The contribution of homestead pond fish culture to household food security and dietary diversity in central coast of a developing country

Fish farming in homestead ponds help alleviate poverty, provide animal source food, micronutrients, and indirect income and various jobs in developing nations. This study investigated the impact of homestead pond fish farming on dietary diversity (HDDS and MDD-W), food security (HFIAS and ELCSA), income, and women's engagement. A total of 185 households were selected randomly for data collection through well-structured questionnaire interviews in the central coast of Bangladesh. HDDS revealed significant dietary diversity (73.3%) among beneficiary farmers, surpassing controls and nearly doubling that of non-aquaculture farmers (41.1%). Additionally, this study found that 86.7% and 74.3% of women in beneficiary and homestead pond farmers exhibited high dietary diversity (MDD-W ≥ 5), whereas 48.6% of women in non-aquaculture farmers' households had low dietary diversity (MDD-W ≥ 5). Based on both ELCSA and HFIAS, higher prevalence of food security was observed among the beneficiary farmers that was about 60% and 63.3%, respectively compared with the control farmers. Most non-aquaculture farmers (62.9%) indicated their family consumed fish for one week before the research. More than half of the homestead pond culture (55.7%) and more than 90% of the beneficiary farmers, aquaculture farmers and non-aquaculture farmers had gross income (<$ 500). Pertaining to women's participation in homestead pond was positively correlated to productivity while male dominated tasks was negatively correlated with productivity. The results offer insights into how homestead pond fish farming can enhance food security by supplying direct animal protein, addressing protein and micronutrient deficiencies, and boosting income. The study emphasizes the urgent necessity for training and promoting homestead pond culture, increasing female participation, and advocating comprehensive support from governmental organizations (GOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to optimize production, improve micronutrient adequacy, and guarantee household food security. Keywords: Fish farming, food security, dietary diversity, women's participation.

Cytomegalovirus Retinitis during Maintenance Therapy in child with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

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

Protective effect of mirtazapine versus ginger against cisplatin-induced testicular damage in adult male albino rats

Cisplatin (CP) is a chemotherapy medication used to treat different types of organs cancers. It has damaging effects on testes. Mirtazapine is an antidepressant, which is used primarily in the treatment of depression and other anxiety disorders. Ginger is a naturally growing plant with antioxidant properties. Thirty-six adult male albino rats, subdivided into six groups (six animals each) received treatment for 30 days. Group I (control) received saline solution orally; group II received mirtazapine (20 mg/kg). Group III received ginger (200 mg/kg/day), group IV received CP (7 mg/kg) IP single dose, at day 23rd, group V received mirtazapine (200 mg/day) orally till day 23rd, CP (7 mg/kg) IP at day 23rd, mirtazapine till day 30th, group VI received ginger (200 mg/Kg/day) orally till day 23rd, CP (7 mg/kg) IP at day 23rd, and then ginger at the previous dose till day 30th. This study examined the microscopic changes associated with CP and the possible testicular protective role of mirtazapine versus ginger of adult male rats. Mirtazapine and ginger resulted in cellular protection of testicular tissue as evident from microscopic changes including Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and Leydig cells. Ginger showed to have a more protective effect than mirtazapine on testicular tissue against CP treatment.

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

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

Management of Barrett's esophagus

Both the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) and its precursor, Barrett's esophagus (BE) is increasing rapidly in the western world. The progression of BE to EA follows the metaplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma sequence which makes BE the focus of intervention before the development of EA. Considerations are given on the feasibility of a screening program for the population at risk, followed by surveillance of patients found to have BE on endoscopy. Potential management options are then stratified based histological findings of various degrees of dysplasia. This begins with watchful waiting or surveillance as in the case of BE with no dysplasia and low-grade dysplasia (LGD). Ablative therapies such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can be considered in non-visible high-grade dysplasia (HGD). With visible lesions and intramucosal cancers, Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) or Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) is generally recommended as a treatment and staging technique. Esophagectomy remains the treatment of choice in EA where there is a high risk of metastasis such as those with deeper submucosal invasion, lymph-vascular or neural invasion and those of higher tumour grade.

Intrathecal neuromedin U induces biphasic effects on sympathetic vasomotor tone, increases respiratory drive and attenuates sympathetic reflexes in rat

BACKGROUND

Neuromedin U (NMU) is a brain-gut peptide that plays regulatory roles in feeding, anxiety, smooth muscle contraction, blood flow, pain and adrenocortical function via two receptors, the NMU receptor 1 and NMU receptor 2. NMU has several known functions in the periphery, but its role in central cardiorespiratory regulation remains poorly understood.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Experiments were conducted on urethane-anaesthetized, vagotomized and artificially ventilated male Sprague-Dawley rats (n= 42) to determine if NMU modulates sympathetic vasomotor output at the spinal level or modulates baro-, chemo- and somato-sympathetic reflexes.

KEY RESULTS

Intrathecal (i.t.) injections of NMU (2.5-20 nmol) caused a dose-dependent biphasic response, initially a brief period of hypertension and sympatho-excitation followed by prolonged hypotension and sympatho-inhibition. Peak excitatory as well as inhibitory responses were observed at 20 nmol. NMU (20 nmol) initially increased mean arterial pressure and splanchnic sympathetic nerve activity by 24 mmHg and 27% and then reduced these by 37 mmHg and 47%, respectively. NMU also dose-dependently increased respiratory drive, as indicated by a rise in phrenic nerve amplitude, an increase in neural minute ventilation and a shortening of the inspiratory period. Both sympatho-excitatory peaks of the somato-sympathetic reflex were abolished by i.t. NMU. Pressor, sympatho-excitatory and tachycardiac responses to chemoreceptor activation (100% N₂) were blocked or significantly reduced following i.t. NMU. NMU also reduced barosensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

The data demonstrate that NMU, acting in the spinal cord, differentially contributes to the control of sympathetic tone and adaptive sympathetic reflexes.

Intrathecal orexin A increases sympathetic outflow and respiratory drive, enhances baroreflex sensitivity and blocks the somato-sympathetic reflex

BACKGROUND

Intrathecal (i.t.) injection of orexin A (OX-A) increases blood pressure and heart rate (HR), but the effects of OX-A on sympathetic and phrenic, nerve activity, and the baroreflex(es), somato-sympathetic and hypoxic chemoreflex(es) are unknown.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Urethane-anaesthetized, vagotomized and artificially ventilated male Sprague-Dawley rats were examined in this study. The effects of i.t. OX-A (20 nmol 10 µL⁻¹) on cardiorespiratory parameters, and responses to stimulation of the sciatic nerve (electrical), arterial baroreceptors (phenylephrine hydrochloride, 0.01 mg kg⁻¹ i.v.) and peripheral (hypoxia) chemoreceptors were also investigated.

KEY RESULTS

i.t. OX-A caused a prolonged dose-dependent sympathoexcitation, pressor response and tachycardia. The peak effect was observed at 20 nmol with increases in mean arterial pressure, HR and splanchnic sympathetic nerve activity (sSNA) of 32 mmHg, 52 beats per minute and 100% from baseline respectively. OX-A also dose-dependently increased respiratory drive, as indicated by a rise in phrenic nerve amplitude and a fall in phrenic nerve frequency, an increase in neural minute ventilation, a lengthening of the expiratory period, and a shortening of the inspiratory period. All effects of OX-A (20 nmol) were attenuated by the orexin receptor 1 antagonist SB 334867. OX-A significantly reduced both sympathoexcitatory peaks of somato-sympathetic reflex while increasing baroreflex sensitivity. OX-A increased the amplitude of the pressor response and markedly amplified the effect of hypoxia on sSNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, activation of OX receptors in rat spinal cord alters cardiorespiratory function and differentially modulates sympathetic reflexes.

Hand pattern indicates prostate cancer risk

BACKGROUND

The ratio of digit lengths is fixed in utero, and may be a proxy indicator for prenatal testosterone levels.

METHODS

We analysed the right-hand pattern and prostate cancer risk in 1524 prostate cancer cases and 3044 population-based controls.

RESULTS

Compared with index finger shorter than ring finger (low 2D : 4D), men with index finger longer than ring finger (high 2D : 4D) showed a negative association, suggesting a protective effect with a 33% risk reduction (odds ratio (OR) 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57-0.80). Risk reduction was even greater (87%) in age group <60 (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.09-0.21).

CONCLUSION

Pattern of finger lengths may be a simple marker of prostate cancer risk, with length of 2D greater than 4D suggestive of lower risk.

Removal of phenol from aqueous solutions by adsorption onto activated carbon prepared from biomass material

Activated carbon derived from rattan sawdust (ACR) was evaluated for its ability to remove phenol from an aqueous solution in a batch process. Equilibrium studies were conducted in the range of 25-200mg/L initial phenol concentrations, 3-10 solution pH and at temperature of 30 degrees C. The experimental data were analyzed by the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models. Equilibrium data fitted well to the Langmuir model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 149.25mg/g. The dimensionless separation factor RL revealed the favorable nature of the isotherm of the phenol-activated carbon system. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model best described the adsorption process. The results proved that the prepared activated carbon was an effective adsorbent for removal of phenol from aqueous solution.

Effects of growth hormone on in vitro maturation of germinal vesicle of human oocytes retrieved from small antral follicles

PURPOSE

Evaluation of the effect of GH, administered in vivo, on in vitro maturation of human GV oocytes obtained from small follicles.

METHODS

The study included 88 ICSI women stimulated with long agonist protocol. They were randomly allocated to two groups (Group 1, 44 women with 86 GV oocytes), were cotreated with GH (Group 2, no GH: 44 women with 67 GV oocytes). GV oocytes from small follicles were matured in vitro, injected, and their development observed.

RESULTS

Resumption of meiosis was significantly higher in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (60 and 37.3% respectively). Significantly more M2 oocytes were obtained in Group 1 than in Group 2 (45.5 and 23.9% respectively). Fertilization rates were also significantly higher (51.9 and 18.8% respectively). No embryos were obtained in Group 2, whereas 21.1% of fertilized oocytes in Group 1 cleaved into class A embryos.

CONCLUSION

In vivo administration of GH enhanced in vitro maturation and fertilization of human GV oocytes retrieved from small antral follicles.

Early differential induction of C-jun in the central nervous system of hens treated with diisopropylphosphorofluoridate (DFP)

Diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate (DFP) produces organophosphorus-ester induced delayed neurotoxicity (OPIDN) in the hen, human and other sensitive species. We studied the effect of a single dose of DFP (1.7 mg/kg/sc) on the expression of c-jun, which is one of the heterodimerizing ITFs (Inducible Transcriptional Factors) of the AP-1 family. The hens were sacrificed at different time points ie 0.25, .0.50, 1 and 2 hrs. Total RNA was extracted from the following brain regions: cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem, midbrain and as well as spinal cord. Northern blots prepared using standard protocols were hybridized with c-jun as well as b-actin and 18S RNA cDNA (control) probes. The results indicate differential regulation of c-jun levels which may be due to the activation of both cholinergic and non-cholinergic pathways of CNS, besides changing roles of c-jun (as mediator of degeneration or regeneration) depending on heterodimerization with other ITFs. In the highly susceptible tissues like brainstem and spinal cord c-jun transcript levels increased at 15 minutes and continued to increase gradually till it reached the maximum at 2 hrs. Overall spinal cord showed the maximum levels of c-jun induction (207%) at 2 hrs time point of all the CNS tissues. The enhancement of cholinergic transmisson by the inhibition of cholinestrase may be responsible for the gradual increase mediated by neural and vascular factors. In contrast, less susceptible tissue, cerebellum showed almost immediate induction to high level of (179%) at 15 minutes and the levels stayed more or less the same until it peaked to 185% at 2 hrs. Relatively low abundance of cholinergic neurons and high number of sensitized specialized cell types like Bergman glia and Purkinje cells may be responsible for the immediate higher induction. Non-susceptible tissue cerebrum did not show any changes in the c-jun levels. In midbrain the induction pattern was very similar to that of brainstem. This differential induction pattern of c-jun encomposing the differences in the quantity and time course was directly proportionate to the degree of susceptibility and cellular heterogeneity of different regions of CNS. The significant increase in c-jun levels along with our earlier observation on the increased c-fos levels indicate that AP-1 family of genes may be one of the IEGs involved in the long term changes which eventually lead to OPIDN.

Screening of Zingiberaceae extracts for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities

Dichloromethane and methanol extracts of 13 Zingiberaceae species from the Alpinia, Costus and Zingiber genera were screened for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The antimicrobial activity of most of the extracts was antibacterial with only the methanol extract of Costus discolor showing very potent antifungal activity against only Aspergillus ochraceous (MID, 15.6 microg per disc). All the extracts showed strong antioxidant activity comparable with or higher that of alpha-tocopherol.

Synthesis of (S)-1-(2',3'-dihydroxypropyl)-2-alkylthiouracils as new antiviral agents

2-Alkylthiouracils 1a-f have been prepared. Nucleoside coupling of 2 with sodium salt of 1a-f gave the corresponding dioxolane derivatives 3a-f which were treated with 80% acetic acid at reflux temperature to give (S)-1-(2',3'-dihydroxypropyl)-2-alkylthiouracil derivatives 4a-f. Treatment of 4d with 1 mol tosyl chloride gives the corresponding monotosylate 5. On the other hand, with 2 mol it gives the ditosylate 6. Treatment of 5 and/or 6 with sodium azide/dimethylformamide give 7 and 8 which could be reduced to the corresponding amino derivatives 9 and 10 by using triphenylphosphine/pyridine.

Effect of dimethyl-beta-cyclodextrin on nitrazepam stability

Nitrazepam was found to form an inclusion complex with heptakis; 2,6 di-O-methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (DM-beta-CD) in solution. The phase solubility diagram was found to be AL type with no precipitation of the inclusion complex formed. The kinetic studies of nitrazepam hydrolysis in DM-beta-CD solution at 30, 40 and 50 degrees C was followed spectrophotometrically, as the degradation products of the drug did not interfere with such assay. It was found that the degradation of nitrazepam in acidic media followed the first order reaction kinetics at the temperatures studied. Inclusion complexation of nitrazepam in DM-beta-CD resulted in a relatively improved stability of the drug in solution at 30 degrees C. On the other hand, no appreciable stabilization was achieved at higher temperatures (40 and 50 degrees C).

Bilharziasis in malignant tumours of the urinary bladder

In a review of 2248 cystoscopic examinations conducted over 10 years, malignant tumours of the urinary bladder were found in 172 patients. In 128 of these the condition was associated with bilharziasis. The lateral wall of the bladder was the commonest site (52.3%). Squamous cell carcinoma occurred in 78.1%. Forty-nine patients refused surgery and eight were found to have advanced inoperable tumours. Seventy-one patients had a total cystectomy. There were no operative deaths but post-operative complications occurred in nine cases. Eight patients died within 2 years but 21 were well and tumour-free at 5 years. It was concluded that there is a marked association between bilharziasis and bladder cancer. When the tumour is operable, cystectomy is the treatment of choice.

Sorption of radiocesium by active silica

Cement and cement components have previously been shown to exhibit negligible sorption for cesium. Pyrogenic silica has been examined as an additive to cement materials for its ability to reduce the leachability of cesium and to provide a host material with permanent sorption sites. The incorporation of silica into cement composites can also improve the physical characteristics and strength of these materials as long ages. At neutral pH values, there is significant sorption of cesium by silica, but in high pH regimes, such as occur in cement environments, initial sorption is enhanced but this high level of sorption is followed by a gradual release of Cs. This apparent desorption is due to the consumption of SiO2 by Ca(OH)2 to form products which have little sorption potential for cesium. If, however, sufficient SiO2 is added to the system initially such that an excess remains after satisfying the demands of the Ca(OH)2 reaction, permanent sorption sites for cesium may be created.

Presence of viruses in a strain of mycoplasma pulmonis

Filtrates prepared from heavily grown agar cultures of M. pulmonis strain Negroni-52 formed plaques on lawns of A. laidlawii strain JAl but not on those of M. pulmonis strains Ash or Negroni-52. The plaque-forming agent proved to be rod-shaped particles morphologically identical with mycoplasmavirus group 1. Evidence supporting the conclusion that the virus originated from Negroni-52 has been obtained. Electron microscopy revelaed that Negroni-52 is also a carrier of long-tailed phage-like particles.

Intracellular behaviour of Leishmania enriettii within murine macrophages

Both promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania enriettii were readily ingested by mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM). Promastigotes after their entry within MPM were rapidly immobilized and their multiplication was never observed. Microscopic examination revealed that ingested promastigotes were degraded with MPM. Nonmotile amastigotes of L. enriettii taken up by MPM, on the other hand, multiplied intracellularly and eventually destroyed the infected cells.

Appearance of IgG (Fc) receptor(s) on cultured human fibroblasts infected with human cytomegalovirus

Cultured human diploid fibroblasts (WI-38) after infection with human cytomegalovirus (CMV) but not when uninfected, could hemadsorb sheep red blood cells (SRBC) coated with rabbit anti-SRBC IgG. The adsorption of IgG-coated SRBC to virus-infected cells was completely abolished if the tests were carried out in the simultaneous presence of rabbit antiserum elicited against CMV. Normal sera of rabbit or human origin as well as purified human IgG but not Fab fragment of human IgG could also abolish the binding of sensitized SRBC to CMV-infected fibroblasts. Active metabolism on the part of CMV-infected fibroblasts proved to be an important requisite for demonstrating binding of sensitized SRBC to their surfaces. By using an indicator Staphylococcus aureus to which rabbit antiserum against normal human IgG, IgM, or IgA was bound via Fc fragments, evidence has been obtained which suggests the existence of receptor(s) on CMV-infected WI-38 cells that react specifically with Fc region of human IgG.