Assessment of Babesia spp. prevalence in various domestic animals across Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Parasitic diseases, notably babesiosis, exert a substantial impact on the global cattle industry, posing challenges to commerce, economies, and human health. This study, conducted in Southern Punjab, Pakistan, aimed to assess the prevalence of Babesia spp. across various livestock species using microscopic and PCR methods. A total of 180 blood samples (60 from each district) were systematically collected from apparently healthy animals, with 36 samples obtained from each domestic animal species, including camel, cattle, buffalo, goat, and sheep, noting that 12 samples were collected from each district for each animal species. Overall prevalence was determined to be 32.8% (59/180), with varying rates among species: 25.0% in cattle, 41.66% in buffalo, 30.55% in goats, 33.3% in sheep, and 33.3% in camels. Microscopic examination revealed slightly varied infection rates among large and small domestic animals (22.2%), while PCR results indicated a 32.8% overall infection rate in both large and small domestic animals, with no statistical significance. District-wise analysis showed regional variations, with Muzaffargarh recording a prevalence rate of 23.33% through microscopic examination, while Lodhran and Bahawalpur recorded 21.67%. PCR results revealed higher rates (38.33%, 26.67%, and 33.33%, respectively), underlining the importance of employing PCR for accurate detection. Examining ruminant types, large ruminants exhibited a 32.4% infection rate, while small domestic animals showed 33.3%, with no significant difference (p=0.897). District-wise prevalence showcased significant variation, with Muzaffargarh demonstrating a 25% prevalence, Lodhran 22%, and Bahawalpur 22%, through microscopic examination. PCR results displayed 38.33%, 27%, and 33.3%, respectively, with no statistical significance. Detailed analysis of individual districts highlighted variations in infection rates among camels, cattle, buffalo, goats, and sheep. The binomial test indicated significant differences through microscopic analysis (P=0.011) but non-significant variations through PCR (P=0.065), emphasizing the precision of PCR. Regional variations in prevalence, notably with Punjab exhibiting the highest frequency (33.87%) and KPK the lowest (13.24%), suggest potential influences from varying veterinary practices and environmental factors. This study underscores the pivotal role of PCR alongside microscopy for accurate babesiosis diagnosis. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of babesiosis prevalence, emphasizing the necessity of advanced molecular techniques for informed control measures.

Utilizing human induced pluripotent stem cells to study atrial arrhythmias in the short QT syndrome

BACKGROUND

Among the monogenic inherited causes of atrial fibrillation is the short QT syndrome (SQTS), a rare channelopathy causing atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. One of the limitations in studying the mechanisms and optimizing treatment of SQTS-related atrial arrhythmias has been the lack of relevant human atrial tissues models.

OBJECTIVE

To generate a unique model to study SQTS-related atrial arrhythmias by combining the use of patient-specific human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), atrial-specific differentiation schemes, two-dimensional tissue modeling, optical mapping, and drug testing.

METHODS AND RESULTS

SQTS (N588K KCNH2 mutation), isogenic-control, and healthy-control hiPSCs were coaxed to differentiate into atrial cardiomyocytes using a retinoic-acid based differentiation protocol. The atrial identity of the cells was confirmed by a distinctive pattern of MLC2v downregulation, connexin 40 upregulation, shorter and triangular-shaped action potentials (APs), and expression of the atrial-specific acetylcholine-sensitive potassium current. In comparison to the healthy- and isogenic control cells, the SQTS-hiPSC atrial cardiomyocytes displayed abbreviated APs and refractory periods along with an augmented rapidly activating delayed-rectifier potassium current (IKr). Optical mapping of a hiPSC-based atrial tissue model of the SQTS displayed shortened APD and altered biophysical properties of spiral waves induced in this model, manifested by accelerated spiral-wave frequency and increased rotor curvature. Both AP shortening and arrhythmia irregularities were reversed by quinidine and vernakalant treatment, but not by sotalol.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient-specific hiPSC-based atrial cellular and tissue models of the SQTS were established, which provide examples on how this type of modeling can shed light on the pathogenesis and pharmacological treatment of inherited atrial arrhythmias.

Literature Review and Knowledge Distribution During an Outbreak: A Methodology for Managing Infodemics

PROBLEM

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged health care systems in an unprecedented way by imposing new demands on health care resources and scientific knowledge. There has also been an exceedingly fast accumulation of new information on this novel virus. As the traditional peer-review process takes time, there is currently a significant gap between the ability to generate new data and the ability to critically evaluate them. This problem of an excess of mixed-quality data, or infodemic, is echoing throughout the scientific community.

APPROACH

The authors aimed to help their colleagues at the Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel, manage the COVID-19 infodemic with a methodologic solution: establishing an in-house mechanism for continuous literature review and knowledge distribution (March-April 2020). Their methodology included the following building blocks: a dedicated literature review team, artificial intelligence-based research algorithms, brief written updates in a graphical format, large-scale webinars and online meetings, and a feedback loop.

OUTCOMES

During the first month (April 2020), the project produced 21 graphical updates. After consideration of feedback from colleagues and final editing, 13 graphical updates were uploaded to the center's website; of these, 31% addressed the clinical presentation of the disease and 38% referred to specific treatments. This methodology as well as the graphical updates it generated were adopted by the Israeli Ministry of Health and distributed in a hospital preparation kit.

NEXT STEPS

The authors believe they have established a novel methodology that can assist in the battle against COVID-19 by making high-quality scientific data more accessible to clinicians. In the future, they expect this methodology to create a favorable uniform standard for evidence-guided health care during infodemics. Further evolution of the methodology may include evaluation of its long-term sustainability and impact on the day-to-day clinical practice and self-confidence of clinicians who treat COVID-19 patients.

Optogenetic modulation of cardiac action potential properties may prevent arrhythmogenesis in short and long QT syndromes

Abnormal action potential (AP) properties, as occurs in long or short QT syndromes (LQTS and SQTS, respectively), can cause life-threatening arrhythmias. Optogenetics strategies, utilizing light-sensitive proteins, have emerged as experimental platforms for cardiac pacing, resynchronization, and defibrillation. We tested the hypothesis that similar optogenetic tools can modulate the cardiomyocyte's AP properties, as a potentially novel antiarrhythmic strategy. Healthy control and LQTS/SQTS patient-specific human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) were transduced to express the light-sensitive cationic channel channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) or the anionic-selective opsin, ACR2. Detailed patch-clamp, confocal-microscopy, and optical mapping studies evaluated the ability of spatiotemporally defined optogenetic protocols to modulate AP properties and prevent arrhythmogenesis in the hiPSC-CMs cell/tissue models. Depending on illumination timing, light-induced ChR2 activation induced robust prolongation or mild shortening of AP duration (APD), while ACR2 activation allowed effective APD shortening. Fine-tuning these approaches allowed for the normalization of pathological AP properties and suppression of arrhythmogenicity in the LQTS/SQTS hiPSC-CM cellular models. We next established a SQTS-hiPSC-CMs-based tissue model of reentrant-arrhythmias using optogenetic cross-field stimulation. An APD-modulating optogenetic protocol was then designed to dynamically prolong APD of the propagating wavefront, completely preventing arrhythmogenesis in this model. This work highlights the potential of optogenetics in studying repolarization abnormalities and in developing novel antiarrhythmic therapies.

Measuring the systolic and the diastolic properties of single human pluripotent stem-cell cardiomyocyte for drug testing and disease modeling

Background

The advent of human pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) provided exciting tools for cardiovascular physiological studies, disease modeling and drug testing applications. Current platforms for studying the mechanical properties of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) as single-cells do not measure forces directly, require numerous assumptions, and cannot study cell mechanics at different loading conditions.

Objective

To establish a novel platform to assess the active and passive mechanical properties of single-cell hPSC-CMs at different loading conditions and to demonstrate the potential of this approach for drug testing and disease modeling applications.

Methods and results

To allow morphological maturation, hPSC-CMs were treated with Tri-iodo-thyronine hormone, dexamethasone and Insulin-like growth factor-1. The hPSC-CM were then lifted and attached to a highly sensitive optical-force transducer and a piezoelectric length controller and electrically-stimulated. The attached hPSC-CM remained intact and contractile allowing evaluation of their passive and active mechanical properties. Utilizing this technique, single-cell hPSC-CMs exhibited positive length-tension (Frank-Starling) relationships, and appropriate inotropic, klinotropic, and lusitropic changes in response to treatment with isoproterenol. The unique potential of the approach for drug testing and disease modeling was exemplified by treating the cells with doxorubicin (a potential cardiotoxic anti-cancer agent) and omecamtiv mecarbil (a positive ionotropic drug currently in stage 3 clinical trial). The results of these studies recapitulated the drugs' known actions to suppress (doxorubicin) and augment (omecamtiv mecarbil at low dose) cardiomyocyte contractility. Finally, novel insights were gained regarding the cellular effects of these drugs as doxorubicin treatment led to cellular mechanical alternans and high doses of omecamtiv mecarbil suppressed contractility and worsened the cellular diastolic properties.

Conclusion

A novel method that allows direct active and passive force measurements from single hPSC-CMs at different loading conditions for the first time was established and validated. Our results highlight the potential implications of this novel approach for pharmacological studies and disease modeling studies.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): European Research Council

Single-Cell Mechanical Analysis of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes for Drug Testing and Pathophysiological Studies

Current platforms for studying the mechanical properties of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) as single cells do not measure forces directly, require numerous assumptions, and cannot study cell mechanics at different loading conditions. We present a method for directly measuring the active and passive forces generated by single-cell hPSC-CMs at different stretch levels. Utilizing this technique, single hPSC-CMs exhibited positive length-tension relationship and appropriate inotropic, klinotropic, and lusitropic changes in response to pharmacological treatments (isoproterenol and verapamil). The unique potential of the approach for drug testing and disease modeling was exemplified by doxorubicin and omecamtiv mecarbil drug studies revealing their known actions to suppress (doxorubicin) or augment (omecamtiv mecarbil at low dose) cardiomyocyte contractility, respectively. Finally, mechanistic insights were gained regarding the cellular effects of these drugs as doxorubicin treatment led to cellular mechanical alternans and high doses of omecamtiv mecarbil suppressed contractility and worsened the cellular diastolic properties.

•

A unique approach for evaluating the mechanical properties of single-cell hPSC-CMs

•

Both active and passive forces can be directly measured at different stretch levels

•

The new approach can be used to evaluate drug effects and pathological conditions

Engineered heart tissue models from hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and cardiac ECM for disease modeling and drug testing applications

Cardiac tissue engineering provides unique opportunities for cardiovascular disease modeling, drug testing, and regenerative medicine applications. To recapitulate human heart tissue, we combined human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) with a chitosan-enhanced extracellular-matrix (ECM) hydrogel, derived from decellularized pig hearts. Ultrastructural characterization of the ECM-derived engineered heart tissues (ECM-EHTs) revealed an anisotropic muscle structure, with embedded cardiomyocytes showing more mature properties than 2D-cultured hiPSC-CMs. Force measurements confirmed typical force-length relationships, sensitivity to extracellular calcium, and adequate ionotropic responses to contractility modulators. By combining genetically-encoded calcium and voltage indicators with laser-confocal microscopy and optical mapping, the electrophysiological and calcium-handling properties of the ECM-EHTs could be studied at the cellular and tissue resolutions. This allowed to detect drug-induced changes in contraction rate (isoproterenol, carbamylcholine), optical signal morphology (E-4031, ATX2, isoproterenol, ouabin and quinidine), cellular arrhythmogenicity (E-4031 and ouabin) and alterations in tissue conduction properties (lidocaine, carbenoxolone and quinidine). Similar assays in ECM-EHTs derived from patient-specific hiPSC-CMs recapitulated the abnormal phenotype of the long QT syndrome and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Finally, programmed electrical stimulation and drug-induced pro-arrhythmia led to the development of reentrant arrhythmias in the ECM-EHTs. In conclusion, a novel ECM-EHT model was established, which can be subjected to high-resolution long-term serial functional phenotyping, with important implications for cardiac disease modeling, drug testing and precision medicine. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: One of the main objectives of cardiac tissue engineering is to create an in-vitro muscle tissue surrogate of human heart tissue. To this end, we combined a chitosan-enforced cardiac-specific ECM hydrogel derived from decellularized pig hearts with human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) from healthy-controls and patients with inherited cardiac disorders. We then utilized genetically-encoded calcium and voltage fluorescent indicators coupled with unique optical imaging techniques and force-measurements to study the functional properties of the generated engineered heart tissues (EHTs). These studies demonstrate the unique potential of the new model for physiological and pathophysiological studies (assessing contractility, conduction and reentrant arrhythmias), novel disease modeling strategies ("disease-in-a-dish" approach) for studying inherited arrhythmogenic disorders, and for drug testing applications (safety pharmacology).

Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiac Cell Sheets Expressing Genetically Encoded Voltage Indicator for Pharmacological and Arrhythmia Studies

Fulfilling the potential of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes for studying conduction and arrhythmogenesis requires development of multicellular models and methods for long-term repeated tissue phenotyping. We generated confluent hiPSC-derived cardiac cell sheets (hiPSC-CCSs), expressing the genetically encoded voltage indicator ArcLight. ArcLight-based optical mapping allowed generation of activation and action-potential duration (APD) maps, which were validated by mapping the same hiPSC-CCSs with the voltage-sensitive dye, Di-4-ANBDQBS. ArcLight mapping allowed long-term assessment of electrical remodeling in the hiPSC-CCSs and evaluation of drug-induced conduction slowing (carbenoxolone, lidocaine, and quinidine) and APD prolongation (quinidine and dofetilide). The latter studies also enabled step-by-step depiction of drug-induced arrhythmogenesis ("torsades de pointes in the culture dish") and its prevention by MgSO₄ and rapid pacing. Phase-mapping analysis allowed biophysical characterization of spiral waves induced in the hiPSC-CCSs and their termination by electrical cardioversion and overdrive pacing. In conclusion, ArcLight mapping of hiPSC-CCSs provides a powerful tool for drug testing and arrhythmia investigation.

•

Optical mapping of hiPSC-derived cardiac cell sheets expressing ArcLight

•

Evaluating effects of drugs and time (weeks) on conduction and APD

•

Mapping drug-induced TdP and electrically induced spiral waves (rotors)

•

Evaluating interventions aiming to prevent or terminate arrhythmias in the model

Monitoring Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes with Genetically Encoded Calcium and Voltage Fluorescent Reporters

The advent of the human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology has transformed biomedical research, providing new tools for human disease modeling, drug development, and regenerative medicine. To fulfill its unique potential in the cardiovascular field, efficient methods should be developed for high-resolution, large-scale, long-term, and serial functional cellular phenotyping of hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). To achieve this goal, we combined the hiPSC technology with genetically encoded voltage (ArcLight) and calcium (GCaMP5G) fluorescent indicators. Expression of ArcLight and GCaMP5G in hiPSC-CMs permitted to reliably follow changes in transmembrane potential and intracellular calcium levels, respectively. This allowed monitoring short- and long-term changes in action-potential and calcium-handling properties and the development of arrhythmias in response to several pharmaceutical agents and in hiPSC-CMs derived from patients with different inherited arrhythmogenic syndromes. Combining genetically encoded fluorescent reporters with hiPSC-CMs may bring a unique value to the study of inherited disorders, developmental biology, and drug development and testing.

•

Expression of genetically encoded voltage and calcium reporters in hiPSC-CMs

•

Analysis of the electrophysiological and calcium-handling properties of hiPSC-CMs

•

Drug screening using the optically derived action potentials and calcium transients

•

Modeling of inherited disorders with hiPSC-CMs expressing fluorescent reporters

Practical aspects of telehealth: doctor-patient relationship and communication

The fourth in a series of articles about the practical aspects of telehealth, this paper provides advice and information for specialists to communicate effectively with patients during a telehealth video consultation.

Practical aspects of telehealth: set-up and preparation for video consultations

The third in a series of articles about the practical aspects of telehealth, this paper gives guidance on suitable setup for video consultations, including layout of rooms, managing sound and image quality, scheduling, testing and best practice in telehealth videoconferencing.

Practical aspects of telehealth: are my patients suited to telehealth?

The first in a series of articles that demonstrate the practical aspects of telehealth, this paper provides three case studies that examine the suitability of telehealth for patients living in rural and remote areas who require ongoing specialist care.

The burden of anti-HCV genotye-4 positivity in renal transplant recipients: 8 years follow-up

Whether renal transplant recipients with anti-HCV antibodies positivity and normal liver function tests within the first year after transplantation have different morbidity and mortality and graft failure compared to anti-HCV-negative recipients remains controversial. In this retrospective study, on 411 renal transplant recipients, we analyzed grafts morbidity, survival, and liver function tests over a period of 8 years. Patients were stratified according to their anti-HCV antibody status 1 year after transplantation into anti-HCV-positive and HCV-negative patients. The presence of normal liver function tests was mandatory at inclusion. All patients received the same immunosuppressive protocol consisting of cyclosporine A, mycophenolate mofetil and steroids. One year after transplantation, 137 patients were anti-HCV negative (33 %) while the rest 274 (67 %) were positive. At 5 years of follow-up, the study population consisted of 205 patients (71 patients, 35 % with anti-HCV negativity, and 134, 65 % with positivity). At the end of the study, only 144 patients were followed up (43 patients, 30 % with negative anti-HCV and 101 patients, 70 %, with positivity). We found that graft survival was not different between both groups. Moreover, serum creatinine showed a trend to be lower in HCV-positive patients compared to negative group although difference was not statistically significant. The number of graft loss was not different between both groups. Moreover, there was no difference between both groups as regards prevalence of acute rejection, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, CMV disease and proteinuria. We can conclude that anti-HCV positivity for 8 years in patients with normal liver function tests at 1 year does not impact graft morbidity and patient survival.

Distance from treatment facility and risk of death from cardiovascular and infectious causes in renal transplant patients

We investigated whether patients receiving RTx who live farther from their attending nephrologist are more likely to die than those who live closer. A random sample of 167 patients who undergone RTx between 1996 and 2004 was examined. We calculated the distance between each patient's residence and the practice location of their attending nephrologist. We used Cox proportional hazards models to examine the adjusted relation between distance and clinical outcomes (death from all causes, rejection episodes, infectious causes, and cardiovascular complications) over a follow-up period of upto 6 years. During the follow-up period (median: 3.3, range: 1.0-6.5 years), 22% of patients died. Compared with patients who lived within 50 km of their nephrologist, the adjusted hazard ratio of death was 1.04 among those who lived 50.1-150 km away, 1.16 for those who lived 150.1-300 km away, and 1.19 for those who lived more than 300 km (P for trend <0.001). The risk of death from infectious causes increased with greater distance from the attending nephrologist (P for trend <0.001). The risk of developing acute rejection episodes did not increase with distance from the attending nephrologist (P for trend = 0.2). The risk of death from cardiovascular causes increased with distance from the attending nephrologist (P for trend <0.05). Compared with patients who lived within 50 km of their nephrologist, the adjusted hazard ratio of death among those who lived >300 km away was 1.75 for infectious causes and 1.39 for cardiovascular causes. We conclude that mortality and morbidity associated with RTx was greater among patients who lived farther from their attending nephrologist, as compared with those who lived closer.

Hydrophilic antioxidant capacities and total phenol content of seasonal fruits of Bangladesh

INTRODUCTION

Consumption of fruits and vegetables helps to scavenge free radicals owing to the presence of antioxidant nutrients and secondary metabolites, especially polyphenolic compounds. This may lead to a reduction in the risk of diet-related chronic diseases. The purpose of the study was to determine the antioxidant capacity (AC) and total phenolic content (TPC) of selected seasonal fruits of Bangladesh.

METHODS

Hydrophilic extracts from edible portions of fifteen fruits available in the summer season were analysed. Total phenol content was determined spectrophotometrically according to the Folin-Ciocalteau method while antioxidant capacity was determined by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH-RSA).

RESULTS

TPC ranged from 0.6 +/- 0.01 to 0.01 +/- 0 mg Gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g of fresh weight (FW). Antioxidant capacity varied from 4.882 +/- 0 to 0.113 +/- 0.03 micromol Torolox equivalents (TE)/g of FW. Carissa carandas showed the highest AC (4.882 +/- 0 micromol TE/g), while the lowest (0.113 +/- 0.3 micromol TE/g) was seen in Baccaura ramiflora. A positive and significant correlation (R2 = 0.957) between antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of the analysed samples was identified. A significant and positive correlation (p < 0.05) between AC and TPC was found in Manikara zapota, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Litchi chinensis and Articarpus lakoocha.

CONCLUSION

The data indicates that some indigenous seasonal fruits of Bangladesh contain high polyphenols that may serve as a potential source of dietary antioxidants.

Distribution, correlation, and source apportionment of selected metals in tannery effluents, related soils, and groundwater--a case study from Multan, Pakistan

In order to study the distribution, correlation, and apportionment of selected metals, the tannery effluent, related soil, and groundwater samples were collected from Multan, Pakistan, and analyzed on flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Among the selected metals, Na, Ca, K, Cr, and Mg revealed dominant concentrations with average values of 5,499, 945, 565, 209, and 107 mg/L and 2,634, 330, 484, 14.1, and 60.5 mg/L in the effluents and groundwater, respectively, whereas the mean metal levels in soil samples were 10,026, 6,726, 9,242, 476, and 9,857 mg/kg. Overall, the mean metal concentrations in the tannery effluents, groundwater, and related soils reveal following order, respectively: Na > Ca > K > Cr > Mg > Ni > Fe > Zn > Co > Pb > Mn > Cd; Na > K > Ca > Mg > Cr > Zn > Ni > Pb > Fe > Co > Mn > Cd; Na > Mg > K > Ca > Cr > Co > Ni > Fe > Pb > Mn > Zn > Cd. Generally, the metal distribution in tannery effluents, soils, and groundwater was found to be random as evidenced by large differences between mean and median values as well as considerably higher standard deviation and skewness values. The selected metal data were also subjected to correlation study to investigate the covariation of metal levels in the three media. The source apportionment of the metal data in the effluents, soils, and groundwater was carried out using principal component analysis in addition to basic statistical and correlation analyses. The source apportionment studies evidenced the gross contamination of groundwater and soils in the vicinity of tanning industrial units in Multan. The current mean metal levels in the soil and groundwater were found to be considerably higher compared with the background concentration levels and WHO guideline values.

Comparative distribution of the scalp hair trace metal contents in the benign tumour patients and normal donors

The scalp hair samples of benign tumour patients (n = 77) and normal donors (n = 86) were analysed for selected trace metal contents using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In the scalp hair of benign tumour patients, highest average levels were found for Ca (1,401 microg/g), followed by Na (476.9 microg/g), Mg (441.6 microg/g), Zn (438.3 microg/g), K (119.2 microg/g) and Fe (96.38 microg/g) while in comparison, the maximum mean levels in the scalp hair of normal donors were shown by Ca (556.5 microg/g), followed by Zn (154.2 microg/g), Mg (153.4 microg/g), Na (97.45 microg/g) and Fe (81.68 microg/g). Almost all metal levels revealed higher dispersion and asymmetry in the scalp hair of benign tumour patients compared with the normal donors. The average concentrations of Ca, Cd, Co, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sr and Zn were significantly higher in the hair of benign tumour patients compared with the normal donors. Significant gender-based differences were also observed in the scalp hair metal contents of benign tumour patients. Strong positive correlations were found between Cd-Cr (0.547) and Cd-Co (0.507) in the hair of benign tumour patients whereas Ca-Mg, Mg-Sr, Co-Cd, Cr-Cd, Li-Cr, Li-Co, Li-Cd, Na-Cd, Na-Co and Na-Li exhibited strong relationships (r > 0.50) in the hair of normal donors. Cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used for the source identification and apportionment of scalp hair trace metals in the two donor groups. The scalp hair of benign tumour patients and normal donors revealed six and five main clusters of trace metals, respectively. PCA extracted seven principal components of trace metals in the scalp hair of benign tumour patients while six principal components were observed in the case of normal donors. The study evidenced significantly different patterns of metal distribution in the hair of benign tumour patients in comparison with normal donors.

Statistical source identification of metals in groundwater exposed to industrial contamination

Levels of selected metals Na, Ca, Mg, K, Fe, Mn, Cr, Co, Ni, Cd, Pb and Mn were estimated by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry in groundwater samples from Kasur, a significant industrial city of Pakistan. Salient mean concentration levels were recorded for: Na (211 mg/l), Ca (187 mg/l), Mg (122 mg/l), K (87.7 mg/l), Fe (2.57 mg/l) and Cr (2.12 mg/l). Overall, the decreasing metal concentration order was: Na>Ca>Mg>K>Fe>Cr>Zn>Co>Pb>Mn>Ni>Cd. Significantly positive correlations were found between Na-Cr (r=0.553), Na-Mn (r=0.543), Mg-Fe (r=0.519), Mg-Cr (r=0.535), Pb-K (r=0.506) and Pb-Ni (r=0.611). Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis identified tannery effluents as the main source of metal contamination of the groundwater. The present metal data showed that Cr, Pb and Fe levels were several times higher than those recommended for water quality by WHO, US-EPA, EU and Japan. The elevated levels of Cr, recorded as 21-42 fold higher compared with the recommended quality values, were believed to originate from the tanning industry of Kasur.

Statistical analysis of atmospheric trace metals and particulate fractions in Islamabad, Pakistan

Airborne suspended particulate matter was collected on glass fibre filters in urban atmosphere of Islamabad, Pakistan, using high volume sampler. The particulate samples were analysed for 10 selected metals (Fe, Na, Zn, K, Pb, Mn, Cr, Ni, Co and Cd) by FAAS method. Maximum mean contribution was noted for Fe (1.761microg/m(3)), followed by Na (1.661microg/m(3)), Zn (1.021microg/m(3)), K (0.488microg/m(3)) and Pb (0.128microg/m(3)). The particle size determination on vol.% basis for nine fractions (PM(<1.0), PM(1.0-2.5), PM(2.5-5), PM(5-10), PM(10-15), PM(15-25), PM(25-50), PM(50-100) and PM(>100)) was carried out using Mastersizer. PM(5.0-10) were found to be most abundant in the local atmosphere followed by PM(2.5-5.0) and PM(15-25) while coarse/giant particles (PM(50-100) and PM(>100)) showed lower contribution. The trace metals were found to be mainly associated with smaller particulate fractions up to PM(10-15). Among the climatic parameters temperature has significant relationship with fine particles and airborne metal levels while relative humidity showed negative correlation. The source identification was carried out by principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Five metal sources were identified: industrial, vehicular emissions, metallurgical operations, garbage incineration and soil derived dust. The metal levels were also compared with those reported for other rural and urban parts around the world.

Multivariate analysis of trace metals in textile effluents in relation to soil and groundwater

This paper deals with the multivariate analysis of metal data in effluents, soil and groundwater to find the distribution and source identification of the selected metals in the three media. Samples were collected from three textile industries located in Hattar Industrial Estate, Pakistan. Metals were estimated by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results showed elevated levels of Cr, Pb, Ni, Co, Fe, Ca, Na, K and Zn in these media, following the order: soil>effluent>water. Principle component analysis (PCA) of the data showed that the textile effluents are contaminating the soil wherein Cr and Pb were dominant toxic metals having concentrations of 5.96 mg/kg and 4.46 mg/kg, respectively. Other toxic metals such as Co, Cd, Zn, Ni, Mn and Fe, were found to have common origin in the textile effluents. The correlation study along with linear regression and PCA, supported the fact that various elevated metal concentrations emerged from the textile industrial effluents ultimately leading to contamination of the soil and groundwater in their proximity. The estimated metal levels in the water/soil system are compared with the safe limits laid down by WHO.

Multivariate analysis of trace metal levels in tannery effluents in relation to soil and water: a case study from Peshawar, Pakistan

Tannery effluents and relevant ground water and soil samples collected from various tanning industries of Peshawar were analyzed for Na, Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cr, Co, Cd, Ni, Pb and Zn by the AAS method. The metal concentration data for the three media are reported in terms of basic statistical parameters, metal-to-metal correlations and linear regression analyses. Metal distributions in the three media were quite divergent and showed non-normal distributions with high standard deviation and skewness parameters. Sodium exhibited the highest mean levels of 1,277mg/L, 881mg/L and 12,912mg/kg in the effluent, ground water and soil samples, respectively. Among other metals, Cr concentrations were 410mg/L, 0.145mg/L, 100mg/kg and Ca, 278mg/L, 64.8mg/L, and 2,285mg/kg in the effluent, ground water and soil samples, respectively. Some significant correlations were observed between effluent and soils in terms of Na, Cr, Ni, Co and Pb. The ground water-soil interrelationship suggested that Na levels in the soil and ground water were significantly correlated with each other (r=0.486, P<0.01). Similarly, Cr in the soil is strongly correlated with Ca in ground water (r=0.486, P<0.01). These results were duly supported by the linear regression analysis of data. The source identification studies conducted using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) evidenced that ground water and soil were being contaminated by the toxic metals emanating from the tannery effluents.

Characterization, source identification and apportionment of selected metals in TSP in an urban atmosphere

To understand the metal distribution characteristics in the atmosphere of urban Islamabad, total suspended particulate (TSP) samples were collected on daily 12 h basis, at Quaid-i-Azam University campus, using high volume sampler. The TSP samples were treated with HNO(3)/HClO(4) based wet digestion method for the quantification of eight selected metals; Fe, Zn, Pb, Mn, Cr, Co, Ni and Cd by FAAS method. The monitoring period ran from June 2001 to January 2002, with a total of 194 samples collected on cellulose filters. Effects of different meteorological conditions such as temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and wind direction on selected metal levels were interpreted by means of multivariate statistical approach. Enhanced metal levels for Fe (930 ng/m(3)), Zn (542 ng/m(3)) and Pb (210 ng/m(3)) were found on the mean scale while Mn, Cr, Co and Ni emerged as minor contributors. Statistical correlation study was also conducted and a strong correlation was observed between Pb-Cr (r=0.611). The relative humidity showed some significant influence on atmospheric metal distribution while other meteorological parameters showed weak relationship with TSP metal levels. Regarding the origin of sources of heavy metals in TSP, the statistical procedure identified three source profiles; automobile emissions, industrial/metallurgical units, and natural soil dust. The metal levels were also compared with those reported for other parts of the world which showed that the metal levels in urban atmosphere of Islamabad are in exceedence than those of European industrial and urban sites while comparable with some Asian sites.

Comparative metal distribution in hair of Pakistani and Libyan population and source identification by multivariate analysis

Using nitric acid-perchloric acid wet digestion based FAAS method ten selected metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, K, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb and Zn) were determined in the scalp hair of male Pakistani and Libyan donors (n = 62), between 3-54 years age and residing in typical urban areas. The study was taken up to identify sources of metal distribution in two diverse population segments exposed to different environments. Sodium emerged with the highest mean hair concentration of 511.0 microg/g and 496.9 mug/g for Libyan and Pakistani donors respectively, followed by K, at 266.2 microg/g and 242.4 microg/g for the two donor categories. Cadmium showed the lowest mean hair concentration for both Pakistani (0.380 microg/g) and Libyan (0.530 microg/g) donors. Levels of Na, K, Pb, Cr and Cd were higher in hair of Libyan donors compared with Pakistani counterparts which showed higher comparative levels of Zn, Fe, Co, Ni and Mn. Strong metal-to-metal correlations were found between Na-K (r = 0.638) and Cd-Co (r = 0.574) for Pakistani donors, while for Libyan donors, Na-K (r = 0.680) and Fe-Mn (r = 0.624) correlations emerged as strongly significant. Only K was found to have a strong positive correlation (r = 0.611) with age for Pakistani donors while this correlation was significantly negative (r = -0.500) for Libyan donors, probably arising from individual food habits. Other metals showed no viable relationship with age. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) of the data evidenced food, industrial emissions and automobile emissions as possible sources of metal distribution. The results of the present study are compared with those reported for subjects from other regions of the world.

Spatial variations in selected metal contents and particle size distribution in an urban and rural atmosphere of Islamabad, Pakistan

Spatial variations in total suspended particulate matter (TSP) were investigated for distribution of metals and particle size fractions in the urban and rural atmosphere of Islamabad, Pakistan. The metals Na, K, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn, Ni and Co, and the particle fractions <2.5, 2.5-10, 10-100 and >100 microm were included in the study. TSP samples were trapped on glass fibre filters using high volume samplers and quantification of metals was done using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry employing HNO(3) based wet digestion. At the urban site, Na was dominant at 2.384 microg/m(3) followed by K, Fe and Zn with 0.778, 0.667 and 0.567 microg/m(3) as mean concentrations, respectively. The metal levels for the rural site ranged from 0.002 microg/m(3) for Cd to 1.077 microg/m(3) for Na. However, compared with the urban site, mean Pb concentration showed an almost two-fold enhancement, i.e., 0.163 Vs. 0.327 microg/m(3). Metals and particle size source identification was done using Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis. Five sources were traced out for the urban site: industrial, soil, automobile emissions, metallurgical industries and excavation activities. For the rural site, four sources were recorded: agricultural, automotive emissions, excavation activities and metallurgical units. Collectively, for both the sites, PM(10-100) emerged as a major contributor to TSP, followed by PM(2.5-10), PM(<2.5) and PM(>100) in that order. The metals showed in general positive relationship with fine particulate fractions (PM(2.5-10), PM(<2.5)), and negative correlation with coarse fractions (PM(10-100), PM(>100)). Comparison with the corresponding data from various Asian sites revealed that the levels of Na, K, Fe, Mn, Co and Ni for the present study were lower than those reported for grossly polluted cities of the world.

Multivariate analysis of the selected metals in the hair of cerebral palsy patients versus controls

Seventeen metals were measured in scalp hair samples from cerebral palsy patients (CPPs) and controls. Samples were collected from 95 CPPs and 93 controls. The nitric acid-perchloric acid wet digestion procedure was used for quantification of the selected metals by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The concentrations of Ag, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Li, and Mg were significantly higher and those of Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, and Sb were lower in the hair of CPPs compared with controls. Astrong positive correlation was found between Ca and Mg in the hair of controls but not in that of CPPs. Antimony was found significantly negative in terms of its correlation with Co and Cu in CPPs group but not in the controls. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the data extracted seven factors for CPPs and six factors for controls. Cluster analysis (CA) was also used to support the PCA results. The study evidenced some specific source of Mg and Sb in the hair of CPPs.

Multivariate analysis of selected metals in tannery effluents and related soil

Effluent and relevant soil samples from 38 tanning units housed in Kasur, Pakistan, were obtained for metal analysis by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. The levels of 12 metals, Na, Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cr, Co, Cd, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined in the two media. The data were evaluated towards metal distribution and metal-to-metal correlations. The study evidenced enhanced levels of Cr (391, 16.7 mg/L) and Na (25,519, 9369 mg/L) in tannery effluents and relevant soil samples, respectively. The effluent versus soil trace metal content relationship confirmed that the effluent Cr was strongly correlated with soil Cr. For metal source identification the techniques of principal component analysis, and cluster analysis were applied. The principal component analysis yielded two factors for effluents: factor 1 (49.6% variance) showed significant loading for Ca, Fe, Mn, Cr, Cd, Ni, Pb and Zn, referring to a tanning related source for these metals, and factor 2 (12.6% variance) with higher loadings of Na, K, Mg and Co, was associated with the processes during the skin/hide treatment. Similarly, two factors with a cumulative variance of 34.8% were obtained for soil samples: factor 1 manifested the contribution from Mg, Mn, Co, Cd, Ni and Pb, which though soil-based is basically effluent-derived, while factor 2 was found associated with Na, K, Ca, Cr and Zn which referred to a tannery-based source. The dendograms obtained from cluster analysis, also support the observed results. The study exhibits a gross pollution of soils with Cr at levels far exceeding the stipulated safe limit laid down for tannery effluents.

A comparative study based on gender and age dependence of selected metals in scalp hair

Levels of 10 metals (Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cd, Co, Cr and Ni) in the scalp hair of male and female donors, with age groups between 3 and 100 years, were determined by ICP-AES. In total, 58 male and 30 female hair samples were analyzed in triplicate. The donors belonged to the rural area of district Chakwal, a well-known typical non-urban site in Pakistan. Calcium showed the highest concentration of 462 microg/g in the hair of males and 870 microg/g in those of females followed by Zn, at 208 and 251 microg/g for the two sexes. For male donors, Cd showed the lowest concentration (1.15 microg/g) while for female donors Co remained at minimum level (0.92 microg/g). The order of decreasing metal concentration in the hair of male donors was: Ca > Zn > Mg > Fe > Cu > Mn > Ni > Cr > Co > Cd while that for female donors it was: Ca > Zn > Mg > Fe > Cu > Mn > Cr > Ni > Cd > Co. The female group exhibited enhanced levels of all selected metals except Fe and Co in their hair as compared with the male counterparts. A strong bivariate positive correlation was found between Fe and Zn (r = 0.841) for the hair samples from male category while for the female category, strong positive correlations were observed between Ca-Mg (r = 0.617), Ca-Zn (r = 0.569), Ca-Mn (r = 0.565), Mg-Mn (r = 0.655), Cr-Cu (r = 0.655) and Cr-Ni (r = 0.685). The distribution of metals in the hair of donors with respect to different age groups was also investigated for both genders. The study showed that in case of males, the concentration of all selected metals decreased with increasing age except for Cu, Co and Cr. However, for females the hair metal levels increased with age, except for Co for which the concentration decreased with age. No appreciable change in the metal concentration was observed as a function of age for the combined sexes.

Distribution of lead in relation to size of airborne particulate matter in Islamabad, Pakistan

Airborne particulate matter (PM) collected from two sampling stations in Islamabad, Pakistan, was analyzed for lead content and size gradation. A high volume air sampler was used to trap particulates on glass fiber filters for 8-12 h on a daily basis. Lead was estimated using a nitric acid digestion based AAS method on 44 samples from station 1 and 61 samples from station 2. Particle size fractions were categorized as <2.5, 2.5-10, 10-100 and >100 microm. The correlation between lead concentration and particle size was investigated. The results from two stations indicated average airborne lead concentrations of 0.505 and 0.185 microg/m3. Enhanced levels of lead were measured at a maximum of 4.075 microg/m3 at station 1 and 4.000 microg/m3 at station 2. PM < 2.5 and PM > 100 were found to constitute the local atmosphere in comparable proportions. A comparison of the lead levels is made with the existing permissible levels of this element laid down by different international agencies.

Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography with induction of anesthesia and neuromuscular blockade in surgical patients

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the cerebral vascular effects of cis-atracurium and rocuronium given after thiopental induction of anesthesia.

DESIGN

Randomized, single-blinded study.

SETTING

University-affiliated hospital.

PATIENTS

39 adult ASA physical status I and II patients undergoing nonintracranial procedures.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients received intravenously (IV), either saline placebo, cis-atracurium, or rocuronium after induction of general anesthesia with thiopental sodium.

MEASUREMENTS

The right middle cerebral artery was insonated using a pulsed-wave range-gated transcranial Doppler, and data were recorded at preinduction, immediately postinduction, at injection of the study drug, and at 15-second intervals for 3 minutes thereafter. The variables recorded for each subject included the systolic, diastolic, and mean flow velocity, as well as pulsality index, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration.

MAIN RESULTS

No significant differences between the groups were present in the postanesthetic induction maximal or minimal mean flow velocity.

CONCLUSIONS

cis-Atracurium and rocuronium, administered after thiopental, do not produce clinically relevant changes in cerebral blood flow velocity.

Nature and frequency of mutations in the argininosuccinate synthetase gene that cause classical citrullinemia

Citrullinemia is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a genetic deficiency of argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS). So far 20 mutations in ASS mRNA have been identified in human classical citrullinemia, including 14 single base changes causing missense mutations in the coding sequence of the enzyme, 4 mutations associated with an absence of exons 5, 6, 7, or 13 in mRNA, 1 mutation with a deletion of the first 7 bases in exon 16 (which is caused by abnormal splicing), and 1 mutation with an insertion of 37 bases between the exon 15 and 16 regions in mRNA. In order to identify the abnormality in the ASS gene causing the exon 7 and 13 deletion mutations and the 37-base insertion mutation between exons 15 and 16 in mRNA, and to establish a DNA diagnostic test, we isolated and sequenced the genomic DNA surrounding each exon. The absence of exon 7 or 13 in ASS mRNA resulted from abnormal splicing caused by a single base change in the intron region: IVS-6(-2) (a transition of A to G at the second nucleotide position within the 3' splice cleavage site of intron 6) and IVS-13(+5) (a transition of G to A at the fifth nucleotide position within the 5' splice cleavage site of intron 13), respectively. The IVS-6(-2) mutation resulted in the creation of an MspI restriction site. DNA diagnostic analysis of 33 Japanese alleles with classical citrullinemia showed that 19 alleles had the IVS-6(-2) mutation (over 50% of the mutated alleles in Japanese patients). It was thus confirmed that one mutation is predominant in Japan. This differs from the situation in the USA where there is far greater heterogeneity. The insertion mutation in mRNA on the other hand resulted from abnormal splicing caused by a 13-bp deletion at the splice-junction between exon 15 and intron 15. The deletion had a short direct repeat (CTCAGG) at the breakpoint junction and presumably resulted from slipped mispairing.

Mutations in argininosuccinate synthetase mRNA in Japanese patients, causing classical citrullinemia

Images

Mutations in argininosuccinate synthetase mRNA of Japanese patients, causing classical citrullinemia

Citrullinemia is an autosomal recessive disease caused by a genetic deficiency of argininosuccinate synthetase. In order to characterize mutations in Japanese patients with classical citrullinemia, RNA isolated from 10 unrelated patients was reverse-transcribed, and cDNA amplified by PCR was cloned and sequenced. The 10 mutations identified included 6 missense mutations (A118T, A192V, R272C, G280R, R304W, and R363L), 2 mutations associated with an absence of an exon 7 or exon 13, 1 mutation with a deletion of the first 7 bp in exon 16 (which might be caused by abnormal splicing), and 1 mutation with an insertion of 37 bp within exons 15 and 16 in cDNA. The insertion mutation and the five missense mutations (R304W being excluded) are new mutations described in the present paper. These are in addition to 14 mutations (9 missense mutations, 4 mutations associated with an absence of an exon in mRNA, and 1 splicing mutation) that we identified previously in mainly American patients with neonatal citrullinemia. Two of these 20 mutations, a deletion of exon 13 sequence and a 7-bp deletion in exon 16, were common to Japanese and American populations from different ethnic backgrounds; however, other mutations were unique to each population. Furthermore, the presence of a frequent mutation--the exon 7 deletion mutation in mRNA, which accounts for 10 of 23 affected alleles--was demonstrated in Japanese citrullinemia. This differs from the situation in the United States, where there was far greater heterogeneity of mutations.

Characterization of human wild-type and mutant argininosuccinate synthetase proteins expressed in bacterial cells

Argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) is a urea cycle enzyme with a tetrameric structure composed of identical subunits. Citrullinemia is an autosomal recessive disease caused by a deficiency of ASS. We have previously identified 20 mutations in ASS mRNA of human classical citrullinemia. However, it is difficult to evaluate the effects of each mutation on the enzyme structure and function, since most of the patients are compound heterozygotes. In the present study, wild-type ASS and 12 mutant ASSs were expressed with a bacterial expression system and analyzed enzymologically and immunochemically. The properties of the purified recombinant protein with wild-type human ASS showed good agreement with native enzyme purified from human liver. Mutant ASS proteins with an expected molecular mass, except for delta 7b/Ex16, were highly expressed in the bacterial cells. It was difficult to extract ASS proteins with some mutations (A118T, delta Ex7, R157H, R363W, R363L, G390R and ins37b/Ex15&16) from cells by freezing and thawing. Extractable mutant proteins were as follows: G280R mutant was extracted with an amount of ASS protein similar to wild-type but with no ASS activity, and A192V, R272C and R304W mutants detected various amounts of ASS protein (13, 110 and 33% of wild-type, respectively) with a low ASS activity and abnormal kinetics. Higher Km values for citrulline were obtained in mutant ASSs with A192V (15 mmol/1), R272C (4.2 mmol/l) and R304W. (190 mmol/l) than in wild-type ASS (0.056 mmol/l). The results confirm that these mutations are responsible for ASS deficiency and also indicate that these amino acid residues are important for the function and structure of ASS protein.

A search for the primary abnormality in adult-onset type II citrullinemia

Deficiency of argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) causes citrullinemia in human beings. Type II citrullinemia is found in most patients with adult-onset citrullinemia in Japan, and ASS deficiency is found specifically in the liver. Previous studies have shown that the decrease of hepatic ASS activity is caused by a decrease in enzyme protein with normal kinetic properties and that there were no apparent abnormalities in the amount, translational activity, and gross structure of hepatic ASS mRNA. In the present work, we show by sequencing analysis that there was no mutation in the ASS mRNA from two patients with type II citrullinemia. We also report RFLP analysis of a consanguineous family with type II citrullinemia, by using three DNA polymorphisms located within the ASS gene locus. In spite of having consanguineous parents, the patient was not a homozygous haplotype for the ASS gene. The RFLP analysis of 16 affected patients from consanguineous parents showed that 5 of 16 patients had the heterozygous pattern for one of the three DNA probes and that the frequency of the heterozygous haplotype was not different from the control frequency. These results suggest that the primary defect of type II citrullinemia is not within the ASS gene locus.

Interactions between growth and nutrient status in school-age children of urban Bangladesh

The relationship between biochemical, anthropometric, and sociodemographic indexes was investigated in 242 children aged 5-12 y from five schools in Dhaka City, Bangladesh. As height-for-age increased so too did the mean serum concentrations of hemoglobin, protein, vitamin A, and zinc; serum copper concentrations were highest in the shortest group. Serum copper concentrations were highest in those with the lowest serum vitamin A concentrations. By multiple regression analysis, family income, age, weight-for-age, hemoglobin, and serum copper were strongly related to serum vitamin A. For every unit change in serum vitamin A there was a 4.92 unit change in hemoglobin, when all the other factors were taken into account. This study shows that there is a complex interaction between concentrations of biochemical indexes of nutritional status and other anthropometric, biochemical, and sociodemographic variables.

Effect of family size and income on the biochemical indices of urban school children of Bangladesh

The relationship between family size and income and the biochemical indices of 242 children (aged from 5 to 12 years) from five schools in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, was investigated. Socio-economic data were collected by questionnaire and blood samples were drawn by visiting each school on a prefixed date. Mean levels of all measures, except for serum zinc, fell within the normal range. Older boys, but not girls (10-12 years of age) had statistically significantly higher haemoglobin, serum protein and serum vitamin A levels compared with those of the younger boys (5-9 years of age). The children were divided into three family size groups (small, up to 4 members; medium, 5-7 members; and large, 8 or more) to investigate the effect of family size on the biochemical data. The children from smaller families showed significantly higher levels of haemoglobin and serum vitamin A compared with the children from large families. For serum protein, copper and zinc, there was no statistically significant difference between the children of different family size groups. To analyse the effect of family income, children were divided into three income groups (low, up to taka 2000; medium, taka 2001-4500; and high, 4501 or more). The children from the low family income group had significantly lower serum protein (7.5 g/100 ml) and haemoglobin (13.4 g/100 ml) levels compared with those of the children from the high family income group (for protein, 7.7 g/100 ml and haemoglobin, 14.1 g/100 ml).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of socio-demographic conditions on growth of urban school children of Bangladesh

The relationship between socio-demographic variables and growth of 242 school children from five schools in Dhaka city, Bangladesh, was investigated. The socio-demographic data were collected by questionnaire and the anthropometric data were collected by visits to each school on a prefixed date. Children from the high-family-income group showed significantly higher body weight, height, MUAC, SFT, wt/age, and ht/age compared with children from the low-family-income group. When the effect of age, sex, father's occupation and family size were adjusted for by means of multiple analysis of variance, the family income still showed a significant contribution to the variation in the anthropometric indices of these children. These findings suggest that family income makes a significant contribution as a determinant of growth of urban school children in Bangladesh.