withdrawal may be of concern.

Leaf Spot Disease of Broad Bean Caused by Alternaria tenuissima in Japan

In April 1999, a leaf spot of broad bean (Vicia faba L.) was observed in commercial fields in Shimane prefecture of Western Japan. Lesions were concentric and brown in color. Older leaves were particularly affected. In later stages of the disease, plants defoliated as leaves blighted from margin to the center. Isolation was made from infected leaf tissue. The isolated fungus produced conidia on V8 medium (2) either in dark or under continuous irradiation of near ultraviolet radiation (NUV) from BLB fluorescent lamps. Conidial chains were unbranched or rarely formed a few lateral branches with a few conidia. The conidia of the fungus grown under continuous NUV were dark and smoothly tapered into the apical beak, and each conidium had a conspicuously thickened primary septum with a constriction of the conidial wall and often a darker median transverse septum. The conidia measured 21.2 to 45.5 μm (mean = 32.9 μm) × 7.3 to 17.7 μm (mean = 11.4 μm ) on V8 medium. Conidia produced on leaves and stem collected from field were similar in size and appearance. The fungus was identified as Alternaria tenuissima based on its cultural and morphological characteristics (2). An isolate was also sent to CABI Bioscience Identification Services (Egham, UK), which also identified the fungus as A. tenuissima. A conidial suspension (10⁷ spores/ml) was prepared and used to inoculate detached leaves and intact plants of broad bean. Intact plants were inoculated by spaying with spore suspension and covered with polyethylene bags for maintaining high humidity. Detached leaves in moist petri dishes were inoculated with drops of spore suspension. Symptom developed on both detached and intact leaves 3 to 4 days after inoculation. Reisolating the pathogen from infected leaves completed Koch's postulates. In June 2000, the leaf spot was observed in all 15 fields surveyed in other areas of Shimane prefecture. In some fields, plants were defoliated and stems and pods were also infected. Isolates of A. tenuissima also were obtained from those fields. This pathogen has been isolated from other hosts in Japan (1). This is the first report of A. tenuissima on broad bean in Japan. References: (1) Anonymous. 2000. Common Names of Plant Diseases in Japan. The Phytopathological Society of Japan, Tokyo. (2) E. G. Simmon. Mycotaxon 37:79-119, 1990.