Streptococcal antibodies among rural school children in Bangladesh

The upper limit of normal values of group A streptococcal antibodies should be known for a population concerned because it is influenced by many local conditions. As yet the reference value of the these antibodies has not been determined by using a quantitative method among Bangladeshi children. We determined the reference value of anti-streptolysin O and anti-deoxyribonuclease B among 361 apparently healthy rural Bangladeshi primary school children (aged 5 to 14 years, mean 9.2 years). Anti-streptolysin O was measured by an auto-analyzer and antideoxyribonuclease B was measured by microtitre method. The geometric mean titres for the entire group was 241 IU/ml and 222 IU/ml for anti-streptolysin O and anti-deoxyribonuclease B respectively. The upper limit of normal values (80th percentile) was 390 and 340 for anti-streptolysin O and anti-deoxyribonuclease B, respectively. These limits should be of value to physicians, epidemiologists and clinical laboratory personnel as well.

Reference value of immunoglobulins in healthy school children of Bangladesh

The reference value of immunoglobulins (Igs) should be known for a population concerned because it is influenced by many clinical and local conditions. As yet the reference value of the Igs have not been determined in Bangladeshi children. This study determined the reference value of Igs in apparently healthy 261 rural Bangladeshi primary school children (aged 5 to 14 years, mean 9.3 years). IgG, IgM and IgA were determined by an auto-analyzer. The mean (standard deviation) value of IgG was 1728 (344) mg/dl. The corresponding values for IgM and IgA were 200 (88) and 163 (63) mg/dl, respectively. The 95% reference value calculation in all subjects showed that the range for IgG was 1103 to 2524, IgM was 92 to 390, and IgA was 72 to 325 mg/dl. These values could be used to evaluate Ig status in children with a variety of clinical conditions.

New antioxidant and antimicrobial ellagic acid derivatives from Pteleopsis hylodendron

Bioassay-guided isolation of two new compounds, 3,4-methylenedioxy-3'-O-methyl-4'-O-glucoside ellagic acid (1) and the pteleoellagic acid derivative (2), from the stem bark of Pteleopsis hylodendron is reported along with 3,4-methylenedioxy-3'-O-methyl ellagic acid (3), 3,3'-di-O-methyl ellagic acid (4) and 3,3',4'-tri-O-methyl ellagic acid (5), which were obtained for the first time from this plant. The structures of these compounds were elucidated with the help of spectroscopic studies. Compounds 1 and 4 were found to have significant antioxidant activity, while compounds 1-4 showed antibacterial activity against different pathogenic bacteria.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate in healthy school children of Bangladesh

The reference value of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) should be established for a population concerned because it is influenced by many local conditions. It has not yet been determined in healthy children of Bangladesh. This study was done to determine the reference value of ESR in Bangladeshi children. ESR was determined in a sample of 413 'healthy' primary school students (259 boys and 154 girls, mean age 8.7 years). Ninety-five percent of them had ESR < or = 30 mm (Westergren 1 h). Our findings suggest that ESR value > 30 mm (Westergren 1 h) should be considered high in Bangladeshi primary school children.

A trial on the Effects of Life Style Interventions in High-Normal Blood Pressure

Background: This experimental (Intervention) study was conducted with objective of evaluating the outcome of non-pharmacological approach (lifestyle intervention) through reducing the modifiable risk factors on high normal blood pressure or pre-hypertension (systolic blood pressure130- 139mm of Hg and diastolic blood pressure 85-89 mm of Hg).The study was provided risk reduction management intervention was given on subjects of high normal blood pressure through adequate physical activity, tobacco cessation, dietary advice for unhealthy to healthy diet, reduction of salt intake, reduction of over weight & stress management etc. Materials and methods: The study was conducted among 434 respondents aged 30 -50 years during the period from June 2008 to May 2009 with intervention for 6 months.Random sampling, those cases were fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion. High-normal BP were found out through BP measurement & clinical examination then sample population were selected by randomization: odds numbers in study group (intervention group) and even numbers in control group (comparision group). After obtaing informed consent data were collected by interview, clinical examination, anthropometric measurement and investigations. It was three phases, first phase were case identification & intervention for study group, second phase was follow up and third phase was outcome measurement for both groups. Cases were hold a record card with contact number. Results: After six month mean difference of blood pressure, lipid profile, weight were changed both the groups but changed was significant in the study group. Mean systolic blood pressure reduced 4.1±6.0 in the study group and 1.2±6.4 in the control group,(p< 0.001). Mean diastolic pressure reduced 3.5±4.9 in study group and 1.2±6.4 in control group (p<0.001). Mean total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides decreased in the study group 19.7±18.6, 10.6±14.6 and 15.4 ±21 respectivley and in control group mean of all these parameters decreased to 11.5±16.5, 5.1±12.9 and 6.7±23.2 respectively. Mean HDL cholesterol for men and women in the study group was raised to 5.6±5.9 and 4.5± 6.4 respectively (p<0.001). Mean weight reduced 1.94±1.59 in study group and 0.06±1.44 in the control group (p<0.001).Conclusion: The final outcome of the study was that mean high normal blood pressure was found to reduced due to intervention of non- pharmacological management. So, If we encourages subjects after 40 years for routine health check up in hospital setting & service for risk factor detection & management (preventive cardiology), we will reduce the risk factors of high normal blood pressure (pre-hypertension) & cardiovascular diseases to some extent. Encourages population to stay with normal blood pressure & healthy life style. Keywords: High-normal blood pressure; Pre-hypertension; Life style modification; Nonpharmacological intervention. DOI: 10.3329/cardio.v2i2.6639Cardiovasc. j. 2010; 2(2) : 195-203