Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) exposure and adverse maternal and infant health outcomes: Systematic review

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants found in ambient environment and are measured in humans. There are reports on general PBDE toxicity, including endocrine disrupting properties. Studies on adverse maternal and infant outcomes and underlying toxicity mechanisms needs to be understood. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to examine the state of science on the relationship between PBDE and adverse maternal/infant health outcomes and related maternal biomarker changes. This literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science for published articles from January 2005-February 2022. Article quality was assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Of the 1518 articles, only 54 human observational studies were screened in for this review. A second reviewer examined the validity of these articles. Reports on associations between PBDE and maternal health outcomes included gestational hypertension/preeclampsia (N = 2) and gestational diabetes mellitus/glycemic index (N = 6). Meanwhile, reports on PBDE and infant outcomes (N=32) included effects on infant birth weight, birth length and cephalic perimeter, preterm birth, fetal growth restriction and APGAR scores. Although findings on PBDE exposure and adverse infant outcomes showed inconsistencies across studies, in general, negative correlations between maternal PBDEs and infant birth weight, birth length and cephalic perimeter were seen, in few cases, after stratification by sex. Association between maternal PBDE and maternal biomarkers (N=18) suggested negative impact of PBDE exposure on markers relevant to neuro-endocrine system and inflammatory processes. The review findings identified potential associations between maternal PBDE and adverse maternal/infant health outcomes. Furthermore, PBDE-related biomarker changes suggest disturbances in maternal mechanisms relevant to endocrine disrupting properties of PBDEs. The observed study heterogeneity can be attributed to factors namely, sample size, study design and statistical analysis. Overall review findings imply the necessity for further research to validate PBDE exposure-related adverse maternal/infant health effects and to validate underlying toxicity mechanisms.

Usefulness of Diagnostic Ultrasound for Detection of Common Shoulder Abnormalities Prior to MRI

Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal pain in the general population and results in significant disability, quality of life impairment and financial burden to the health care system. This cross-sectional study was carried out among purposively selected 61 adult patients with shoulder pain and or limited range of motion in the Department of Radiology and Imaging, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from September 2018 to August 2020 to determine the usefulness of USG in detection of common shoulder abnormalities, as an initial imaging modality using MRI as reference standard. The majority of the patients 25(40.98%) were in age group of 51-60 years with mean age of 52.98±10.85 years. In the dectection of rotator cuff pathology, the overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of USG for any complete tear were 100.0% each, for any partial tear were 79.71%, 96.57% and 91.80%, for any rotator cuff tear were 83.33%, 96.25% and 91.80%, and for any tendinosis were 90.48%, 99.37% and 96.31% respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of USG were 88.23%, 92.59% & 90.16% for long head of biceps tendon sheath effusion, 100.0% each for long head of biceps tendon dislocation, 71.11%, 87.50% and 75.41% for glenohumeral joint effusion, and 58.06%, 96.67% and 77.05% for bursal effusion respectively. From this study, it is concluded that high resolution USG showed high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy compared to MRI in detecting common shoulder abnormalities, and could be considered as the first line imaging modality in the evaluation of shoulder pain.

Multiorgan MRI findings after hospitalisation with COVID-19 in the UK (C-MORE): a prospective, multicentre, observational cohort study

INTRODUCTION

The multiorgan impact of moderate to severe coronavirus infections in the post-acute phase is still poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate the excess burden of multiorgan abnormalities after hospitalisation with COVID-19, evaluate their determinants, and explore associations with patient-related outcome measures.

METHODS

In a prospective, UK-wide, multicentre MRI follow-up study (C-MORE), adults (aged ≥18 years) discharged from hospital following COVID-19 who were included in Tier 2 of the Post-hospitalisation COVID-19 study (PHOSP-COVID) and contemporary controls with no evidence of previous COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antibody negative) underwent multiorgan MRI (lungs, heart, brain, liver, and kidneys) with quantitative and qualitative assessment of images and clinical adjudication when relevant. Individuals with end-stage renal failure or contraindications to MRI were excluded. Participants also underwent detailed recording of symptoms, and physiological and biochemical tests. The primary outcome was the excess burden of multiorgan abnormalities (two or more organs) relative to controls, with further adjustments for potential confounders. The C-MORE study is ongoing and is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04510025.

FINDINGS

Of 2710 participants in Tier 2 of PHOSP-COVID, 531 were recruited across 13 UK-wide C-MORE sites. After exclusions, 259 C-MORE patients (mean age 57 years [SD 12]; 158 [61%] male and 101 [39%] female) who were discharged from hospital with PCR-confirmed or clinically diagnosed COVID-19 between March 1, 2020, and Nov 1, 2021, and 52 non-COVID-19 controls from the community (mean age 49 years [SD 14]; 30 [58%] male and 22 [42%] female) were included in the analysis. Patients were assessed at a median of 5·0 months (IQR 4·2-6·3) after hospital discharge. Compared with non-COVID-19 controls, patients were older, living with more obesity, and had more comorbidities. Multiorgan abnormalities on MRI were more frequent in patients than in controls (157 [61%] of 259 vs 14 [27%] of 52; p<0·0001) and independently associated with COVID-19 status (odds ratio [OR] 2·9 [95% CI 1·5-5·8]; padjusted=0·0023) after adjusting for relevant confounders. Compared with controls, patients were more likely to have MRI evidence of lung abnormalities (p=0·0001; parenchymal abnormalities), brain abnormalities (p<0·0001; more white matter hyperintensities and regional brain volume reduction), and kidney abnormalities (p=0·014; lower medullary T1 and loss of corticomedullary differentiation), whereas cardiac and liver MRI abnormalities were similar between patients and controls. Patients with multiorgan abnormalities were older (difference in mean age 7 years [95% CI 4-10]; mean age of 59·8 years [SD 11·7] with multiorgan abnormalities vs mean age of 52·8 years [11·9] without multiorgan abnormalities; p<0·0001), more likely to have three or more comorbidities (OR 2·47 [1·32-4·82]; padjusted=0·0059), and more likely to have a more severe acute infection (acute CRP >5mg/L, OR 3·55 [1·23-11·88]; padjusted=0·025) than those without multiorgan abnormalities. Presence of lung MRI abnormalities was associated with a two-fold higher risk of chest tightness, and multiorgan MRI abnormalities were associated with severe and very severe persistent physical and mental health impairment (PHOSP-COVID symptom clusters) after hospitalisation.

INTERPRETATION

After hospitalisation for COVID-19, people are at risk of multiorgan abnormalities in the medium term. Our findings emphasise the need for proactive multidisciplinary care pathways, with the potential for imaging to guide surveillance frequency and therapeutic stratification.

FUNDING

UK Research and Innovation and National Institute for Health Research.

Clinical characteristics with inflammation profiling of long COVID and association with 1-year recovery following hospitalisation in the UK: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

No effective pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions exist for patients with long COVID. We aimed to describe recovery 1 year after hospital discharge for COVID-19, identify factors associated with patient-perceived recovery, and identify potential therapeutic targets by describing the underlying inflammatory profiles of the previously described recovery clusters at 5 months after hospital discharge.

METHODS

The Post-hospitalisation COVID-19 study (PHOSP-COVID) is a prospective, longitudinal cohort study recruiting adults (aged ≥18 years) discharged from hospital with COVID-19 across the UK. Recovery was assessed using patient-reported outcome measures, physical performance, and organ function at 5 months and 1 year after hospital discharge, and stratified by both patient-perceived recovery and recovery cluster. Hierarchical logistic regression modelling was performed for patient-perceived recovery at 1 year. Cluster analysis was done using the clustering large applications k-medoids approach using clinical outcomes at 5 months. Inflammatory protein profiling was analysed from plasma at the 5-month visit. This study is registered on the ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN10980107, and recruitment is ongoing.

FINDINGS

2320 participants discharged from hospital between March 7, 2020, and April 18, 2021, were assessed at 5 months after discharge and 807 (32·7%) participants completed both the 5-month and 1-year visits. 279 (35·6%) of these 807 patients were women and 505 (64·4%) were men, with a mean age of 58·7 (SD 12·5) years, and 224 (27·8%) had received invasive mechanical ventilation (WHO class 7-9). The proportion of patients reporting full recovery was unchanged between 5 months (501 [25·5%] of 1965) and 1 year (232 [28·9%] of 804). Factors associated with being less likely to report full recovery at 1 year were female sex (odds ratio 0·68 [95% CI 0·46-0·99]), obesity (0·50 [0·34-0·74]) and invasive mechanical ventilation (0·42 [0·23-0·76]). Cluster analysis (n=1636) corroborated the previously reported four clusters: very severe, severe, moderate with cognitive impairment, and mild, relating to the severity of physical health, mental health, and cognitive impairment at 5 months. We found increased inflammatory mediators of tissue damage and repair in both the very severe and the moderate with cognitive impairment clusters compared with the mild cluster, including IL-6 concentration, which was increased in both comparisons (n=626 participants). We found a substantial deficit in median EQ-5D-5L utility index from before COVID-19 (retrospective assessment; 0·88 [IQR 0·74-1·00]), at 5 months (0·74 [0·64-0·88]) to 1 year (0·75 [0·62-0·88]), with minimal improvements across all outcome measures at 1 year after discharge in the whole cohort and within each of the four clusters.

INTERPRETATION

The sequelae of a hospital admission with COVID-19 were substantial 1 year after discharge across a range of health domains, with the minority in our cohort feeling fully recovered. Patient-perceived health-related quality of life was reduced at 1 year compared with before hospital admission. Systematic inflammation and obesity are potential treatable traits that warrant further investigation in clinical trials.

FUNDING

UK Research and Innovation and National Institute for Health Research.

Chest Radiography in the Evaluation of Mitral Valvular Disease and it's Correlation with Echocardiography

This study is aimed to find out various clinical, radio-graphical and echocardiographic variables to predict mitral valvular disease and their correlation with Echocardiography. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Radiology and Imaging, in collaboration with Department of Cardiology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Mymensingh, Bangladesh from January 2017 to December 2018. Total 50 consecutive cases enrolled in this study who was the patients of mitral valvular disease. Both chest radiograph and echocardiograph were done for each patient. There were 76% female and 26% male with a female-male ratio 3.16:1 with mean±SD (41.54±12.44). About 42% patients had previous history of rheumatic fever. The most common x-ray findings of heart were increased central density (90%) followed by enlargement in transverse diameter (88%), straightening of the left border (88%), widening of the carina (86%), full pulmonary conus (84%) and double contour of right border (76%). About 47(94%) patients confirmed mitral valvular heart disease on echocardiography. The prominent findings included left atrium was predominantly severely dilated (50%), severely reduced mitral valve orifice area (68%), mild mitral regurgitation (46%) and mild pulmonary hypertension (38%). And overall sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of chest radiograph in the detection of mitral valvular heart disease were 85.11%, 66.67%, 97.56%, 14.89% and 84%, respectively. These findings suggest that chest radiograph could be used as an adjunct tool with echocardiography.

Relationship between Pack Year and Lung Function Parameters in Asymptomatic Smokers

Smoking has extensive effects on respiratory function. The rate of cigarette smoking among young people has continued to increase steadily. Exposure to cigarette smoking is usually measured in terms of 'Pack-Year'. The aim of the study was to observe the effect of pack years on pulmonary functions in apparently healthy asymptomatic smokers by measuring FVC, FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC ratio and PEFR value by digital spirometer. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the department of Physiology, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College in collaboration with department of Medicine, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, Sylhet, Bangladesh from July 2016 to June 2017. A total number of 100 male smokers, age ranging from 18-60 years and BMI within normal limit (18.5-24.9kg/m²) were included in this study. Their pulmonary functions were studied by measuring FVC, FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC ratio and PEFR. Relationship between pack-year and pulmonary function test parameters was established by one way ANOVA test. In this study we found that lung function parameters shared an inverse relationship with pack year of smoking. The percentage of predicted values of FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC ratio and PEFR were significantly lower (p<0.001) in heavy smokers who smoked more than 30 pack years. Therefore, by this study we inferred that those who smoked more than 10 pack years are associated with accelerated decline in lung function.

Ethnoecological, Elemental, and Phytochemical Evaluation of Five Plant Species of Lamiaceae in Peshawar, Pakistan

The use of medicinal plants as an unconventional health treatment is gaining considerable recognition and popularity worldwide. The current study was designed to inspect five medicinally important species (such as Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds., Mentha piperita L., Mentha spicata L., Ocimum basilicum L., and Rosmarinus officinalis L.) of Lamiaceae, collected from district Peshawar, through ethnoecological, phytochemical, and elemental analyses. Biological spectra expressed that therophytes (60%) were the dominant life-form class, while nanophyll (60%) was the leading class among leaf size. The ethnobotanical profile showed that all the species were medicinal and ornamental (100%) each, while 60% were used in spices. Quantitative analysis for the macro- and microminerals confirmed the presence of 13 elements (C, N, O, Mg, K, P, S, Ca, Al, Si, Fe, Cl, and Na), which were present in varying amounts from species to species. The methanol extract of leaf samples was used for the analysis of phytochemical constituents such as saponins, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, phlobatannins, steroids, and anthraquinones. The medicinal potential of these plants was correlated with the presence of these phytochemicals. Due to the presence of active constituents, the plants had high potential in antifungal, antidiuretic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Stimulus-Driven Retinal Intrinsic Signal Optical Imaging in Mouse Demonstrates a Dominant Rod-Driven Component

Purpose

The primary hypotheses tested are that (1) there exist stimulus-driven intrinsic optical signals in the mouse retina similar to those previously observed in other species, and (2) these optical signals require an intact rod photoreceptor phototransduction cascade.

Methods

We used 38 wild-type C57BL6J mice and 18 genetic knockout Gnat1-/- mice to study the light-evoked retinal intrinsic response. A custom mouse fundus camera delivered visual stimuli and collected mouse retinal imaging data of changes in retinal reflectance for further analysis. The retina was stimulated in the high-mesopic range with a 505-nm light-emitting diode while also being illuminated with 780-nm near-infrared light.

Results

Wild-type C57BL6J mice yielded retinal imaging signals that typically showed a stimulus-driven decrease in retinal reflectance of ∼0.1%, with a time course of several seconds. The signals exhibit spatial specificity in the retina. Overall, the mouse imaging signals are similar in sign and time course to those reported in other mammalian species but are of lower amplitude. In contrast, functional retinal imaging of Gnat1-/- mice that lack a functional rod transducin yielded no such stimulus-driven signals.

Conclusions

Previous studies have not shown which pathway component is essential for the generation of these imaged signals. The absence of the intrinsic signal responses in Gnat1-/- knockout mice indicates that a functional rod transducin is likely to be necessary for generating the retinal intrinsic signals. These studies, to the best of our knowledge, demonstrate for the first time in vivo mouse retinal functional imaging signals similar to those previously shown in other mammalian species.

Induction by Misoprostol In Case of Intra Uterine Fetal Death: A Cross Sectional Study

The objective of this study was to find out the effectiveness and safety of vaginal misoprostol in delivering the dead fetus in cases of intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). This cross sectional study was undertaken among all consecutive patients admitted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from October 2012 to September 2013, were included for this study. Vaginal misoprostol was applied in 50 cases that were admitted and diagnosed as a case of IUFD. After taking informed written consent from patients 50μgm of tablet misoprostol was introduced per vaginally into the posterior fornix. Doses were repeated in every 4 hours up to effective contraction to a maximum 6 doses. Follow up was done in hourly interval. Those who did not respond, decision for other methods like oxytocin infusion or LUCS were done. Study showed 60% (n=30) patients belonged to age group of 18-24 years. Among study population 44% (n=22) of the patients belonged to 22-32 weeks of gestation, 30% (n=15) were 33-37 weeks and 26% (n=13) were 38-42 weeks. The causes of intrauterine death were unidentified among 60% (n=30) of cases. Regarding antenatal check up 54% (n=27) had no checkup, 26% (n=13) were irregular and 20% (n=10) were regular. 60% (n=30) of the patients had less Bishop Score <3. Ninety six percent (96%) (n=48) patients responded with vaginal misoprostol and only 4% (n=2) were non responder group. Most 84% (n=42) of the cases needed 2-3 doses, only 8% (n=4) cases needed single dose and 8% (n=4) cases needed 4 to 6 doses. The induction delivery interval varied from 6 to 23 hours and maximum 52% (n=26) of the patients delivered within 12 hours. Adverse effects such as uterine hyper stimulation, tachysystole were not detected. The major complications observed like postpartum hemorrhage 4% (n=2), reduced platelet count 2% (n=1), and chorioamnionitis 4% (n=2). However minor complications like nausea, shivering and mild fever also observed in few cases. Study showed successful induction of labor by misoprostol in a shorter time with significantly less side effects.

Caregiver perspectives on a smart home-based socially assistive robot for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia

Purpose: Innovative assistive technology can address aging-in-place and caregiving needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD). The purpose of this study was to beta-test a novel socially assistive robot (SAR) with a cohort of ADRD caregivers and gather their perspectives on its potential integration in the home context.Methods: The SAR involved a programmable research robot linked with commercially available Internet of things sensors to receive and respond to care recipient's behaviour. Eight caregivers observed the SAR perform two care protocols concerning the care recipient's daily routine and home safety, and then participated in a focus group and phone interview. The researchers used grounded theory and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology as a framework to gather and analyse the data.Results: The caregivers' asserted the potential of the SAR to relieve care burden and envisioned it as a next-generation technology for caregivers. Adoption of the SAR, as an identified theme, was subject to the SAR's navigability, care recipient engagement, adaptability, humanoid features, and interface design. In contrast, barriers leading to potential rejection were technological complexity, system failure, exasperation of burden, and failure to address digital divide.Conclusion: From a broader outlook, success of SARs as a home-health technology for ADRD is reliant on the timing of their integration, commercial viability, funding provisions, and their bonding with the care recipient. Long-term research in the home settings is required to verify the usability and impact of SARs in mediating aging-in-place of individuals with ADRD.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONSocially assistive robots (SARs), an emerging domain of assistive technology, are projected to have a crucial role in supporting aging-in-place of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD).Caregivers of individuals with ADRD who observed and interacted with a novel SAR asserted their acceptance of the technology as well as its scope and feasibility for the upcoming generation of caregivers.Navigability, care recipient engagement, adaptability, humanoid features, and interface design were stated to be critical factors for SAR's acceptance by caregiver and care recipient dyads.In contrast, technological complexity, system failure, exasperation of burden, and failure to address digital divide are detrimental to SAR's adoption.Several design and implementation requirements must be considered towards the full-scale development and deployment of the SARs in the home context.

A Comparative Study of Craniosonogram and CT scan of Brain in CNS Complication of Perinatal Asphyxia

Pereinatal asphyxia is one of the most important complications related with the process of birth and this complications affect not only the brain but also many other organs. The purpose of this cross sectional study is to compare the role of craniosonogram and CT scan of the brain to delineate the cerebral pathology in respondent of preterm and term infant and to assess the Kappa test for agreement. This study was carried out in the department of Radiology & Imaging of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, during the period of July 2015 to June 2017. A total number of 40 neonates clinically diagnosed as perinatal asphyxia referred for Craniosonogram and Computed tomography (CT) were included in this study. The test of agreement of USG in detection of neonatal cerebral pathology was calculated. Male to female ratio was 1:1.4. More than half (55.0%) patients were preterm age. The mean birth weight was found 2.3±0.6 kg and mean age was 22.7±12.7 days. Fifty five percent respondent mothers had antenatal check up and 27% had anemia, 11% had premature rupture of membrane, 9% had multiple pregnancy and 7% patient had hypertension. Cerebral pathology was found 28 and 31 cases by Craniosonogram and CT scan respectively. Germinal matrix hemorrhage/IVH (Intra ventricular hemorrhage) found 7(17.5%) in USG and 4(10.0%) in CT scan. Hypoxic ischaemic changes with mild ventriculomegaly observed 5(12.5%) in USG and 7(17.5%) in CT scan. Hypoxic ischaemic change found 4(10.0%) in USG and 5(12.5%) in CT scan. In USG evaluation of 28 patients having cerebral pathology & 16(72.7%) had in preterm group and 12(66.7%) in term group. In CT scan of brain 31 patients with cerebral pathology & 15(37.5%) in preterm group and 16(40.0%) in term group. CT scan found cerebral pathology 77.5% (31/40) cases and USG found 70.0% (28/40), with Kappa value was 0.551, which indicates that fair agreement between USG and CT scan for detection of cerebral pathology in respondent. Craniosonogram is a useful method in all neonates specially preterm to see the CNS complication of perinatal asphyxia.

Caesarean section and risk of type 1 diabetes: whole-of-population study

AIM

A hypothesized mechanism for increased type 1 diabetes risk among caesarean births is lack of exposure to the vaginal microbiota. Children born by prelabour caesarean are not exposed to the vaginal microbiota, whereas caesarean births during labour (intrapartum) may be exposed. The aim of this study was to estimate type 1 diabetes risk among children born by caesarean compared with normal vaginal delivery.

METHODS

This whole-of-population study linked routinely collected, de-identified administrative data from the South Australian Early Childhood Data Project for all births from 1999 to 2013. Type 1 diabetes cases were identified using inpatient hospitalizations from 2001 to 2014 (ICD-10-AM codes E10-E109). Type 1 diabetes risk for caesarean was assessed by Cox regression using two models: (i) caesarean vs. vaginal and (ii) prelabour or intrapartum caesarean vs. vaginal. Analyses were adjusted for confounding and multiple imputation was used to address missing data.

RESULTS

A total of 286 058 children born between 1999 and 2013 contributed to 2 200 252 person-years, of which 557 had type 1 diabetes. Of all births, 90 546 (31.7%) were caesarean, and of these 53.1% were prelabour and 46.9% intrapartum caesarean. Compared with vaginal delivery, the adjusted hazard ratio for type 1 diabetes was 1.05 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86-1.28) for caesarean, 1.02 (95% CI 0.79-1.32) for prelabour caesarean and 1.08 (95% CI 0.82-1.41) for intrapartum caesarean.

CONCLUSION

There may be a small increased type 1 diabetes risk following caesarean, but confidence intervals included the null. The lower estimate for prelabour compared with intrapartum caesarean, and the potential for unmeasured confounding suggest that neonatal vaginal microbiota might not be involved in type 1 diabetes.

Red Cell Alloantibodies in Thalassaemia Patients Who Received Ten or More Units of Transfusion

Thalassaemia patients are the highest consumers of blood. Recurrent exposure to allogenic red cell antigen puts this population at increased risk of alloimmunization. This causes delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions. So transfusion requirement increases. But no data regarding alloimmunization was available in Bangladesh. Aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of alloimmunization and to find out the potential factors associated with its development. This analytical cross sectional study was done by enrolling 97 patients, received at least 10 units transfusions, through convenient sampling. Indirect and direct antiglobulin tests were done to detect immunization by spin tube technique keeping an autocontrol and carried out in the Department of Haematology & Department of Transfusion Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from March 2016 to March 2017. Polyclonal anti-AHG reagent was used. A total 21 patients developed alloimmunization (21.6%) and 4 patients (4.1%) developed autoimmunization. Age, gender, splenectomy and number of transfusion are shown significant risk factors for alloimmunization. Data from this study demonstrate that the RBC alloimmunization is significantly high in our country. So, pretransfusion antibody screening needs to be initiated in order to ensure safe transfusion and RBC phenotyping should be started before starting first transfusion to prevent alloimmunization.

Cytomegalovirus Retinitis during Maintenance Therapy in child with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

We report three cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) those were suffered from cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) during maintenance phase therapy. Ophthalmologic examination for loss of vision prompted diagnosis of cytomegalovirus retinitis. Administration of anticytomegalovirus drugs led to complete regression of active retinitis. CMVR should be in mind for children with ALL on maintenance of medical aid, even in those without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation state.

Efficacy of Palonosetron as Antiemetic Prophylaxis for Post Operative Patients

Palonosetron is a new, potent and long-acting 5HT3-receptorsantagonist that had been approved by the FDA for use in postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) prophylaxis. The objective of this study was to investigate and compare the prophylactic effects of intravenously administered palonosetron, ondansetron and granisetron on prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after general anesthesia. This randomized double blind prospective clinical study was carried out in the Department of Anaesthesia, DMCH, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2014 to December 2015. A total of 102 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia, out of which patients who received Palonosetron were in Group A (n=34), patients who received Ondansetron were in group B (n=34) and patients who received Granisetron were in group C (n=34) and also the patients were selected randomly by lottery method. Statistical analyses of the results were obtained by using window based computer software devised with Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS-22). Nausea was found 3(8.8%) in group A, 8(23.5%) in group B and 6(17.6%) in group C. Vomiting was found 3(8.8%) in group A, 10(29.4%) in group B and 7(20.6%) in group C. Vomiting was significantly higher in group B compare with group A. For group B rescue anti-emetic injection motilon (metoclopramide hydrochloride) 5mg IV slowly was given. Palonosetron is effective prophylaxis against post operative nausea and vomiting.

Pseudomyxomaperitonei: A Rare Clinical Entity - A Case Report

Pseudomyxomaperitonei (PMP) is a rare disease characterized by presence of gelatinous ascites and mucinous implants on the peritoneum and omentum. We report the case of a 58 years old woman with primary tumour of the appendix and secondary involvement of other structures & organs of abdominal cavity. Aim of this case report is to create awareness among the clinicians regarding this uncommon disease presented with ascites and irregular masses in the abdomen. In addition, literature on the clinical presentation, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options has been briefly reviewed.Pulse Vol.10 January-December 2017 p.47-51

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cerebral Palsy in the Assessment of Time of Brain Insult

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to find out the role of Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment of time of brain insult in cerebral palsy (CP). The study was conducted in the Department of Radiology & Imaging, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh and a total number of 35 patients with were enrolled from January 2015 to December 2016. Maximum patients (57.2%) were under five years followed by 34.3% were of 5 to <8 years and 8.7% were of 8 to <12 years of age and mean age was 4.7 years. Majority of the patients were male 28(80%) and female were 7(20%). Among the patients 23(65.7%) came from poor, whereas 11(31.4%) came from middle class and only one (2.9%) from rich socioeconomic group. According to gestational age of the patients, 26(74.3%) were term (≥37weeks) at delivery and rest (25.7%) were preterm (<37 weeks). Delayed cry after birth were present in 32 (80%) patients. Regarding types of cerebral palsy spastic diplegia, spastic quadriplegia, hemiplegia and extrapyramidal were found 3(8.6%), 25(71.4%), 4(11.4%) and 3(8.6%) respectively. Abnormal MRI was reported in 94.2% patients and gave clues to time of insult in 79.9% (excluding the 14.3% miscellaneous findings). The findings were mal-developments (5.7%), periventricular white matter lesions (25.7%), cortical or deep grey matter lesions (48.6%), miscellaneous (14.3%) and normal (5.7%). Brain mal-developments were more seen in term than in preterm born children (5% vs. 0%). Periventricular white matter lesions were seen significantly more in preterm than in term born children (77.8% vs. 3.9%). Cortical or deep grey matter lesions occurred significantly more in term than in preterm born children (60% vs. 20%). Based on the study it can be concluded that Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can help in the assessment of time of insult to the developing brain in cerebral palsy (CP).

Effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecumL.) seed extract supplementation in different energy density diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics, fecal microbiota, and fecal gas emission in growing pigs

This study evaluated the efficacy of fenugreek seed extract (FSE) in growing pigs. About 140 growing pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an average body weight (BW) of 23.70 ± 2.80 kg were used in a 6 wk trial. Treatments were (on as-fed basis) two levels of FSE (FSE0, 0 or FSE0.2, 2 g kg−1basal diet), and two levels of energy [low-energy diet (LED); 3160 or high-energy diet (HED); 3260 kcal kg−1metabolizable energy (ME)]. Pigs in HED and FSE0.2 diets had higher final BW, average daily gain, and gain:feed ratio (G:F) compared with in LED, and FSE0 diets, respectively (P < 0.05). Pigs fed the FSE0.2 and HED diets had higher energy (E) digestibility than the FSE0 and LED diets, respectively (P < 0.05). Pigs fed the FSE0.2 diet increased serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), and reduced total cholesterol (TC) concentration than the FSE0 diet (P < 0.05). Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and ammonia (NH3) gas emission in FSE0.2 diet were lower than that in FSE0 group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, results indicated that dietary supplementation of FSE improved growth performance, digestibility, serum IgG, reduced serum TC, and noxious gas emission in growing pigs.

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Malignant Pediatric Abdominal Tumour with Histopathological Correlation

Ultrasonography is a very useful diagnostic tool to evaluate pediatric abdominal mass. This cross sectional study was conducted among clinically suspected patients having malignant abdominal mass attending in the department of Radiology & Imaging, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from January 2008 to December 2009. Total 56 patients were included in this study. Patients were scanned by high resolution gray scale ultrasonography of the abdominal masses. After surgical procedure, biopsy specimen were collected in a container containing 10% formalin and sent for histopathological examination. Mean age of the patients group was 5.91 years with a standard deviation of ±3.21 years. All patients were within 2 to 13 years age. Out of all patients, male were 33(58.9%) and 23(41.1%) were female. Male and female ratio was 1.4:1. Ultrasonographic diagnosis as Wilm's tumour were 27(48.2%), hepatoblastoma 8(14.3%), lymphoma 7(12.5%), neuroblastoma 6(10.7%), suspected malignancy 6(10.7%) and lastly teratoma were 2(3.6%). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of ultrasonography in the evaluation of Wilm's tumour were 100.0%, 90.6%, 88.9%, 100.0% and 94.6% for neuroblastoma 83.3%, 98.0%, 83.3%, 98.0% and 96.4% for lymphoma 83.3%, 96.0%, 71.4%, 98.0% and 94.6% and for hepatoblastoma 100.0%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 100.0% and 100.0% respectively. It is a noninvasive and cost effective modality. Carefully performed ultrasonographic study would give reliable and accurate information needed in the diagnosis of abdominal malignancy in children.

Abandonment and Outcome of Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia in A Tertiary Level Hospital

Acute leukemias are the most common child hood malignancy, of which acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are 15 to 20%. Abandonment is one of the most important causes of treatment failure in AML in developing countries. Lost to follow-up is also a big problem in low income countries. Many patients stop therapy soon after diagnosis due to cost, distance and ignorance. To determine the abandonment, outcome and treatment related mortality (TRM) and morbidity among children with AML. This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Pediatric hematology and Oncology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka from February 2013 to January 2014. Fifty (50) patients of AML visited to out patient department (OPD) of Pediatric hematology and Oncology. Among them 11(22%) patients refuse treatment from outdoor. Thirty nine (78%) patients of AML were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. After proper evaluation and clinical examination of these patients, CBC and Bone marrow examination was done for confirmation of diagnosis. A total of 39 patients were recruited in this study. Seventeen (43.6%) patients were male and 22(56.4%) were female. Mean±SD of age was 7.80±4.42 years and range was 1 year to 18 years. Out of 39 patients, 18(46.1%) patients were abandoned, 15(38.4%) expire, relapse 2(5.2%) & alive 4(10.3%). High abandonment (46.1%) and treatment related toxic death (38.4%) has compromised the outcome of acute myeloid leukemia. However AML can be treated with better outcome if improved the supportive care, reduce toxic death, refusal or abandonment.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome and Hyperleukocytosis in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common (77%) childhood leukemia and also the most common neoplastic disease in children. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia initially present with hyperleukocytosis (WBC count more than 50,000/mm³) in twenty percent cases. These children are particularly at risk of development of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). Tumor lysis syndrome is a metabolic disorder consists of hyperuricaemia, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphataemia, hypocalcaemia with or without renal insufficiency. It is the most common disease related emergency encountered by physicians caring for cancer of children and adult. This cross sectional observational study was conducted in Department of Paediatric Haemato-oncology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from November 2011 to April 2012 and was designed to assess early biochemical changes associated with hyperleukocytosis which may follow tumor lysis syndrome. Children with Acute lymphoblastic leukemia with hyperleukocytosis who are potential to develop tumor lysis syndrome were selected for the study in their initial presentation. Thirty patients with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia with initial high WBC count; more than 50,000/mm³ were selected for the study. The objectives of the study were to observe the development of tumor lysis syndrome with hyperleukocytosis, detection of early signs of electrolyte changes and early detection of tumor lysis syndrome which can help further in the management of such patients. Majority of the cases were in age group 7 years to 15 years with male predominance (83%). Hyperphosphataemia (80%) followed by hyperuricaemia (53%) were the most common biochemical findings. Hyperkalemia and hypocalcaemia were present in 33% and 26% patients. Laboratory tumor lysis syndrome was developed in 40% of patients and clinical tumor lysis syndrome was developed in 20% patients with hyperleucocytosis meeting the criteria for definition of tumor lysis syndrome by Cairo Bishop in 2004. It was observed that TLS increased with higher WBC. Tumor lysis syndrome developed in 26% patients with WBC count below one lac, 50% with WBC count 1 lac to 2 lacs and increasing upto 100% with WBC count more than 3 lacs. Developing tumor lysis syndrome in high LDH (44% when LDH is more than 1000 unit/l) was also observed.

Detection of Ovarian Tumor by Color Doppler Ultrasonography and CA-125

Ovarian cancer is the most frequent cause of death from all gynaecological malignancies because of its insidious onset, vague symptoms and late presentation. This cross-sectional study was carried out on purposively selected 43 patients with suspected ovarian tumor in the Department of Radiology and Imaging in collaboration with the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics and Department of Pathology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh from January 2015 to December 2016 to assess the diagnostic performance of color Doppler ultrasonography and CA-125 in a combination described as Novel Index in detection of ovarian tumor. Highest number of patients of ovarian tumor 10(23.26%) were in age group 35 to 44 years and 45 to 54 years with a mean of 37.72±15.65 years with a range of 8-70 years. Histopathology findings revealed 19(44.18%) benign tumors and 24(55.82%) malignant tumors. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of Resistance Index (RI) in diagnosis of ovarian tumor were 91.67%, 89.47%, 91.67%, 89.47% and 90.69% respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of serum CA-125 were 83.33%, 89.47%, 90.90%, 80.95% and 86.04% respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of Novel index were 95.83%, 89.47%, 92.00%, 94.44% and 93.02% respectively. Novel index showed better diagnostic performance. Based on the current study it is concluded that the combination of color Doppler ultrasonography and serum CA-125 can be useful for diagnosis of ovarian tumor.

European diabetes research and its funding, 2002-2013

AIM

This study examined the outputs of research papers in diabetes from 31 European countries between 2002 and 2013, and their funding.

METHODS

Diabetes research papers in the Web of Science were identified by means of a filter based on journals and title words. For 2009-2013 papers, the funders were coded to show their sector and nationality.

RESULTS

Europe published 40 547 diabetes papers in the 12 years between 2002 and 2013. Denmark, Sweden and Finland published the most relative to their wealth, but the UK published the most absolutely despite an apparently low burden (as measured by disability-adjusted life years). The largest source of funding was government (30%), followed by the non-profit sector (18%) and industry (13%). The European Commission supported 2.7% of papers, but more in Latvia (33%) and Estonia (16%). Based on an estimated cost per paper of €260 000, the annual research expenditure in Europe was approximately €986 million in 2013.

CONCLUSIONS

The European diabetes burden in disability-adjusted life years increased by one third between 2002 and 2012, but its output of research papers has decreased from 44% to 36% of the world total. This decrease needs to be reviewed in the context of European non-communicable disease research policy.

Disease Pattern among Children attending Pediatric Outpatient Department in Community Based Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh

Disease pattern is based on socio-demographic characteristics, comprehensive health care services, and environmental variables like water supply, basic sanitation and housing, illness behavior like quick decision to arrive at health care facility, and treatment behavior like the modality of treatment they receive. The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted during the period of January 2014 to December 2015. The study was carried out among 310 purposively selected children attended at Pediatric Outpatient department of Community Based Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh. Data were collected by face to face interview of the parents and clinical examination and anthropometric measurement of children using case record form. Mean age of the children was 4.11 years with a SD of 4.35 years, male-female ratio was 1.25:1 with predominance 201(64.84%) of under-five children. The common diseases were 121(39.03%) with Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI), while 43(13.87%) diarrheal diseases, 25(8.06%) each with bronchial asthma and helminthiasis. Other diseases 96(30.97%) include anemia 17(5.48%), urinary tract infection 15 (4.84%), peptic ulcer disease 9(2.90%), enteric fever, oral candidiasis, apthous ulcer of mouth, scabies and vulvovaginitis. Average number of children per family was 2.2 including 251(80.97%) children having sanitary latrine in the family, 297(95.81%) with safe drinking water facilities and 270(87.10%) were fully vaccinated under EPI. More than three fourth 76(24.52%) of the children were underweight, 114(36.77%) were from poor families and 136(43.87%) lived in Kancha house. With the improvement of safe water supply and use of sanitary latrine diseases like diarrhoeal disease and helminthiasis are showing a decreasing trend.

A learning-based agent for home neurorehabilitation

This paper presents the iterative development of an artificially intelligent system to promote home-based neurorehabilitation. Although proper, structured practice of rehabilitation exercises at home is the key to successful recovery of motor functions, there is no home-program out there which can monitor a patient's exercise-related activities and provide corrective feedback in real time. To this end, we designed a Learning from Demonstration (LfD) based home-rehabilitation framework that combines advanced robot learning algorithms with commercially available wearable technologies. The proposed system uses exercise-related motion information and electromyography signals (EMG) of a patient to train a Markov Decision Process (MDP). The trained MDP model can enable an agent to serve as a coach for a patient. On a system level, this is the first initiative, to the best of our knowledge, to employ LfD in an health-care application to enable lay users to program an intelligent system. From a rehabilitation research perspective, this is a completely novel initiative to employ machine learning to provide interactive corrective feedback to a patient in home settings.

A Young Boy with L-asparaginase-Induced Seizure

L-Asparaginase is a critical component in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children. It is known to cause coagulation abnormalities, thrombosis and hemorrhage in the central nervous system in addition to vasculitis and hypersensitivity reactions. This syndrome generally occurs after a few weeks of therapy and may occur after L-asparaginase therapy is completed. Seizures are uncommon symptoms. We report a case of seizure associated with L-asparaginase therapy but no evidence of hemorrhagic or thrombotic cerebrovascular events, completed in the department of Hematology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University during March & April 2016.

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Palpable Breast Mass and Correlation with Histopathology

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women and the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality. The distinction by physical examination of physiologic nodularity from abnormal masses can be difficult, while the clinical differentiation of a malignant mass from a benign one is difficult; the medical as well as potential legal consequences of missing a palpable carcinoma are high. There are significant number of reported cases of false-negative findings on mammography and the great desire not to miss a malignant lesion in the early stage of disease lead to aggressive biopsy, but the biopsy rate for cancer is only 10.0% to 30.0%. This means that 70.0% to 90.0% of breast biopsies are performed for benign diseases, which induce unnecessary patients discomfort and anxiety in addition to increasing costs to the patient. Clearly, there is a great need for development of additional reliable methods to complement the existing diagnostic procedures to avoid unnecessary biopsy. This cross sectional study was carried out on 43 patients having palpable breast mass, attended in the Department of Radiology and Imaging Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh from 1st January 2012 to 31st December 2013 for the period of two year. These patients were evaluated by USG at the Department of Radiology and Imaging and histopathological examination at the Department of Pathology of the same College to confirm the diagnosis. In diagnosis of malignant mass by USG, 9(20.9%) cases were diagnosed as malignant and 34(79.1%) cases as other than malignant. Eight out of 9 were sonographically diagnosed as malignant lesions also proved as malignant lesion by histopathology and 1 other than malignant. Out of 34 sonographically diagnosed cases of other than malignant lesions 32 were proved histopathologically and 2 did not match with sonographic findings. USG, in diagnosis of malignant lesion, sensitivity was 80.0%, specificity 96.97%, positive predictive value (PPV) (88.89%), negative predictive value 94.12% and accuracy was 93.02% and comparable to other study. In diagnosis of benign lesion by USG, sensitivity was 96.97%, specificity 80.0%, positive predictive value (PPV) (94.12%), negative predictive value 88.89% and accuracy was 93.02%. So, USG is an appropriate imaging method for diagnosis & differential diagnosis of palpable breast mass.

Variation of Length of Trachea in Different Age & Sex Group of Bangladeshi Cadaver

A cross sectional descriptive study was performed on 70 post mortem human trachea (44 of male and 35 of female) to find out the difference in length of the trachea of Bangladeshi people in relation to age and sex. The specimens were collected from the morgue in the department of Forensic Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh by purposive sampling technique. All specimens were grouped into three categories, Group A (upto 20 years), Group B (21-40 years) and Group C (41-60 years) according to age. Dissection was performed according to standard autopsy techniques. The length of the trachea was measured with the help of a metallic tape and data was analyzed by using one way ANOVA test. A general trend of increasing tracheal length was observed as age advanced. The mean±SD length of the trachea was 7.88±1.01cm in Group A, 8.81±0.81cm in Group B and 8.94±1.04cm in Group C. The mean length of the trachea in male were 8.1±0.81cm, 8.95±0.69cm and 8.92±1.1cm in Group A, Group B and in Group C respectively and in female the length were 7.57±1.24cm, 8.61±0.96cm and 9±1cm in Group A, Group B and Group C respectively. Variance analysis shows significant difference in mean length of the trachea between the age Group A & B and Group A & C but no significant difference was shown between Group B & C. No significant difference of length of trachea between male and female was observed. The study would help to increase the information pool on the length of the trachea of Bangladeshi people.

Association of albuminuria with all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality in diabetes: the Strong Heart Study

Objectives — To estimate the relative risks of albuminuria with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in a large cohort of American Indians with diabetes. Methods — A total of 1,953 diabetic participants in the Strong Heart Study were evaluated based on albuminuria categories at baseline examination. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine associations. Results — Of the 1,953 participants, 605 (31%) and 410 (21%) had microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria, respectively, at baseline examination. Microalbuminuria (HR=1.42, 95% CI 1.15—1.77 for all-cause, and HR=1.48, CI 1.01—2.17 for CVD), and macroalbuminuria (HR=3.39, CI 2.71—4.25 for all-cause, and HR=3.74, CI 2.56—5.47 for CVD) were significant predictors for all-cause and CVD mortality after adjustment for other CVD risk factors. Conclusions — Results from the present study suggest that albuminuria is a strong independent predictor of all-cause and CVD Mortality in American Indians with diabetes.

Correlation between Umbilical Cord Diameter and Cross Sectional Area with Gestational Age and Foetal Anthropometric Parameters

The objective of the study was to find out correlation between umbilical cord diameter, cross sectional area with gestational age and foetal anthropometric parameters. This cross sectional study was conducted among healthy women between the 24(th) and 40(th) completed weeks of a normal pregnancy in the Department of Radiology & Imaging, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh during the study period, from July 2009 to June 2011. A total of 230 consecutive normal pregnancy patients were included in the study. The diameter & cross-sectional area of the umbilical cord were measured on a plane adjacent to the junction of the umbilical cord and the fetal abdomen, in cross-section, with maximum magnification of the image. The cord was manually circled, and it's cross sectional areas was automatically calculated by the ultrasonograph. The mean±SD age was 24.3±4.7 years with range from 19 to 36 years. The mean gestational age was 32.1±4.5 weeks and more than a half (56.4%) of the pregnant women were nulliparas. A positive significant (p<0.001) correlation were found between umbilical cord diameter with bi-parietal diameter (r=0.548); head circumference (r=0.411); abdominal circumference (r=0.444); femur length (r=0.366) and gestational age gestation age (r=0.643). Similarly, a significant (p<0.001) positive week correlation were found between umbilical cross sectional area with bi-parietal diameter (r=0.3303); head circumference (r=0.3202); abdominal circumference (r=0.2651); femur length (r=0.3307) and gestation age (r=0.4051). A positive significant better correlation was found with umbilical cord diameter than cross sectional area with foetal anthropometric parameters.

Comparison between Angiographic Findings of Coronary Artery Disease in STEMI and NSTEMI Patients of Bangladesh

Coronary Angiogram (CAG) has been used to detect coronary artery disease in myocardial infarction (both STEMI and NSTEMI) patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the degree of coronary artery disease among STEMI and NSTEMI patients. Among acute coronary syndrome in NSTEMI we found more widespread coronary artery disease other than STEMI. Lack of documentations encouraged us to perform this study in our center. In this retrospective observational study we summarized all myocardial infarction (MI) patients who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) from August 2013 to August 2014 at Enam Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh and data of degree of coronary artery disease were recorded. Data of 100 consecutive MI patients who underwent CAG during that period were recorded. Among them 50 patients having STEMI as Group I (male 45, female 5) & other 50 patients sustained NSTEMI as Group II (male 38, female 12). Among NSTEMI patient group 80% were having multi-vessel disease and in STEMI patient group 80% having single vessel disease and remaining having multi-vessel disease. The degree of coronary artery disease is extensive in NSTEMI patients than in STEMI group. Coronary angiogram can visualize the degree of coronary artery involvement and is a useful screening modality to compare disease extent in MI patients.

Effects of fenugreek seed extract supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, diarrhoea scores, blood profiles, faecal microflora and faecal noxious gas emission in weanling piglets

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary fenugreek seed extract (FSE) on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), diarrhoea scores, blood profiles, faecal microflora and faecal gas emission in weanling pigs. A total of 135 weanling pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace)  × Duroc] with an average BW of (7.96 ± 1.03 kg; 28 days of age) were used in a 42-day study. Piglets were randomly allotted to three experimental diets with nine replicate pens and five pigs per pen. Dietary treatments were as follows: CON, basal diet; FSE1, basal diet + 0.1% FSE; FSE2, basal diet + 0.2% FSE. Pigs were fed with phase 1 (0-14 days) and phase 2 (14-42 days) diets in the form of mash. Average daily gain (ADG) was linearly increased (p = 0.031) by FSE supplementation compared with CON diet during days 0-14. From days 14-42, FSE2 diet had increased ADG and growth efficiency (G/F) compared with the CON diet (p = 0.014 and 0.026 respectively). Moreover, ADG and G/F were increased by FSE supplementation during days 0-42 (linear, p = 0.037 and 0.014 respectively). Energy digestibility was higher (linear, p = 0.030) by FSE supplementation at 6 weeks. On day 42, dietary supplementation of FSE linearly increased red blood cells (RBC) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration (p = 0.042 and 0.038 respectively). Piglets fed FSE2 diet had higher (linear, p = 0.025) serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration compared with those fed CON diet. However, piglets fed FSE2 diet had linearly reduced faecal ammonia (NH₃ ) and hydrogen sulphide (H₂ S) gas emission compared with those fed the CON diet (p = 0.018 and 0.010 respectively). In conclusion, FSE supplementation increased the performance and reduced faecal gas emission in weanling pigs.

Dietary fenugreek seed extract improves performance and reduces fecal E. coli counts and fecal gas emission in lactating sows and suckling piglets

Hossain, M. M., Begum, M., Nyachoti, C. M., Hancock, J. D. and Kim, I. H. 2015. Dietary fenugreek seed extract improves performance and reduces fecal E. coli counts and fecal gas emission in lactating sows and suckling piglets. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 561–568. This study evaluated the efficacy of fenugreek seed extract (FSE) in sows and suckling piglets. The trial was conducted with 78 multiparous sows and their litters in a 28-d feeding trial, and one of three diets: CON (control, basal diet); FSE1 (basal diet+0.1% FSE), and FSE2 (basal diet+0.2% FSE). Piglets suckling sows fed the FSE1 and FSE2 diets had higher average daily gain compared with those suckling sows fed the CON from week 2 to weaning (linear, P<0.05). At weaning, sows fed the FSE1 and FSE2 diets had higher immunoglobulin G and lower low-density lipoprotein–cholesterol concentrations compared with those fed the CON diet (linear, P<0.05). Sows fed the FSE2 diet linearly reduced total cholesterol concentrations at weaning (P<0.05). Piglets suckling sows fed the FSE2 diet had higher immunoglobulin G and red blood cell concentrations compared with those suckling sows fed the CON diet (linear, P<0.05). Sows fed the FSE2 diet had higher apparent total tract digestibility of N and gross energy and reduced fecal E. coli counts and ammonia gas emission compared with those fed the CON diet at weaning (linear, P<0.05). In conclusion, results indicate that feeding sows a diet supplemented with FSE in late gestation and lactation improved performance in sows and suckling piglets.

Speech Interaction with Personal Assistive Robots Supporting Aging at Home for Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease

Increases in the prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are a growing challenge in many nations where healthcare infrastructures are ill-prepared for the upcoming demand for personal caregiving. To help individuals with AD live at home for longer, we are developing a mobile robot, called ED, intended to assist with activities of daily living through visual monitoring and verbal prompts in cases of difficulty. In a series of experiments, we study speech-based interactions between ED and each of 10 older adults with AD as the latter complete daily tasks in a simulated home environment. Traditional automatic speech recognition is evaluated in this environment, along with rates of verbal behaviors that indicate confusion or trouble with the conversation. Analysis reveals that speech recognition remains a challenge in this setup, especially during household tasks with individuals with AD. Across the verbal behaviors that indicate confusion, older adults with AD are very likely to simply ignore the robot, which accounts for over 40% of all such behaviors when interacting with the robot. This work provides a baseline assessment of the types of technical and communicative challenges that will need to be overcome for robots to be used effectively in the home for speech-based assistance with daily living.

Identification of bacterial isolates in neonatal sepsis and their antimicrobial susceptibility

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Ad-din Medical College Hospital during the period of January to December 2011 to determine the pattern of bacterial agents causing neonatal sepsis and their susceptibility pattern to various antimicrobial agents. Blood cultures were performed on admitted newborn babies (0-28 days) to rule out sepsis. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done for all blood culture isolates according to the criteria of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards by disk diffusion method. Out of 1000 screened blood cultures, 87(8.7%) reported as positive and the gram positive and gram negative bacteria accounted for 21(24.1%) and 66(75.9%) respectively. The most common gram positive organisms were Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus Aureus (CONS) (18.4%) and Staphylococcus Aureus (4.6%) and gram negative organisms were Acinetobacter (34.4%), Pseudomonas (21.8%) and Klebsiella spp. (6.9%). The susceptibilities were remarkably low to Ampicillin (20%) and Cefotaxim (29.6%) for both gram positive & gram negative isolates. Gram positive group had susceptibilities of 71.1% to Gentamicin, 85.7% to Imipenem & 100% to Amikacin & Vancomycin. Gram negative isolates showed higher sensitivities to Colistin (96.9%), Piperacillin-Tazobactum (78.7%), Imipenem (74.2%), Levofloxacillin (71.2%), respectively. Gram-negative bacteria showed high level of resistance to commonly used antibiotics (Ampicillin, Ceftazidim and Cefotaxim). Gentamicin, Amikacin, Imipenem and Levofloxacin were the most effective drugs compared to others. Routine bacterial surveillance and their sensitivity patterns must be an essential component of neonatal care.

Clinical and haemato-pathological characteristics of adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a heterogeneous group of disorders. It varies with respect to the morphologic, cytogenetic, molecular and immunologic features of the neoplastic cells reflecting the variable clinical-pathologic presentations and outcome of the patients. The aim of the study was to observe the clinical and haemato-pathological characteristics in newly diagnosed adult ALL patients. A total number of 61 patients morphologically diagnosed as acute lymphoblastic leukaemia aged 15 and above assigned for this observational study. The study was carried out in the Department of Haematology, BSMMU from January 2007 to December 2008. Among 61 patients, aged 15 to 80 years with median age 25 years, 79% were male and 21% were female. Most of the patients presented with anaemia (67%), fever (66%), lymphadenopathy (64%) and splenomegaly (57%). Other common clinical findings were hepatomegaly (39%), bone tenderness (44%) and bleeding manifestations (34%). Among haemato-pathological findings 67% patients had Hb level ≤10gm/dl, 46% patients had WBC count ≥30×10⁹/L, 67% patients had platelet count ≤100×10⁹/L, 93% patients had blast in peripheral blood and 61% patients had ≥90 % blasts in the bone marrow at the time of diagnosis. In this study adult ALL patients were analyzed only for their clinical and haemato-pathological characteristics. But their biologic characteristics were not analyzed due to lack of availability of facility. A progressive understanding of the biologic and genetic characteristics of ALL will allow us to identify different prognostic subgroups with specific molecular and cellular features. All the necessary measures have to be developed in our country in order to identify prognostically distinct subgroups of patients.

Sonographic evaluation of thyroiditis with color flow study

This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Radiology and Imaging, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Bangladesh in collaboration with the Department of Endocrinology and Department of Histopathology of the same hospital during the period of March 2007 to February 2008 to determine efficacy of ultrasonogram in the evaluation of thyroiditis and to compare its results with color flow Doppler study. For this purpose, a total of 50 patients having clinical suspicion of thyroiditis were enrolled in this study. Ultrasound and color Doppler were done in all these patients. Then all patients underwent for FNAC in the Histopathology department. Correlation between sonographic diagnosis and histopathological diagnosis were observed. Out of these 50 patients 10(20%) were male and 40 (80%) were female with age ranging from 12 to 50 years, highest between 21 to 30 years. The mean age of the patients was 30.42±9.57 years. On unltrasonographic findings of thyroid gland 42.0% patients had regular and 58.0% had irregular margin. Seventy percent had fibrosis, 14.0% had feature of necrosis, 48.0% had lymphadenopathy. Out of all patients 6.0% had normal echogenic feature, 16.0% had increased and 78.0% decreased echogeneic feature. Twelve percent (12.0%) patients had homogeneous and 88.0% had heterogeneous pattern of echogenecity. Thirty eight percent (38%) patients had focal nodules. Sixty percent (60.0%) patients had focal swelling and 40.0% had diffuse swelling. On color flow Doppler 28.0% had normal, 38.0% had increased and 34.0% decreased vascular flow pattern. USG reports revealed that 48.0% had thyromegaly, 36.0% had thyroid nodule, 10.0% had multinodular goiter and 6.0% had thyroid abscess. FNAC diagnosis revealed that 34.0% patients had Hashimoto's thyroiditis, 24.0% had lymphocytic thyroiditis, 18.0% had granulomatous thyroiditis, 6.0% had abscess, 8.0% had goitre and 10.0% nonspecific. USG and CFD are recommended modalities for the diagnosis of thyroiditis as these cost-effective and non invasive procedures.