Response of Dapsone in Refractory Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia

This was a prospective study. A total number of 19 patients with chronic ITP with platelet count <50×10⁸/L, treated with dapsone at a dose of 100 mg/day for nine months and followed up to 12 months were included in this study. Among them 13 patients (76.5%) were responded well shortly to dapsone which persisted during Dapsone therapy. Response rate of Dapsone was declining after Dapsone therapy. Response persisted in 6 patients (35.3%) after stoppage of dapsone up to last follow up at 1 year. Mean platelets count during Dapsone therapy was 168.35×10⁸/L. Shorter duration of thrombocypenic patients were responded well. Except one all patients experienced mild to moderate anaemia. Mean fall of Haemoglobin was 1.4gm/dl during dapsone therapy observed which come back to normal shortly after stoppage of dapsone. Only 2 patients were suffered from moderate anaemia. Dapsone syndrome and methemoglobinamia caused permanent discontinuation of therapy in 2 patients (10.5%) which was revert back to normal shortly after stoppage of drug. This study demonstrates that dapsone is an effective, inexpensive and well tolerated treatment for chronic, refractory ITP.

In Vitro Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of Aqueous Garlic Extract and Imipenem against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

An interventional study was performed to determine and compare the MICs of aqueous garlic extract (AGE) and Imipenem against standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 & Eschericha coli ATCC 25922. The study was conducted in Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in collaboration with Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July 2014 to January 2015. The MIC of AGE and antibiotic Imipenem were determined with the help of broth dilution method. The MIC of AGE was determined as 400μg/ml and 700μg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli respectively and the MIC of Imipenem was 1μg/ml against Staphylococus aureus and 1.5μg/ml against Escherichia coli. The MICs of Imipenem was much lower in comparison to MICs of AGE for the test organisms. The subculture study showed the same results with that of the primary isolates. From the study it was clearly observed that AGE have anti bacterial effect but is not potent like antibiotic Imipenem. In this regard active ingredient present in garlic needs to be separated & purified for further study.

Associations and Risk Factors of Diabetic Maculopathy

Diabetic maculopathy is characterised by increased capillary leakage in the main retinal vessels and by alterations in the microcirculation of the macula. Maculopathy occurs frequently in type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients. Prevalence is higher in type 2 than in type 1 diabetic patients. Factors associated with the development of maculopathy are mostly unknown. As maculopathy is the main cause of vision deprivation in diabetic patients it is essential to know the associations and risk factors of diabetic maculopathy so that appropriate measures can be taken to prevent as well as treat diabetic maculopathy. We started the research work to find out the relation between diabetic maculopathy and various associated factors and risk factors for patients with diabetic retinopathy with maculopathy. This cross-sectional observational study done at the Department of Ophthalmology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka & National Institute of Ophthalmology & Hospital (NIO & H), Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2006 to June 2006. In this study out of 50 patients, diabetes was controlled in 20(40%) patients and uncontrolled in 30(60%). A significant percentage of patients (40%) had elevated blood pressure. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy was observed in 24% cases and polyneuropathy was observed in 36% cases. It is evident that diabetic maculopathy has association with dyslipidaemia, abnormal renal function due to nephropathy. This study lighted on the association of diabetic maculopathy with diabetic nephropathy, cardiac abnormalities and diabetic neuropathy.

Vitamin-D status is not a confounder of the relationship between zinc and diarrhoea: a study in 6-24-month-old underweight and normal-weight children of urban Bangladesh

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

The role of micronutrients particularly zinc in childhood diarrhoea is well established. Immunomodulatory functions of vitamin-D in diarrhoea and its role in the effect of other micronutrients are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate whether vitamin-D directly associated or confounded the association between other micronutrient status and diarrhoeal incidence and severity in 6-24-month underweight and normal-weight children in urban Bangladesh.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Multivariable generalised estimating equations were used to estimate incidence rate ratios for incidence (Poisson) and severity (binomial) of diarrhoea on cohorts of 446 normal-weight and 466 underweight children. Outcomes of interest included incidence and severity of diarrhoea, measured daily during a follow-up period of 5 months. The exposure of interest was vitamin-D status at enrolment.

RESULTS

Normal-weight and underweight children contributed 62 117 and 62 967 day observation, with 14.2 and 12.8 days/child/year of diarrhoea, respectively. None of the models showed significant associations of vitamin-D status with diarrhoeal morbidity. In the final model, zinc-insufficient normal-weight children had 1.3 times more days of diarrhoea than sufficient children (P<0.05). Again zinc insufficiency and mother's education (1-5 and >5 years) had 1.8 and 2.3 times more risk of severe diarrhoea. In underweight children, older age and female had 24-63 and 17% fewer days of diarrhoea and 52-54 and 31% fewer chances of severe diarrhoea.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin-D status was not associated with incidence and severity of diarrhoea in study children. Role of zinc in diarrhoea was only evident in normal-weight children. Our findings demonstrate that vitamin-D is not a confounder of the relationship between zinc and diarrhoea.

Anti-Bacterial effect of Aqueous Garlic Extract (AGE) determined by Disc Diffusion Method against Escherichia coli

The study was performed to determine the antibacterial effect of aqueous extract of garlic (Allium sativum) against standard strain of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. An interventional study was conducted in Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in collaboration with Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh. Antibacterial effect of AGE was determined by disc diffusion method. Sensitivity of AGE determined in disc diffusion and the zone of inhibition (ZOI) was 4 mm, 10 mm and 20 mm at 25 μg/10 μl, 50 μg/10 μl and 100 μg/10 μl concentrations respectively. From the findings it is clearly determined the extract has definite antibacterial effect upon Escherichia coli. Further studies are required to detect and isolate the active ingredients present in the Garlic extract as well as detail steps of mechanism responsible for antibacterial effect. Then their effects against the studied organism should be studied in vivo separately and its toxicity profile should also be taken into account.

Longitudinal Stent-Shortening during Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty with Stenting of Right Superficial Femoral Artery: A Case Report

Longitudinal stent deformation (LSD) involving coronary arteries during PCI have been reported in several literatures. But, LSD occurring during PTA (Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty) involving peripheral arteries is rare. We had such a case who presented with coronary and peripheral artery disease. Longitudinal stent deformation occurred during PTA with stenting of right superficial femoral artery (SFA). For CAD, PCI to RCA and LAD was done beforehand and the peripheral procedure was done 4 days later to avoid increased contrast load. Due to LSD occurring during PTA to Rt. SFA, we had to deploy another stent to cover the lesion over that artery. There was no technical fault or difficulty during negotiating the stent and positioning it covering the lesion. So, we did not find any obvious reason for this complication. Since longitudinal stent deformation is uncommon during PCI of coronary arteries and probably rare during PTA of peripheral arteries and we did not find any literature regarding this, we decided to report this case.

Orthodontic Management of A Young Girl with Class II Div1 Malocclusion

We describe the treatment of a young girl age, 25 years, with Class II Div1 malocclusion. She presented with an over jet of 12 mm, and the overbite was 10 mm and incomplete. Teeth on upper anterior segment of jaw were proclined and spaced. Teeth on lower jaw were crowded with buccaly placed 1st premolar on right side. Molar relationship was Class II on both sides. Incisior relation was class II div1. Her oral hygiene was good. Treatment consisted mainly of premolars extractions, canine retraction, labeling and alignment with Edgewise fixed appliances by multi loops technique. Once the canine retraction was complete, arch contraction was accomplished with 0.016×0.022 inch closing-loop arch wires followed by finishing with 0.014 inch round wires. The treatment resulted in Class I molar occlusion with proper alignment of both upper and lower anterior segment, an ideal over jet, overbite and incisor angulation.

Immediate Clinical and Echocardiographic Outcome of Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Commissurotomy for Patients of Mitral Stenosis with Atrial Fibrillation

Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease continue to be the major health problem in all developing countries including Bangladesh. Rheumatic mitral stenosis is a very common problem in our population having an incidence of 54 percent among rheumatic heart disease with a female preponderance of 2:1. Percutaneous balloon mitral commissurotomy is appealing because the mechanism of valve dilation closely parallels the mechanism of surgical mitral commissurotomy. The technique of balloon mitral commissurotomy has evolved rapidly, with improvements in balloons, guide wires, and the application of double-balloon techniques. There is controversy that whether the presence of AF has a direct negative effect on the immediate or long-term outcome after PTMC in mitral stenosis patients. The purpose of this study was to see the effect of atrial fibrillation (AF) on the immediate clinical and echocardiographic outcome of patients undergoing Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Commissurotomy (PTMC). The immediate procedural and in-hospital clinical outcome after PTMC of 264 patients with AF were prospectively collected and compared with those of 288 patients in normal sinus rhythm (NSR) with mitral stenosis admitted in National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dhaka and Al-Helal Heart Institute, Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Patients with AF were older than patients with normal sinus rhythm (53 ± 11 vs. 33 ± 12 years; p<0.0001) and presented more frequently with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III-IV (78.3% vs. 58.5%; p<0.0001), echocardiographic score >8 (38.9% vs. 22.7%; p<0.0001), calcified valves under fluoroscopy (22.2% vs.12.4%, p<0.0001) and with history of previous surgical commissurotomy (21.7% vs. 10.5%; p<0.0001). In patients with AF, PTMC resulted in worse outcomes, as reflected in a smaller post-PTMC mitral valve area (1.6±0.4 vs. 2.1 ± 0.8 cm²; p<0.0001). Patients with atrial fibrillation have a worse immediate clinical and echocardiographic outcome after PTMC.

Pattern and determinants of birth weight in Oman

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to analyse the pattern of birth weight (BW) and identify the factors affecting BW and the risk factors of low birth weight (LBW) in Oman.

STUDY DESIGN

The data for the study came from the 2000 Oman National Health Survey conducted by the Ministry of Health. The survey covered a nationally representative sample of 2037 ever married Omani women of reproductive age.

METHODS

Data on birth weight were gathered from health cards of the infants born within five years before the survey date. The study considered 977 singleton live births for whom data on birth weights were available. LBW was defined as BW less than 2500 g. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, multivariate linear regression and logistic regression models were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The mean BW was found to be 3.09 (SD 0.51) kg. BW was found to be significantly lower among the infants with the following characteristics: born in Ad-Dhakhliyah region, born in rural areas, and whose mothers had low economic status, low parity (0-2), and late initiation of antenatal care (ANC) visit. The incidence of LBW was found to be 9% in Oman in 2000. Mother's education, economic status, region of residence, late initiation of first ANC visit and experience of pregnancy complications appeared as the significant determinants of LBW in Oman. In contrast to most other studies, this study demonstrates that mothers with an advanced level of education (secondary and above) are more likely to have infants with LBW in Oman.

CONCLUSION

The study findings highlight the need of intervention for specific groups of women with higher risk of adverse BW outcomes.

Orthodontic management of a young girl with class I malocclusion and severe crowding: a case report

We describe the treatment of a young girl age, 16 years, with Class I malocclusion. Both upper and lower anterior segment of jaws were crowded with buccally placed canines. Treatment consisted mainly of premolars extractions, canine retraction, labeling and alignment with Edgewise fixed appliances by multiloop technique. The patient did not show good cooperation, hence treatment time was prolonged. However the treatment resulted in Class I molar occlusion with proper alignment of both upper and lower anterior segment, an ideal overjet, overbite and incisor angulation.

Pregnancy diagnosis in Black Bengal goat by progesterone assay

Pregnancy is the main event in the life of a female mammal to reproduce the progeny and maintain the descents of the species. Progesterone level in the plasma is one of the indications of stages of pregnancy of an individual and the present study was undertaken to determine the progesterone level in different stages of pregnant Black Bengal does and to correlate blood progesterone level with stages of pregnancy in Black Bengal does. For this experiment the blood samples were collected from different stages of pregnant and non-pregnant Black Bengal does, kids and bucks, and subjected to use for further study.  The progesterone level was measured at 3 different stages of pregnancy (25-30 days, 60- 70 days, and 90-92 days) using the test kit (EIA TEST KIT Progesterone, Biocheck, Inc. Foster city, CA 94404 USA). Progesterone was also assayed in different ages of non-pregnant does, kids and bucks blood as the control. The logarithmic graph paper was used to calculate the progesterone level.  The progesterone levels were found 1.5 ng/ml, 6.6-9.3 ng/ml and 14-15.5 ng/ml in 25-30 days, 60-70 days and 90-92 days of pregnancy, respectively.  In case of non-pregnant does the progesterone level varied from 0.19-6.6 ng/ml in different ages.  Whereas the progesterone level was found between <0.1 ng/ml and 4.4 ng/ml in kids blood samples and in case of bucks the progesterone level was <0.1 ng/ml.  So, it is clear that the progesterone level simultaneously increased as the stages of pregnancy advanced in the blood of pregnant Black Bengal does.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v43i3.21645 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2014. 43 (3): 180-184

Effects of Citrus junos by-products fermented with multistrain probiotics on growth performance, immunity, caecal microbiology and meat oxidative stability in broilers

1. The present study was conducted to develop Citrus junos probiotics (CJP), using by-products of Citrus junos fermented with multispecies probiotic bacteria including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bacillus subtilis. The effects of dietary CJP on the growth performance, immune status, caecal microbiology and meat oxidative stability of broiler were investigated. 2. A total of 240 one-day-old Ross broiler chicks were used in a 35-d experiment in which the chicks were randomly allotted to one of the 4 dietary treatments (0, 5, 10 and 20 g CJP/kg diet) in a completely randomised design. 3. Dietary supplementation of 5 g/kg CJP significantly increased body weight, average daily gain and average daily feed intake of broiler during the overall experimental period. 4. Serum immunoglobulin (Ig)M concentration was significantly increased by 10 and 20 g/kg CJP, whereas the IgG and IgA concentration remained unaffected. In addition, 20 g/kg CJP significantly inhibited proliferation of Escherichia coli without affecting the concentration of Lactobacillus or Bacillus spp. 5. A significant reduction in the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values of breast and thigh meat was observed in response to increasing concentration of dietary CJP. 6. Thus, the results suggest that CJP up to a concentration of 20 g/kg can be used in the diet of broilers to improve immunity and to reduce caecal E. coli and TBARS values of breast and thigh meat without any adverse effects on growth performance.

Effect of Sea Tangle (Laminaria japonica) and Charcoal Supplementation as Alternatives to Antibiotics on Growth Performance and Meat Quality of Ducks

A total of 150 growing ducks were assigned to five dietary treatments to study the effect of sea tangle and charcoal (STC) supplementation on growth performance and meat characteristics in a completely randomized design. There were six replicates and five ducklings in each replication. The five dietary treatments were control, antibiotic, and 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1% STC supplemented diets. No significant differences were found on ADG, ADFI, and gain:feed among treatments in different weeks. The overall (0 to 3 weeks) ADFI decreased in antibiotic treatment (p<0.05) whereas the gain:feed increased significantly upon 1.0% STC supplementation compared to control (p<0.05). No significant variation was found in meat chemical composition except crude fat content which was high in 1.0% STC dietary group (p<0.05). Meat cholesterol was reduced in 0.1% STC group (p<0.05) compared to other dose levels while serum cholesterol was unaffected. High density lipoprotein (HDL) content was high in 1.0% STC (p<0.05) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) was low in 0.1% and 1.0% STC dietary groups (p = 0.06). No significant effect was found on the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) of fresh meat, whereas the TBARS value of meat preserved for 1 week was reduced significantly in STC dietary groups (p<0.05). The 0.1% STC dietary group showed an increased myristic acid (p = 0.07) content whereas, the content of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids increased in STC supplementation than antibiotic group (p<0.05). An increased concentration of omega-3 fatty acids and a reduced ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was found upon 1.0% STC supplementation compared to antibiotic dietary group (p<0.05). Therefore, 1.0% STC dietary supplementation can be used as alternatives to antibiotics in duck production.

Comparison of efficacy of labetalol and fentanyl for attenuating reflex responses to laryngoscopy and intubation

Stress response due to laryngoscopy and intubation has been universally recognized phenomenon resulting in increase in heart rate, arterial, intracranial, and intraocular pressure. Various pharmacological approaches have been used to blunt or attenuate such pressure responses. This prospective, randomized, placebo controlled, double blinded study was designed to compare the efficacy of bolus dose of Labetalol and Fentanyl for attenuating reflex responses to laryngoscopy and intubation. Ninety patients with physical status of ASA I and II were scheduled for elective surgery under standard protocol of general anaesthesia, randomly allocated into three groups, consisting of 30 patients in each group, assigned as C (Control), L (Labetalol), and F (Fentanyl). In control group 10ml of 0.9% saline, in Labetalol group 0.25 mg/kg Labetalol and in Fentanyl group 2μgm/kg of Fentanyl were given intravenously at 3 minutes prior to laryngoscopy and intubation. Pulse rate, systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressure and rate pressure products (RPP) were recorded before and after premedication, after administration of study drugs and at 1, 3, 5, 10 and 15 minutes after intubation. For statistical analysis of data, ANOVA tests were performed for comparison between groups. There were an increase in heart rate, systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressures and rate pressure product in all the three groups after intubation in comparison to base line value. But the rise was minimum in L and F group as compared to C group which is statistically significant and also minimum in L group as compared to F group. So Labetalol is better agent for attenuation of laryngoscopic and intubation reflex.

Effects of fermented corni fructus and fermented kelp on growth performance, meat quality, and emission of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide from broiler chicken droppings

1. Corni fructus is the fruit of Cornus officinalis, a dogwood species. This study was conducted to prepare fermented corni fructus preparation (FCFP) and fermented kelp (FK) from corni fructus and by-products of Laminaria japonica fermented with Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus oryzae. 2. The effects of dietary FCFP and FK as replacer of oxytetracycline (OTC) on growth performance, meat composition, meat oxidative stability, and emissions of ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) from broiler chicken droppings were investigated. 3. A total of 140 d-old broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments including control, OTC (0.05 g/kg), FCFP (5 g/kg), and FK (5 g/kg). 4. Overall, inclusion of FCFP resulted in lower weight gain and feed intake during the overall experimental period. Broilers fed FCFP diets tended to have lower crude fat and higher crude ash content in the carcasses. 5. In the fresh state, the malondialdehyde (MDA) value of broiler meat was lower in the FK supplemented group. At one week, meat from broilers fed antibiotic and FK diets had lower MDA values, whereas at 2 weeks broiler meat from all dietary treatment groups had lower MDA values than the control. 6. Dietary supplementation with FK significantly reduced faecal NH3 emissions throughout the experimental period, whereas dietary OTC and FCFP supplementation increased NH3 emissions at 2 and 4 weeks. There were no significant effects of dietary treatments on H2S emissions throughout the experimental period, except during week one, when FCFP supplementation reduced the emission. 7. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 5 g/kg FK improved the oxidative stability of broiler meat and reduce faecal NH3 emissions without affecting growth performance.

Regional metastasis in supraglottic and glottic carcinoma of larynx

This cross sectional study was conducted in Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital, Mitford and Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2009 to December 2009 by purposive sampling method. Among the 50 cases, involvement of supraglottic (72%) region is significantly higher than glottic (28%) region. Affected peoples are mainly male and mean age was 58.1±10.4 years. Frequency of regional metastasis of supraglottic carcinoma (47.22%) was higher than glottic carcinoma (7.14%). Most of the lymphnode involvement was at level-II to IV. Most of the patients presented at stage-I & stage-II.

Energy ordering of grain boundaries in Cr2O3: insights from theory

The grain boundaries (GBs) of corundum Cr2O3 are known to play an important role in the diffusion of ions within the oxide, which is an important phenomenon for the corrosion of stainless steels. The extent of the growth of oxide layers in stainless steel depends upon which interfaces are preferred within Cr2O3. Therefore, we have constructed four different grain boundary planes (rhombohedral, basal, prismatic and pyramidal) and their various associated interface symmetries known in literature for corundum Al2O3. Their structural, electronic, and energetic properties are investigated theoretically with periodic boundary conditions using the DFT + U approach. We find that the prismatic screw GB with a Cr–O plane interface is the energetically preferred GB with the rhombohedral GB with screw symmetry and Cr vacancy termination being the second energetically preferred GB. The increase of the number of in-plane Cr atoms at the interface of prismatic GB enhances the stability, which is also evident in the electronic density of states.

The Effects of Mushroom Powder on the Quality of Cake

The fresh mushroom and mushroom powder were analysed for their composition. Mushroom powder was incorporated in the formulations of cake at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% by weight. The effect of various levels of mushroom powder on the physico-chemical properties and nutritional quality of cakes had been observed. Mushroom powder at 15% addition level significantly improved colour, flavour and texture of cake. Cakes were also prepared by incorporating various levels (0-20%) of mushroom powder in plane cake formulations to evaluate optimum level of powder addition. It was observed that in achieving acceptable cake quality, in terms of volume significantly higher amount (10-15%) of mushroom powder could be incorporated in cake formulations. Compositional analysis of cake showed that cake containing mushroom powder had higher protein and fat content and lower carbohydrate content than the control cake. The cakes containing various levels of mushroom powder were evaluated for their sensory attributes by a panel of 10 tasters. The results revealed that the colour and flavour of cake containing mushroom powder was significantly different from the control cake. The texture of the cakes with mushroom powder was equally acceptable to the control cake. The overall acceptability of the cakes with mushroom powder was equally acceptable to the control cake.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v21i1-2.16769 Progress. Agric. 21(1 & 2): 205 - 214, 2010

Serum calcium level among smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Bangladesh

This case control study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College, Bangladesh in cooperation with the Outpatient Department and Medicine Units of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Fulbaria Upazilla Health Complex, Mymensingh and some DOTS centers of BRAC, a non-government organization during the period of July 2006 to June 2007. The aim of the study was to explore the status of serum calcium level in smear positive Bangladeshi pulmonary tuberculosis patients. A total of 120 people of different age groups were included in this study. Subjects were divided into two groups - Group I (Control; n=60) apparently healthy people selected matching by age, sex and socioeconomic status with the cases and Group II (Case; n=60) people with smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis. Serum calcium was estimated by colorimetric principle. Serum calcium was adjusted by serum albumin concentration. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS windows package. Among the groups, mean±SD of adjusted serum calcium in Group II (2.41±0.15mmol/L) was significantly higher (p<0.001) than that in Group I (1.85±0.11mmol/L). It is evident from the study that serum calcium level significantly increases in smear positive Bangladeshi pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

Haemodynamic and end tidal CO₂ changes during laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia

A prospective observational study was done on 50 patients to investigate the haemodynamic and end tidal CO₂ (EtCO₂) changes in healthy patients without cardiopulmonary pathology during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in head up position under standard protocol of general anaesthesia. During surgery, intra abdominal pressure was maintained at 15 mmHg by a CO₂ insufflator and minute ventilation was controlled with a constant tidal volume and fixed respiratory rate. Haemodynamic parameters, EtCO₂, SpO₂ and ECG were recorded before and after induction and positioning of the patients and at 5 minutes interval for the first 30 minutes, then 10 minutes interval for the rest of the period. Highly significant increase (p<0.001) in pulse rate, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure occurred at 30 minutes after insufflations and positioning of the patient. A very highly significant (p<0.001) increase in EtCO₂ from the base line was at 40 minutes after insufflations and positioning of the patients. There was no change in SpO₂ and ECG. This study supports the significant physiological changes in terms of haemodynamic and EtCO₂ during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and recommends the meticulous monitoring of these parameters during the surgery and balance the benefit of laparoscopy against the intra operative risk.

Effect of Trichoderma on Seed Germination and Seedling Parameters of Chili

T. virens IMI-392430, T. pseudokoningii IMI-392431, T. harzianum IMI-392432, T. harzianum IMI-392433 and T. harzianum IMI-392434 were evaluated for their potentiality on seed germination and seedling parameters in chili both laboratory and field conditions. Chili seeds were coated with spore suspension of each test strains of Thichoderma supplemented with 2 % of starch (w/v) as an adhesive. Seed germination percentages and the vigour index were significantly affected by the application of different strains of Trichoderma. Among the five Trichoderma strains, T. harzianum IMI-3924332 gave the highest germination percentage followed by T. harzianum IMI-3924333, T. harzianum IMI-3924334, T. virens IMI-392430 and T. pseudokoningii IMI-392431 treatment both in laboratory and field conditions, respectively while control decrease these value. Chili seeds also gave the highest vigour index values with T. harzianum IMI-3924332 which confirmed to better germination. Seed treatment with T. harzianum IMI-3924332 can be useful to enhance the germination of chili seeds as well as reduce to delayed germination. Further investigations however are required to study in vivo effect of Trichoderma strains on morphological and physiological characteristics in chili plant and fruit production. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v8i1-2.14637 J. Sci. Foundation, 8(1&2): 141-150, June-December 2010

Molecular Characterization of Phomopsis vexans Isolates of Eggplant of Bangladesh

Forty-four isolates of Phomopsis vexans were collected from eggplant producing areas of Bangladesh during the 2008-2009 growing seasons. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) -variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) technique was used to develop molecular markers. The MR-20 primer amplified template DNA for all isolates studied and resulted in distinct bands. The banding patterns of P. vexans isolates were separated into five groups after results with Taq polymerase. The highest genomic DNA concentration 50 ng/?l was found in the isolates of 8, 14, 26, 27 and 38, and the lowest concentration of genomic DNA was found 12.5 ng/?l in the isolates of 1, 2, 5, 15, 17, 22, 30, 31, 33, 34, 36, 40, 41, 42 and 43. Based on the fingerprinting the 44 isolates of Phomopsis vexans were categorized into five different groups. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v8i1-2.14636 J. Sci. Foundation, 8(1&2): 131-140, June-December 2010

Role of Fruits on Public Health

An investigation was carried out on the role of fruits on public health. Amount of nutrition value on different fruits of Bangladesh also examined. Fruits are not only good source of vitamins and minerals but also highly nutritive with anti carcinogenic value. The role of sufficient intake of fruits can prevent many life threatening diseases of human beings like diabetics, blood pressure, heart diseases and cancer. Altogether 39 fruits, the highest water portion 96.6 g was found in black berry and Jamun, and the lowest 4.3 g were found in coconut. The highest total minerals 1.7g was measured in date palm and the lowest 0.1 g was found in orange, black berry and Jamun. The maximum fiber 6.6 mg was found in coconut and the lowest 0.2 g was found in jackfruit and water melon. The highest Calorie 662 Kcal was found in coconut and the lowest 11 Kcal was measured in black berry and Jamun. The highest protein 3.5 g was found in elephant’s foot apple and the lowest 0.2 g was found in water melon. The highest fat 62.3 g was found in coconut and the lowest 0.1 g was found in jackfruit, ber, elephant’s foot apple, orange, Bullock’s heart/Custard apple, Hogplum, Olive, Aonla, River ebony and Water chestnut. The highest Carbohydrate 33.8 g was found in date palm and the lowest 1.4 g was found in black berry and Jamun. The highest 90 mg was found in Lime and the lowest 0.01g was found in River ebony. The highest amount of Fe 7.9 mg was found in water melon and the lowest 0.2 mg was found in Pummelo. The highest amount of Carotene 8300 ?g was found in mango and the lowest 0 ?g was found in litchi, ber, elephant’s foot apple, orange, lemon, Bullock’s heart/Custard apple, coconut, banana, Aonla and water chestnut. The highest amount of vitamin B-1 0.8 mg was found in elephant’s foot apple and the lowest 0.01 mg was found in Wax apple, tamarind and Rose apple. The highest amount of vitamin B-2 0.19 mg was found in Burmese grape and the lowest B-2 0.01 mg was found in orange, coconut and olive. The highest amount of vitamin C 463 mg was found in Aonla and Stargareberry, and the lowest 1 mg was found in coconut and water melon. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v8i1-2.14633 J. Sci. Foundation, 8(1&2): 111-118, June-December 2010

Factors affecting the first service conception rate of cows in smallholder dairy farms in Bangladesh

The successful outcome of an insemination is a combination of both male and female fertility-linked factors. We investigated the first service conception rate of cows at artificial insemination (AI) in the smallholder dairy farms in Bangladesh. Frozen straws were prepared from ejaculates of Bos indicus (n = 7) and Bos indicus × Bos taurus (n = 7) AI bulls. Fertility was determined from 6101 first services in cows that were performed by 18 technicians in four regions between April 2004 and March 2005. Pregnancy was diagnosed by rectal palpation between 60 and 90 days post-insemination. The Asian version of Artificial Insemination Database Application (AIDA ASIA) was used for bulls-, cows- and AI-related data recording, and later retrieved for analysis. The mean ± SD number of inseminations performed from individual bulls and their conception rates were 436.0 ± 21.6 and 50.7 ± 1.9%, respectively. Logistic regression demonstrated body condition scores (BCS), heat detection signs, months of AI and their interactions had greatest effects (odds ratios: 1.24-16.65, p < 0.04-0.001) on first service conception rate in cows. Fertility differed (p < 0.02-0.001) between the regions, previous calving months, months of AI, BCS, parity and heat detection signs of cows. Inseminations based on mounting activity (n = 2352), genital discharge (n = 3263) and restlessness and/or other signs (n = 486) yielded a conception rate of 53.6%, 48.8% and 50.1%, respectively (p < 0.05). Conception rate between technicians ranged between 43.4% and 58.6% (p < 0.05). The days interval from calving to first service (overall mean ± SD = 153.4 ± 80.6) had relationship (p < 0.001) with BCS, months of previous calving and parity of the cows. Fertility at AI in smallholder farms can be improved by training farmers on nutrition and reproductive management of the cows.

Performance of Red Chittagong cattle in some selected Areas of Chittagong district of Bangladesh

A survey was conducted to estimate the productive and reproductive performances of RCC in Rawjan, Chandanaish, Potia, Satkania and Anowara upazillas of Chittagong, Bangladesh. The farmers of the study areas holding Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC) were divided into large (>1.50 acre), medium (>1.0-1.5 acre), marginal (>0.5-1.0 acre) and landless (>0-0.5 acre) categories. Existing feeding and rearing practices, productive and reproductive performances of RCC were investigated. It was found that, most of the RCCs (82%) were reared mainly by the marginal farmers. In between May to September, there was a severe shortage of feeds and fodders for RCC. However, despite severe shortage, the farmers were not interested to cultivate fodder. The degree of shortage for feed round the year had significant variation (p<0.01) among the farmers of all categories. Similar to feed shortage, the tendency of growing non-legume crops had marked variation (P<0.01) among the farmers of all categories. Birth weight, weaning weight, daily milk yield, lactation length, calving interval, age at first service, age at first calving and gestation length were 14.5 kg, 64.6 kg, 2.1 liters, 216 days, 14 months, 2.7 years, 42 months and 279.9 days respectively. It could therefore be inferred that, productivity of RCC may be increased by improving feeding systems in the study areas.http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v41i1.11973