Incidence of Diabetes Insipidus in Postoperative Period among the Patients Undergoing Pituitary Tumour Surgery

Post operative complications after pituitary tumour surgery vary according to procedure. There are several surgical procedures being done such as transcranial, transsphenoidal microsurgical and transsphenoidal endoscopic approaches. One of the commonest complications is diabetes insipidus (DI). Our main objective was to find out the incidence of diabetes insipidus in post operative period among patients undergoing surgical intervention for pituitary tumour in our institute. The presence of diabetes insipidus in the postoperative period was established by measuring serum Na+ concentration, hourly urine output and urinary specific gravity to find out the incidence of diabetes insipidus in postoperative period in relation to age, gender, tumour diameter, function of tumour (i.e., either hormone secreting or not) and operative procedure used for surgical resection of pituitary tumor. As it is the most common postoperative complication so, in this study we tried to find out how many of the patients develop diabetes insipidus in postoperative period following surgical resection of pituitary tumour. This cross sectional type of observational study was carried out in the department of Neurosurgery, BSMMU from May 2014 to October 2015 on 33 consecutive patients who underwent surgical intervention for pituitary tumour for the first time. Data was collected by using a data collection sheet. The incidence of diabetes insipidus was found 23.1% of patients in <30 year age group, 38.5% of patients in 31-40 year age group and 38.5% of patients in ≥40 year age group (p=0.764). In case of distribution of patients according to gender 38.5% of male and 61.5% of female developed diabetes insipidus (p=0.073). Regarding tumour size 30.8% and 69.2% of patients developed diabetes insipidus having tumour diameter <30mm and ≥30mm respectively (p=0.590). In case of operative procedure 69.2% of patients developed diabetes insipidus who was operated by transsphenoidal endoscopic approach, 23.1% and 7.7% of patients developed diabetes insipidus who underwent pituitary tumour resection through transsphenoidal microscopic approach and transcranial microscopic approach respectively (p=0.432). 17.6% of patients develop DI having functioning pituitary macroadenoma and 62.5% of patients develop DI having nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenoma. This observational study has been performed to find out the incidence of diabetes insipidus. Incidence of postoperative DI is more at or around the age of 40 years. It is slightly predominant in female. Most of the patients manifest DI in the first 24 hours of surgical intervention. Incidence of DI is low among patients having functioning pituitary macroadenoma.

Acinar Cell Carcinoma of the Pancreas: A Case Report

Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) of the pancreas is a very rare neoplasm. We report a case of pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma involving the uncinate process of the pancreas. A 45 year old man presented with a painful upper abdominal mass without any jaundice or weight loss. Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Cholangio-Pancreatography (MRCP) indicated a mass lesion in the uncinate process of the pancreas. He underwent Whipple's procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy). Histological slides revealed features of Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) in the uncinate process of the pancreas and a lymph node.

Methods and methodology for FTIR spectral correction of channel spectra and uncertainty, applied to ferrocene

We present methodology for the first FTIR measurements of ferrocene using dilute wax solutions for dispersion and to preserve non-crystallinity; a new method for removal of channel spectra interference for high quality data; and a consistent approach for the robust estimation of a defined uncertainty for advanced structural χ_r² analysis and mathematical hypothesis testing. While some of these issues have been investigated previously, the combination of novel approaches gives markedly improved results. Methods for addressing these in the presence of a modest signal and how to quantify the quality of the data irrespective of preprocessing for subsequent hypothesis testing are applied to the FTIR spectra of Ferrocene (Fc) and deuterated ferrocene (dFc, Fc-d₁₀) collected at the THz/Far-IR beam-line of the Australian Synchrotron at operating temperatures of 7K through 353K.

Bioactive calcium phosphate-based glasses and ceramics and their biomedical applications: A review

An overview of the formation of calcium phosphate under in vitro environment on the surface of a range of bioactive materials (e.g. from silicate, borate, and phosphate glasses, glass-ceramics, bioceramics to metals) based on recent literature is presented in this review. The mechanism of bone-like calcium phosphate (i.e. hydroxyapatite) formation and the test protocols that are either already in use or currently being investigated for the evaluation of the bioactivity of biomaterials are discussed. This review also highlights the effect of chemical composition and surface charge of materials, types of medium (e.g. simulated body fluid, phosphate-buffered saline and cell culture medium) and test parameters on their bioactivity performance. Finally, a brief summary of the biomedical applications of these newly formed calcium phosphate (either in the form of amorphous or apatite) is presented.

Conformation Analysis of Ferrocene and Decamethylferrocene via Full-Potential Modeling of XANES and XAFS Spectra

Recent high-accuracy X-ray absorption measurements of the sandwich organometallics ferrocene (Fc) and decamethylferrocene (DmFc) at temperatures close to liquid helium are compared with new full-potential modeling of X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) covering the near-edge region (XANES) and above up to k = 7 Å(-1). The implementation of optimized calculations of the oscillatory part of the spectrum from the package FDMX allows detailed study of the spectra in regions of the photoelectron momentum most sensitive to differences in the molecular stereochemistry. For Fc and DmFc, this corresponds to the relative rotation of the cyclopentadienyl rings. When applied to high-accuracy XAFS of Fc and DmFc, the FDMX theory gives clear evidence for the eclipsed conformation for Fc and the staggered conformation for DmFc for frozen solutions at ca. 15 K. This represents the first clear experimental assignment of the solution structures of Fc and DmFc and reveals the potential of high-accuracy XAFS for structural analysis.

Field Performance Evaluation of Push Type Prilled Urea Applicator in Rice Cultivation

CORRECTION: Due to a number of formatting and layout issues, the PDF of this paper was replaced on 10th October 2016. The page numbers of this article have changed from 68-78 to 71-81.BRRI prilled urea applicator was designed and developed to facilitate deep placement of regular urea. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of BRRI prilled urea applicator in the farmers’ fields at Gosaidanga in Shailkupaupazila under Jhenaidah district and at Rashidpur in Mithapukurupazila under Rangpur district during Boro 2015 season. Three treatments: hand broadcasting of urea (recommended dose) (HB), BRRI prilled urea applicator (70% of the recommended dose) (PUA) and BRRI USG applicator (70% of the recommended dose) (USGA) were compared in the experiments. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated in four farmers’ plots in each location using BRRI dhan28 as test crop both the locations. Prior to field experiment, prilled urea applicator was calibrated and urea dispensed was set to 14 gm in one revolution of drive wheel for Boro season. The field capacity of the PUA and USGA was almost similar (0.09-0.10 ha hr-1) in both the locations. Field efficiency of PUA and USGA had 64-65 and 68-69 percent, respectively. PUA and USGA saved 29-32 percent urea fertilizer compared to HB whereas labour requirement of HB (3.74-4.04 man-hr ha-1) in three splits showed similar to single application of urea by PUA (3.68-4.00 man-hr ha-1) and USGA (3.78-3.97 man-hr ha-1). Urea application cost in HB, PUA and USGA was Tk 4,624, 3,216-3,424 and 3,305-3,483 per hectare in both the locations. Prilled urea application method reduced the production cost. Urea application methods showed insignificant effect on grain yield. BRRI prilled urea safely dispensed urea fertilizer in subsurface, increased the efficacy of urea fertilizer and saved urea fertilizer without sacrificing grain yield. BRRI prilled urea applicator could be a viable technology in rice cultivation. Extensive dissemination works should be undertaken in different agro-ecological zones for wide spread adoption of the applicator.Bangladesh Rice j. 2015, 19(2): 71-81

A Community study of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in middle-aged Bangladeshi population

Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is the occurrence of repetitive episodes of complete or partial upper airway obstruction during sleep in association with loud snoring and daytime sleepiness and is a risk factor for hypertension, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and more. The present study was performed to assess the prevalence as well as the clinical and anthropometric predictors of OSAHS in an urban community of middle aged Bangladeshi population. The study was a cross-sectional, community-based prevalence study which was performed in an urban community in Dhanmondi Thana Pourashava of Dhaka city from July 2007 to June 2008. About 2500 citizens, aged 30-60 years were included in the study. In stage one of the study, they were informed about the polysomnography (PSG) study (stage two of the study) and 2250 of them gave consent. Subjects were then divided into habitual (495) and non-habitual snorers (1755). Among 2250 subjects, the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea (OSAH) in habitual snorers was 48.33% (239/495), and that in non-habitual snorers was 1.66% (29/1755). So, the overall prevalence of OSAH in the screened population was 11.91%, and that of OSAHS was 3.29%. Likewise, the prevalence of OSAH and OSAHS in men were 17.37% and 4.49%, respectively and 6.25% and 2.14% in women. Multivariate analysis revealed that male gender, age, obesity (defined by a high body mass index), waist/hip ratio were significant risk factors for OSAHS. These findings can help us in identifying the prevalence of OSAHS in the community and further planning in the management of obesity and cardiovascular diseases.

Serum Glucose Level in First and Third Trimester of Pregnancy

In the present study serum glucose were estimated in pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy and third trimester of pregnancy to observe the frequency of hyperglycemia during pregnancy and to assess the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus. This study was a cross sectional study, carried out in the Department of Physiology of Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh from July 2014 to June 2015. For this purpose, total 300 women with age ranged from 18 to 35 years were selected and divided into 100 healthy non pregnant women as control group and 200 normal pregnant women as study group. Study group was further divided into 100 pregnant women in first trimester of pregnancy and 100 pregnant women in third trimester of pregnancy. Diagnosed case of type I and type II diabetes, hypothyroidism, cushing's syndrome, polycystic ovary, antipsychotic drug users, regular steroid users were excluded from this study. Serum glucose was evaluated by the glucose-oxidase principle by GOD-PAP method in women with 1st trimester of pregnancy, 3rd trimester of pregnancy and in non pregnant women. Statistical analysis of data was done by unpaired student's t test. The results showed that the serum glucose levels increased significantly in third trimester and the value is not significant in first trimester. The increasing frequency of serum glucose level in third trimester may predispose the women to hyperglycemia of pregnancy or gestational diabetes mellitus.

SUBCLINICAL MASTITIS IN LACTATING COWS: COMPARISON OF FOUR SCREENING TESTS AND EFFECT OF ANIMAL FACTORS ON ITS OCCURRENCE

A total of 444 quarter milk samples from 111 crossbred dairy cows were subjected to California mastitis test (CMT), somatic cell count (SCC) test, white side test (WST) and surf field mastitis (SFMT) test to quantify their efficacy in detecting sub clinical mastitis in dairy cows of Bangladesh during the period from 2010 to 2011.Milk samples positive by CMT, SCC, WST and SFMT were 265,230, 225 and 222 respectively. All samples were subjected to cultural isolation (gold standard test for comparison of indirect mastitis tests). Of these, 261 samples were positive by cultural isolation. The sensitivity of the CMT, SCC, WST and SFMT were 80.08%, 86.60%, 60.54% and 57.47%; specificity 69.40%, 97.81%, 63.38% and 60.66%; percentage accuracy 75.68%,91.22%, 61.71%  and 58.78%; positive predictive value 78.87%, 98.26%, 70.22% and 67.57%; and negative predictive value 70.95%, 83.64%, 52.97% and 50%respectively. Quarter-wise sub clinical mastitis (SCM) was detected in 59.68%, 51.80%, 50.68% and 50% samples by CMT, SCC, WST and SFMT, respectively, while animal-wise SCM was recorded in 72.07%, 66.67%, 64.86% and 61.26% samples by CMT, SCC, WST and SFMT, respectively. The right hind quarters were most significantly (p<0.001) susceptible to SCM than other quarters. Cows with 3rd and 4th parity and at their early lactation stage had significantly higher (p<0.001) SCM than others. Kappa value of SCC was higher than that of CMT. CMT was concluded to be the most accurate test after cultural isolation and SCC. Unlike laboratory tests as cultural isolation and SCC that require adequate laboratory facilities and skilled personnel, CMT is a reliable diagnostic method in field conditions.

Total Serum IgE Level Estimation in Asthma Patient and Healthy Volunteers in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Bangladesh

A strong association between total serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, skin test reactivity to aeroallergens, and asthma phenotype was found in previous studies. The current study has been undertaken to observe the total serum IgE level in asthmatic patients compared with normal healthy volunteers (control) of Bangladeshi subjects and to see its prospect in diagnostic aid. This case-control study was carried out in the department of Respiratory Medicine of National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital (NIDCH), Dhaka during the period from July 2008 to June 2009. Four hundred & eight (408) cases (asthmatics matching age, sex and geographic location) and 478 controls (non-asthmatics matching age, sex and geographic location) were studied. The level of serum IgE was found more in asthma patients than control group which were 345.88 and 224.64 respectively (p<0.001). In both group, serum IgE level was more in male than female. There was wide variation in serum IgE level in both the asthma and control group (4.2 to 3471.0 iu/ml in asthma group and 1.2 to 1045.7 iu/ml in control). Considerable overlap has been observed between the IgE values of control and asthma group. Due to this overlap its diagnostic significance in allergic condition in Bangladeshi population seems to be limited.

Status of Serum Zinc in Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis

Zinc plays a vital role in the immune status. Its deficiency affects host defense by reducing the number of circulating T cells and phagocytosis activity of other cells which ultimately impair cell mediated immunity. The cell-mediated immunity plays a major role in the causation of pulmonary tuberculosis. The present study was carried out to estimate serum zinc level in newly detected multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in adult population. In this study total fifty (50) MDR-TB patients were enrolled conveniently from the in-patients departments of National Institute of Diseases of the Chest Hospital (NIDCH), Bangladesh. Serum zinc was estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry method from early morning fasting blood sample. Serum zinc level was assessed according to normal cut-off value 70-120 μgm/dl and 76% studied population were found lower than this value. The mean±SD serum zinc level was observed 60.40±8.91 μgm/dl. No associations were found between serum zinc level with age (p=0.11) and with sex (p=0.085) of the study population respectively. The low level of serum zinc in MDR-TB patients suggested impaired immune status of our study population.

Determination of Insulin Secretory Defect and Insulin Sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects in Bangladesh

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is defined as a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. This study was undertaken to explore the basic defect in type 2 diabetes patients in Bangladesh. This was an observational study with case control design, was conducted in the Biomedical Research Group, Research Division, Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM), Dhaka, Bangladesh, during the period of July 2008 to June 2009. A total of 153 subjects were included in study of which 63 belonged to type 2 diabetes mellitus group and 90 were healthy controls. Fasting and 2 hours postprandial blood glucose, serum insulin, HOMA%B, HOMA%S, QuickI, Glucose /insulin ratio, TG were measured and age, BMI, WHR were recorded. Waist-hip ratio (WHR), was significantly higher in T2DM as compared to control subjects [WHR, mean±SD, 0.94±0.12 vs. 0.88±0.06, p<0.001]; Glucose and insulin ratio of T2DM was significantly higher as compared to control subject [Glu: Ins, Median (range) of 0.54 (0.17-2.33) vs. 0.37(0.06-1.52)]. Insulin secretion (HOMA%B) was significantly lower in diabetic as compared to control subjects [HOMA%B, median (range), 71(4.90-391) vs. 180(59-634) p<0.001]; The quantitative insulin sensitivity check Index (QUICKI) of diabetic subjects were significantly higher as compared to control [QUICKI median (range) 39.90(4.80-138.10) vs. 0.55(0.36-0.85), <0.001]. Triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (Chol) were significantly higher [(mg/dl), (mean±SD), TG (142±80.14) vs. (142±80.14); Chol (189±50.76) vs. (172±45), p=0.029] in T2DM as compared to control subjects. Those with diabetes showed significant association with insulin secretory defect (HOMA%B, p=0.006) and insulin resistance as assessed by GINR (p<0.001) and QuickI (p<0.001) but not by HOMA%S (p=0.127). The present data suggest that both insulin secretory defect and insulin sensitivity are present in T2 diabetic subjects of Bangladesh.

Blood Pressure in Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a great stressful physiological condition in women during their reproductive period. During pregnancy several hemodynamic, biochemical and hematological modifications occur as a part of the physiological adaptation of the body. Changes in blood pressure occur in third trimester of pregnancy, which may be associated with increased maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, from July 2013 to June 2014. Study subjects were selected by following purposive sampling procedure and the protocol of this study was approved by Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) of Mymensingh. This study enrolled 100 pregnant women of third trimester of pregnancy and 100 aged matched non-pregnant women from Mymensingh district. Mean systolic blood pressure in study group were 124.8±14.51 mm of Hg and in control group were 106.50±10.67 mm of Hg, which was statistically increased. Diastolic blood pressure in study group was 83.00±13.37 mm of Hg and in control group 71.05±7.12 mm of Hg, which was also statistically significant. The changes in blood pressure in third trimester of pregnancy is the major concern of developing the risk of pre-eclampsia & eclampsia, and increased prevalence of IUGR, pre-maturity and perinatal mortality. This study reveals significant changes of blood pressure during third trimester of pregnancy.

Biomass Fuel Smoke and Tuberculosis: A Case-Control Study

This case control study was done to ascertain the association between exposures to biomass cooking fuel smoke and pulmonary tuberculosis. Cases were all newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients, randomly collected from the Hospital (DOTS centers) Registry from January 2012 to June 2012 from two Upazillas of Sirajganj district, Bangladesh. A home visitation program was done subsequently. Healthy controls were recruited from the neighbourhood of each case through a predefined procedure. Total 276 new pulmonary tuberculosis cases and 276 neighbourhood controls were enrolled. A semi-structured questionnaire containing demographic information, smoking habits, cooking place, kitchen condition, use of biomass fuel for cooking was used for interview. Crude (unadjusted) odd ratios and their corresponding 95% confidence limits for independent variables were determined by binary logistic regression. All significant variables were entered into a multivariate conditional logistic regression model and a final fitted model was determined by backward elimination methods. In univariate analysis, member of a nuclear family {Unadjusted odd ratio (Unadj. OR) 1.570, 95% CI 1.008-2.44)}, having non-formal education (Unadj. OR 2.739, 95% CI 1.219, 6.153) or primary (Unadj. OR 3.407, 95% CI 1.492, 7.782) to secondary level (Unadj. OR 2.392, 95% CI 1.032, 5.544) education, using cow dung (Unadj. OR 3.961, 95% CI 1.267, 12.376) and biomass fuel i.e. plant origin (Unadj. OR 3.382, 95% CI 1.087, 10.518) for cooking, past smoker (Unadj. OR 2.504, 95% CI 1.061, 5.910), using open oven (Unadj. OR 3.109, 95% CI 0.995, 9.716), having small kitchen area (Unadj. OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.989, 0.999) all were significantly associated with tuberculosis. When all significant variables were entered into a multivariate conditional logistic regression model nuclear family {Adjusted odd ratio (Adj OR) 1.808, 95% CI 1.127, 2.9)}, primary level education (Adj OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.23, 6.647) and non formal education (Adj OR 2.312, 95% CI 1.013, 5.276), biomass fuel (plant origin, Adj OR 3.497, 95% CI 1.059, 11.55), and cow dung (Adj OR 4.368, 95% CI 1.319, 14.464)) used in cooking and irregular smoker (who stop smoking at least 6 month back) (Adj OR 2.806, 95% CI 1.141, 6.901) were significantly associated with tuberculosis cases. From this study significant association have been found between exposure to combustion of biomass cooking fuel and tuberculosis.

Setting research priorities to improve global newborn health and prevent stillbirths by 2025

Background

In 2013, an estimated 2.8 million newborns died and 2.7 million were stillborn. A much greater number suffer from long term impairment associated with preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, congenital anomalies, and perinatal or infectious causes. With the approaching deadline for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015, there was a need to set the new research priorities on newborns and stillbirth with a focus not only on survival but also on health, growth and development. We therefore carried out a systematic exercise to set newborn health research priorities for 2013–2025.

Methods

We used adapted Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) methods for this prioritization exercise. We identified and approached the 200 most productive researchers and 400 program experts, and 132 of them submitted research questions online. These were collated into a set of 205 research questions, sent for scoring to the 600 identified experts, and were assessed and scored by 91 experts.

Results

Nine out of top ten identified priorities were in the domain of research on improving delivery of known interventions, with simplified neonatal resuscitation program and clinical algorithms and improved skills of community health workers leading the list. The top 10 priorities in the domain of development were led by ideas on improved Kangaroo Mother Care at community level, how to improve the accuracy of diagnosis by community health workers, and perinatal audits. The 10 leading priorities for discovery research focused on stable surfactant with novel modes of administration for preterm babies, ability to diagnose fetal distress and novel tocolytic agents to delay or stop preterm labour.

Conclusion

These findings will assist both donors and researchers in supporting and conducting research to close the knowledge gaps for reducing neonatal mortality, morbidity and long term impairment. WHO, SNL and other partners will work to generate interest among key national stakeholders, governments, NGOs, and research institutes in these priorities, while encouraging research funders to support them. We will track research funding, relevant requests for proposals and trial registers to monitor if the priorities identified by this exercise are being addressed.

Gender Variation in the Risk Factors with Ischemic Stroke: Bangladesh Perspective

It is suggested in different studies that gender has a great impact on the distribution of risk factors of stroke. This study aims at determining the gender differences in risk factors of acute ischemic stroke among male and female patients. Data extracted for this study were taken from a case control study which was carried out in the departments of Neurology and Medicine of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital (ShSMCH) Dhaka from July 2009 to June 2011. We collected data of 125 patients with ischemic stroke and 129 healthy controls from the primary source. All secondary data were divided on the basis of gender. Among all male respondents 70 stroke patients were considered as case and 72 healthy respondents were considered as control and in female group 55 were stroke patients (case) and 57 were healthy control. Risk factors of stroke for male and female were evaluated separately. After multivariate analysis ever smoking (both present and ex smoker) (adj. OR 3.799, 95% CI 1.416, 10.19), diabetes mellitus (adj. OR 5.687, 95% CI 1.99, 16.26), hypertension (adj. OR 18.53, 95% CI 6.43, 53.4) and total cholesterol (adj. OR 1.017, 95% CI 1.01, 1.03) were found significant predictors for stroke in male whereas diabetes mellitus (adj. OR 6.989, 95% CI 1.54, 31.64), hypertension (adj. OR 17.85, 95% CI 5.1, 62.38), serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) (adj. OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.013, 1.07) and serum triglyceride (TG) (adj. OR 1.012, 95% CI 1.004, 1.02) were found significant in female. Besides taking the controlling measure for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, life style modification is an important factor to prevent stroke in both sexes.

Current status of subclinical form of babesiosis and anaplasmosis in cattle at Rangpur district in Bangladesh

Babesiosis and anaplasmosis are important tick borne diseases and they are responsible for significant economic losses for livestock industry worldwide. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in randomly selected 400 cattle at two upazilas of Rangpur district in Bangladesh, to estimate the prevalence and identify the risk factors of Babesia and Anaplasma infections. Microscopic examination of Giemsa’s stained blood films was carried out for the tentative diagnosis of infections. Multiplex PCR was also performed to confirm microscopically positive samples. To identify the risk factors, odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated. The overall prevalence of Babesia and Anaplasma infections were 1.5% and 3.5%, respectively. The prevalence of Babesia infections recorded in Gangachara and Pirgachaupazilas were 1.3% and 1.7%, respectively while it was 3.8% and 3.3%, respectively for Anaplasma infection. Insignificantly higher prevalence of both infections was recorded in crossbred cattle than those of indigenous cattle. Female cattle had insignificantly higher infection (3.8%) with Anaplasma than the male cattle (2.3%) while no infection with Babesia was found in any male cattle. None of the calves (?1 yr) had infection with either organism. However, infection with both organisms was more prevalent in young cattle (>1-2.5 yr) than those of adult cattle (>2.5 yr). The availability of blood sucking ticks was one of the potential risk factors for both infections (OR = 6-7). Age (>1-2.5 yr) was identified as another important risk factor which had significant association with the occurrence of Anaplasma infection (OR = 4.36). The information generated from this study could be useful as basic information for further advanced epidemiological study and formulation of control measures of the tick borne diseases.Progressive Agriculture 26:51-59, 2015

Structure determination from XAFS using high-accuracy measurements of x-ray mass attenuation coefficients of silver, 11 keV-28 keV, and development of an all-energies approach to local dynamical analysis of bond length, revealing variation of effective thermal contributions across the XAFS spectrum

We use the x-ray extended range technique (XERT) to experimentally determine the mass attenuation coefficient of silver in the x-ray energy range 11 kev-28 kev including the silver K absorption edge. The results are accurate to better than 0.1%, permitting critical tests of atomic and solid state theory. This is one of the most accurate demonstrations of cross-platform accuracy in synchrotron studies thus far. We derive the mass absorption coefficients and the imaginary component of the form factor over this range. We apply conventional XAFS analytic techniques, extended to include error propagation and uncertainty, yielding bond lengths accurate to approximately 0.24% and thermal Debye-Waller parameters accurate to 30%. We then introduce the FDMX technique for accurate analysis of such data across the full XAFS spectrum, built on full-potential theory, yielding a bond length accuracy of order 0.1% and the demonstration that a single Debye parameter is inadequate and inconsistent across the XAFS range. Two effective Debye-Waller parameters are determined: a high-energy value based on the highly-correlated motion of bonded atoms (σ(DW) = 0.1413(21) Å), and an uncorrelated bulk value (σ(DW) = 0.1766(9) Å) in good agreement with that derived from (room-temperature) crystallography.

Study on Serum Albumin in Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Various hormones can cause marked changes in pregnant woman's appearance. Decreased level of serum albumin occurs in third trimester of pregnancy, which may be associated with increased maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. So, this study was carried out to evaluate and assess the level of serum albumin in third trimester of pregnancy. This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh. This study enrolled 100 pregnant women of third trimester of pregnancy and 100 aged matched non-pregnant women from Mymensingh district. In this study serum albumin level in study group were 33.41 ± 4.62gm/l and in control group were 37.09 ± 4.21 gm/l, which was statistically decreased. The lower level of serum albumin in third trimester of pregnancy is the major concern of development of physiological edema during pregnancy and may be associated with pre-eclampsia.

Pathogenic and Drug Resistant Bacteria in Raw Milk of Jessore City: A Potential Food Safety Threat

Milk is such a food which can meet almost all nutritional needs of human lives. Raw or unprocessed milk supports the growth of wide variety of microorganisms. The major interests of this study were examining the microbial quality of raw milk collected from different locations of Jessore city in Bangladesh and determining antibiotic susceptibility pattern of some isolated bacteria. To do so, 12 raw milk samples were collected from different areas of Jessore city. Microbial analysis comprised of enumeration of TVC (total viable count), TCC (total coliform count) and TSC (total staphylococcal count). The highest TVC, TCC and TSC were 1.95x109 CFU/ml, 2.5x107 CFU/ml and 1.02x107 CFU/ml respectively. Prevalent bacterial populations were Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., Shigella spp. Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli and Citrobacter spp. In order to observe the antibiotic susceptibility pattern, the antibiotic sensitivity test was performed for some randomly selected isolates of E. coli and Klebsiella spp. More than 90% isolates of Klebsiella spp. were found to be resistant against Erythromycin whereas more than 90% isolates were sensitive against Imipenem. On the other hand, 100% E. coli isolates were observed as resistant against Erythromycin and in case of Trimethopreme 100% isolates were sensitive. Multidrug resistance pattern was also found. These results suggest the necessity of hygienic practices during handling, processing and post-processing of raw milk to improve the microbiological quality and safety of raw milk.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v13i1.23723Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2015). 13 (1): 71-78

Analysis on the effect of the distances and inclination angles between human head and mobile phone on SAR

The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of the distances between the human head and internal cellular device antenna on the specific absorption rate (SAR). This paper also analyzes the effects of inclination angles between user head and mobile terminal antenna on SAR values. The effects of the metal-glass casing of mobile phone on the SAR values were observed in the vicinity of the human head model. Moreover, the return losses were investigated in all cases to mark antenna performance. This analysis was performed by adopting finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method on Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio. The results indicate that by increasing the distance between the user head and antenna, SAR values are decreased. But the increase in inclination angle does not reduce SAR values in all cases. Additionally, this investigation provides some useful indication for future design of low SAR mobile terminal antenna.

Prevalence of Subclinical Mastitis in Lactating Cows and Efficacy of Intramammary Infusion Therapy

The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SCM) in lactating cows of Mymensingh and Lakshmipur sadar upazilas and to evaluate the efficacy of intramammary infusion in subclinical mastitis affected cows. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 78 smallholder dairy farms using a pretested questionnaire to collect data from June 2011 to May 2012. Milk samples from 139 lactating cows were screened for SCM by California Mastitis Test. A total of 72 cows was found positive for SCM and treated with the Neomastipra-JR5® intramammary infusion tube (Hipra, Spain). The overall prevalence of subclinical mastitis in lactating cows was 51.8%, of which 51.4% at Mymensingh sadar and 52.2% at Lakshmipur sadar upazilas. The prevalence of subclinical mastitis was significantly increased with age and parity of cows. In left hind quarter, the prevalence of subclinical mastitis was significantly higher (33.1%) than those of other quarters. The efficacy of intramammary infusion with Neomastipra-JR5® in lactating cows was 66.7%.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i1.20464 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (1): 55-61 

Neurological status of children with congenital heart defects

Congenital heart defect (CHD) is the most common birth defect & a significant cause of childhood morbidity & mortality. Structural brain abnormalities are more common in children with CHD than general population. This study details the cognitive, motor and behavioral development of a child with congenital heart disease who is on medical management. In this retrospective descriptive study, abnormalities in neurobehavioral status of infant & children (6-42 months of age) with CHD, who are on medical management were assessed by a standardized neurobehavioral assessment test, BSID-II. Fifty-eight children were included, who were diagnosed as a case of congenital heart disease & confirmed by Colour Doppler echocardiography in the Paediatric Cardiology Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Bangladesh. Mean age of the children was 23±13 months (range, 6 to 42 months); M:F = 1:1.9. Among them 22(37.9%) had cyanotic and 36(62.1%) had acyanotic congenital heart disease. Neurobehavioral and neurologic abnormalities were documented in a significant number of children. BSID-II showed 23(39.7%) had delayed metal development, 24(41.4%) had motor impairment and 16(27.6%) had non-optimal behavioral performance. Interestingly, infant and young children with acyanotic congenital heart defects were more likely to demonstrate severe neurologic compromise than were those with cyanotic defects. Findings of this study suggest that the prevalence of neurobehavioral abnormalities in infants and young children with congenital heart defects has been under predicted & indicates that delay in closure (surgery/device) puts the patient at an increased risk of neuro-developmental insult.

Protection Effect of Vaxxitek HVT + IBD Vaccine Against Infectious Bursal Disease in Broiler Chickens

The very virulent infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV) infection cause constant and frequent outbreaks of IBD. In order to prevent the disease caused by vvIBDV, moderate-virulent live vaccines are usually used in broilers, but these vaccine influence the immune system of chickens and cause the immunosuppression. VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD bivalent vaccine, a novel vaccine produced by Merial Company, is the recombinant vaccine generated by inserting IBDV VP2 gene into the HVT genome. The recombinant vaccine could prevent Marek’s disease and IBD of chickens at the same time after vaccinated by the subcutaneous route at 1-day-old. The objective of this study was to evaluate protection effect of this new vaccine against IBD in broilers. The results of the lab and field immunization trial showed that the vaccination of VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD vaccine did not damage the bursa of broilers; the level of IBD antibody of the VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD vaccination groups was higher than IBD-BLEN® vaccination groups at 21-day-old; the protection effect of the VAXXITEK® HVT + IBD vaccination groups was better than IBD-BLEN® vaccination groups, especially at 21-28 day. The results indicated that VAXXITEK® HVT + IBD vaccine could provide better protection to broiler chickens against IBD.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v24i1-2.19102 Progress. Agric. 24(1&2): 69 - 78, 2013