Link between unmet need and economic status in Bangladesh: gap in urban and rural areas

Background

Unmet need for family planning (FP) is a core concept in designing FP programmes and reduction of unmet need for FP can improve reproductive and maternal health services. Bangladesh is still away from achieving the target regarding unmet need for FP. This study aimed to explore the composite effect of economic status and place of residence on unmet need for FP among currently married women of reproductive age in Bangladesh after controlling the effect of other selected covariates.

Methods

The study used the data extracted from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017–2018, which is a nationally representative survey implemented using a stratified two-stage cluster sample design. A total of 13,031 currently married women of reproductive age were included in the final analysis. Binary logistic regression model has been employed to identify the factors influencing the unmet need for FP. Model-I investigated the effect of composite variable place-wealth on unmet need for FP and Model-II examined the effect of place-wealth on unmet need for FP after adjusting for the effect of other selected covariates. The Odds Ratios with p-values were reported to identify significant covariates.

Results

The rate of unmet need for FP was 15.48%. The composite factor of economic status and place of residence had significant influence on unmet need for FP in both models. Generally, rural women were significantly more likely to have unmet need for FP than their urban counterparts. In particular, women from rural areas and belong to rich families had the highest likelihoods of unmet need for FP. The other selected covariates also had significant influence on unmet need for FP.

Conclusion

This study shows that rural women had higher odds of unmet need for FP than urban women. The healthcare providers and stakeholders should take necessary actions to motivate women to use contraceptive specially the women who are residing in the rural areas.

Dermatology Life Quality Index in Patients with Dermatophytosis in a Tertiary Care Centre of Bangladesh

In our country a huge number of populations are suffering from dermatophytosis. During the last few years, the number of patients affected by dermatophytosis has been increasing. Dermatophytosis tends to be prolonged, recurrent and persistent course which can affect quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to seek out the effect of dermatophytosis on the quality of life of the patients of dermatophytosis and to analyze its relationship with various demographic and clinical factors. This was a cross-sectional study in which 306 patients aged ≥16 years with dermatophytosis were included and evaluated for impact of dermatophytosis on quality of life using dermatology life quality index (DLQI) questionnaire. Independent sample t-test and one way ANOVA were used to find out statistical associations between various variables and mean DLQI scores, wherever applicable. The mean DLQI score in this study was 13.07±8.51. Majority (39.5%) subjects had a 'very large' effect on the QoL. Mean DLQI was significantly higher in young subjects, patients with longer duration of disease, more body surface area involved, involvement of more than one sites (generalized involvement) and topical steroid containing preparation users (p<0.05). This study revealed that the quality of life is adversely affected by dermatophytosis. Hence, Steps must be taken for proper counseling and management, along with early detection and elimination of topical steroid use in dermatophytosis.

Soil organic carbon dynamics in the agricultural soils of Bangladesh following more than 20 years of land use intensification

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a key soil quality indicator, as it is a source and storage of plant nutrients and plays a vital role in soil fertility and productivity maintenance. Intensification of agriculture is known to cause SOC decline; however, much of the evidence stems from field-scale experimental trials. The primary aim of this study is to investigate how more than 20 years of agricultural land use intensification in Bangladesh has influenced SOC levels at landscape levels. This was achieved by revisiting in 2012 four sub-sites from the Brahmaputra and Ganges alluviums which were previously sampled (1989-92) by the Soil Resource Development Institute and collecting 190 new samples. These were located at different elevations and subjected to differing amounts of inundation. The SOC was determined using the same method, potassium dichromate wet oxidation, used in the 1989-92 campaign. A comparison of the SOC in the 2012 samples with their historic levels (1989-92) revealed that overall SOC declined significantly across both alluviums as well at their four sub-sites. Further analysis, however, showed that SOC has declined more at higher sites. The higher sites are inundated to a limited level, which makes them suitable for growing multiple crops. Among the land types considered here, the low land sites (because of their topographical position) remain inundated for a greater part of the year, allowing a maximum of only one crop of submerged rice. As a result of reduced biomass decomposition due to anaerobic conditions when inundated, and lower land use/cropping intensity, SOC accretion has occurred in the lower land sites. The SOC levels in South Asian countries are inherently low and agricultural land use intensification fuelled by growing food production demand is causing further SOC loss, which has the potential to jeopardise food security and increase the environmental impact of agriculture.

Ammonia fluxes and emission factors under an intensively managed wetland rice ecosystem

Nitrogen (N) loss from rice production systems in the form of ammonia (NH₃) can be a significant N loss pathway causing significant economic and environmental costs. Yet, data on NH₃ fluxes in wetland rice ecosystems are still very scarce which limits the accuracy of national and global NH₃ budgets. We measured the NH₃ fluxes in situ in a wetland rice field and estimated emission factors (EF) under two soil management systems (i.e. conventional tillage, CT and strip tillage, ST); two residue retention levels (i.e. 15%, LR and 40% crop residue by height, HR); and three N fertilization rates (i.e. 108, 144 and 180 kg N ha^-1) in two consecutive years (2019 and 2020). The highest NH₃ peaks were observed within the first 3 days after urea application. The mean and cumulative NH₃ fluxes significantly increased with the increases in N fertilization rates and were 18.5% and 18.6% higher in ST than in CT in 2020 but not in 2019. Overall, the highest mean NH₃ fluxes were in 180 kg N ha^-1 coupled with either HR or LR and ST or CT. In 2019, the NH₃ EF was unchanged by any treatments. In 2020, the lower EF was in CT coupled with LR (15%) than all other treatment combinations, where ST with HR showed the highest EF (20%). Likewise, the lowest N rate (108 kg N ha^-1) in ST had the highest NH₃ EF (20%) that was similar to higher N rates (144 and 180 kg N ha^-1) in the same tillage treatment and to 180 kg N ha^-1 in CT. Our results highlight that NH₃ fluxes in rice field particularly the effects of ST correlated with higher soil pH and NH₄⁺ content and lower redox potential. Our results highlight that NH₃ fluxes are a potentially large N loss pathway in wetland rice under conventional and decreased soil disturbance regimes.

Oral Mucosal Graft Augmented Anastomotic Urethroplasty for Post Traumatic Urethral Stricture and Distraction Defect: Outcome in 100 Patients

The surgical procedures of post traumatic posterior urethral stricture and distraction defects range from the extremely simple to the extremely radical. In oral Mucosal Graft Augmented Anastomotic Urethroplasty (OMG AAU) the stricture segment is excised followed by partially re-anastomosis of the dorsal or ventral urethral wall then the reconstruction is completed by placement of oral mucosal graft into the remaining urethral defect. The aim of this study is to determine the impact and assess the effectiveness of this technique, discuss the procedure and outcome and to refine them where found lacking. A prospectively collected review of records was done from September 2010 to April 2019. A total 100 patients with post traumatic urethral stricture and distraction defect were treated by dorsal onlay oral mucosal graft augmented anastomotic urethroplasty by same surgeon in a single centre. All were followed up every 3 and 6 monthly for 1-2 years with uroflowmetry. Retrograde urethrogram/Micturating cysto-urethrogram (RGU/MCU) and cystoscopy were reserved for those who had complained of obstructive symptoms and uroflowmetry evidence of outflow obstruction. The etiology of trauma was road traffic accident (RTA) (69%), falling astride (28%) and traumatic catheterization (3%). Mean excised stricture length was 1.5cm (Range 1.0-2.2). The mean length of dorsal onlay considering excised stricture length and 1cm spatulations was 4.25cm (range 2.0-6.5). The successful recovery was observed in 94% cases. On conclusion the technique of OMG AAU is very easy to do, reliable and has high success rates. This is also the procedure of choice for long segment obliterative strictures. For post traumatic obliterative strictures and distraction defects we strongly recommend the procedure for successful and patient satisfactory outcome.

Upgrading analytical methodology through comparative study for screening of 267 pesticides/metabolites in five representative matrices using UPLC-MS/MS

A comparative study was conducted to replace the traditional screening method (MFDS#83) with the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) EN method for the determination of 267 pesticides/metabolites/plant activators/growth regulators in five representative crop matrices (mandarin, pepper, potato, rice, and soybean). In the traditional method, samples were extracted with acetonitrile and salt, and purified with a solid-phase extraction cartridge. In the QuEChERS method, the sample extraction was carried out using acetonitrile and a mixture of salts, and purification was performed using dispersive solid phase extraction. The limit of quantification (LOQ) for the MFDS#83 method was 0.0004 mg/kg, whereas for the QuEChERS EN method, the LOQ varied from 0.002 to 0.006 mg/kg for all analytes in various matrices. A six-point matrix-matched calibration curve was prepared for all analytes in five matrices for both methods. Both the MFDS#83 and QuEChERS EN methods provided excellent linearity, with the coefficients of determination (R²) ≥ 0.99 for most of the compounds. In both cases, the method was validated in terms of recovery and repeatability after the fortification of two different concentrations with three replicates for each of the concentrations. The QuEChERS EN method provided better recovery than the MFDS#83 method for all matrices except mandarin.

Evaluation of water quality during successive severe drought years within Microcystis blooms using fish embryo toxicity tests for the San Francisco Estuary, California

In the San Francisco Estuary, California, the largest estuary on the Pacific Coast of North America, the frequency and intensity of drought and associated cyanobacteria blooms are predicted to increase with climate change. To assess the impact of water quality conditions on estuarine fish health during successive severe drought years with Microcystis blooms, we performed fish embryo toxicity testing with Delta Smelt and Medaka. Fish embryos were exposed to filtered ambient water collected from the San Francisco Estuary during the Microcystis bloom season in 2014 and 2015, the third and fourth most severe recorded drought years in California. Medaka embryos incubated in filtered ambient waters exhibited high mortality rates (>77%), which was mainly due to bacterial growth. Medaka mortality data was negatively correlated with chloride, and positively correlated with water temperature, total and dissolved organic carbon, and ambient and net chlorophyll a concentration. Delta Smelt embryo mortality rates were lower (<42%) and no prominent seasonal or geographic trend was observed. There was no significant correlation between the Delta Smelt mortality data and water quality parameters. Aeromonas was the dominant bacteria that adversely affected Medaka. The growth of Aeromonas was suppressed when salinity was greater than or equal to 1psu and resulted in a significant reduction in mortality rate. Bacterial growth test demonstrated that the lysate of Microcystis cells enhanced the growth of Aeromonas. Toxin production by Microcystis is a major environmental concern, however, we conclude that dissolved substances released from Microcystis blooms could result in water quality deterioration by promoting growth of bacteria. Furthermore, a distinctive developmental deformity was observed in Medaka during the toxicity tests; somite formation was inhibited at the same time that cardiogenesis occurred and the functional heart was observed to be beating. The exact cause of the embryonic developmental deformity is still unknown.

A Giant Intra Abdominal Mass Mimicking Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Rare Presentation of Renal Angiomyolipoma

Angiomyolipoma (AML) is a benign tumor commonly found in kidney than extra renal sites. Most of the small renal angiomyolipomas are diagnosed incidentally on ultrasound and other imaging studies. Some renal AMLs present clinically when become very big, giant renal angiomyolipoma. Although almost all cases are benign, a relatively rare variant of epitheloid angiomyolipoma has got malignant potential and can even metastasize. Ultrasonography, CT and MRI scan are usually used for diagnosis of angiomyolipoma with high level of accuracy; even though some lesions may be confused as renal cell carcinoma on imaging studies. Here, a 48 year old man presented with a large intra-abdominal mass preoperatively diagnosed as a case of right renal cell carcinoma and radical nephrectomy was performed. Histopathology revealed epitheloid angiomyolipoma (EAML).

Assessment of heavy metals contamination and human health risk in shrimp collected from different farms and rivers at Khulna-Satkhira region, Bangladesh

This study is aimed to assess the heavy metals contamination and health risk in Shrimp (Macrobrachium rosenbergii and Penaeus monodon) collected from Khulna-Satkhira region in Bangladesh. The results showed that the Pb concentrations (0.52–1.16 mg/kg) in all shrimp samples of farms were higher than the recommended limit. The Cd levels (0.05–0.13 mg/kg) in all samples and Cr levels in all farms except tissue content at Satkhira farm were higher than the permissible limits. The individual concentration of Pb, Cd, and Cr between shrimp tissue and shell in all rivers and farms were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) were estimated to assess the non-carcinogenic health risks. Shrimp samples from all locations under the current study were found to be safe for consumption, the possibility of health risk associated with non-carcinogenic effect is very low for continuous consumption for 30 years.

Molecular evolution of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in Bangladesh between 2007 and 2012

In Bangladesh, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus subtype H5N1 was first detected in February 2007. Since then the virus has become entrenched in poultry farms of Bangladesh. There have so far been seven human cases of H5N1 HPAI infection in Bangladesh with one death. The objective of the present study was to investigate the molecular evolution of H5N1 HPAI viruses during 2007 to 2012. Partial or complete nucleotide sequences of all eight gene segments of two chicken isolates, five gene segments of a duck isolate and the haemagglutinin gene segment of 18 isolates from Bangladesh were established in the present study and subjected to molecular analysis. In addition, full-length sequences of different gene segments of other Bangladeshi H5N1 isolates available in GenBank were included in the analysis. The analysis revealed that the first introduction of clade 2.2 virus in Bangladesh in 2007 was followed by the introduction of clade 2.3.2.1 and 2.3.4 viruses in 2011. However, only clade 2.3.2.1 viruses could be isolated in 2012, indicating progressive replacement of clade 2.2 and 2.3.4 viruses. There has been an event of segment re-assortment between H5N1 and H9N2 viruses in Bangladesh, where H5N1 virus acquired the PB1 gene from a H9N2 virus. Point mutations have accumulated in Bangladeshi isolates over the last 5 years with potential modification of receptor binding site and antigenic sites. Extensive and continuous molecular epidemiological studies are necessary to monitor the evolution of circulating avian influenza viruses in Bangladesh.

Correlation Analysis of Flag Leaf with Yield in Several Rice Cultivars

The uppermost leaf below the panicle is the flag leaf that provides the most important source of photosynthetic energy during reproduction and grain filling, thereby has great impact in panicle development and grain yield in rice. In the present investigation in order to explore the relationship between grain yield and flag leaf parameters, yield composition, length and width of the flag leaf, and panicle length were measured in some rice cultivars. Statistical analysis indicated that flag leaf length was positively correlated with panicle length for the studied cultivars demonstrating higher grain yield. Chlorophyll measurement indicated that flag leaf contained more chlorophyll than penultimate leaf. Yield of all the cultivars upon excision of flag leaf was also compared. Removal of flag leaf led to a decline in the seed-setting rate which eventually reduced the grain yield. Besides this, variable pollen viability was also noticed in the different cultivars. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jles.v8i0.20139 J. Life Earth Sci., Vol. 8: 49-54, 2013

Consequences of intimate partner violence against women on under-five child mortality in Bangladesh

It is well established that intimate partner violence (IPV) against women adversely affects maternal morbidity and mortality. But a limited number of studies were found in the literature regarding the association between IPV and under-five child mortality. In this article, using Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2007 data, we examined the effect of IPV on under-five child mortality. A product-limit approach was used for bivariate survival analysis, and Cox proportional hazard multiple regression models were used to investigate the effect of IPV controlling potential confounders. In bivariate analysis, the variables exposure to IPV, mother's age at birth, mother's education, residence type, division, number of children, wealth index, occupation, access to media, and decision autonomy were found to be potential risk factors for child mortality. Results indicated that women exposed to IPV were more likely to experience under-five child mortality compared with women not exposed. The unadjusted hazard ratio for IPV was 1.21 (95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.09, 1.35]) with p value < .01, whereas it was 1.16 (95% CI = [1.04, 1.29]) with p value < .01 and 1.13 (95% CI = [1.01, 1.26]) with p value < .05 in two adjusted models. These results implied that IPV against women is a problem not only for women but also for their children's survival.

Preparation Of Carboxymethyl Cellulose/Acrylamide Copoly-Mer Hydrogel Using Gamma Radiation And Investigation Of Its Swelling Behavior

Acrylamide (AAm)/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) blend hydrogels have been prepared by the application of gamma radiation from C0-60 source at room temperature (27°C). The preparation conditions such as effect of CMC concentration and radiation dose on gel fraction and swelling behaviors were investigated. The maximum value of gel fraction is obtained at 25 kGy radiation dose. The swelling properties were investigated in distilled water, saline solution (NaCl) and buffer medium. The maximum swelling value of hydrogel was obtained at 48 hours in water. The swelling ratio of hydrogel decreased with increase in concentration of NaCl in swelling medium. In buffer, it was found that swelling ratio increased with increase in pH of medium. Journal of Bangladesh Chemical Society, Vol. 25(2), 132-138, 2012 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcs.v25i2.15065

Effect of Different Substrate on Growth and Yield of Button Mushroom

An experiment was conducted at the Mushroom growth house and Tissue Culture Laboratory, Horticulture Demonstration and Training Centre (HDTC), Kewatkhali, Mymensingh during February to May, 2006 to investigate the effect of different substrate on growth and yield of Button mushroom (Agaricus biporus). The substrates which were used in the experiment were wheat: paddy (1:1) straw compost, paddy straw compost and decomposed cowdung. The parameters observed in first and second flush were number of primordia, number of fruiting bodies and fresh weight of mushroom. Data were statistically analyzed following Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Data revealed that different substrate significantly affected the production of number of primordia, number of fruiting bodies and fresh weight. In both the first and second flush, all the three observed parameters were obtained highest in wheat: paddy straw compost and the lowest were in decomposed cowdung.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v5i2.14810 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 5(2): 177-180 2012

Ventral free oral mucous membrane graft for bulbar urethral stricture

The use of oral mucous membrane graft onlay urethroplasty represents the most widespread method of bulbar urethral stricture repair. We investigated the short term result of oral mucous membrane graft placed on the ventral surface for management of bulbar urethral stricture. Patients with Bulbar urethral stricture of any length, infection free urinary tract and informed consent for oral mucosa harvesting and urethroplasty were selected for study. We enrolled 108 cases of bulbar urethral stricture patients from January 2004 to July 2009. The mean ± SD preoperative maximum flow rate of 5.2 ± 2.6 ml/sec and mean ± SD PVR 87 ± 58.3 ml were treated by substitution urethroplasty with oral mucous membrane by a single surgical team in a private hospital. Causes of stricture were trauma 26(24.1%), infection 58(53.7%), catheter induced 8(7.4%), post TURP 11(10.2%) and unknown 5(4.6%). Oral mucous membrane was harvested from the cheek or from the inner side of lower lip. Defect of the urethra displayed by longitudinal ventral urethrotomy and the graft was sutured over the edges of the incised urethral mucosa over a 14 Fr latex Foley's catheter. Spongiosum tissue was closed over the graft. Pericatheter urethrogram was performed in all cases to check for the anastomotic leakage and the Catheter was removed after 2 weeks of the procedure. After removal of catheter uroflowmetry & ultrasound scan of bladder were performed to estimate the maximum flow rate and post voidal residue. The patient was followed-up every 3 months with uroflowmetry & ultrasonography. The median (range) age of the patients was 32(21-72) years. Mean follow up period was 36 months (range 12-54). Mean ± SD stricture length was 3.7 ± 2.6 cm. The overall success rate was 91.7%. Mean ± SD flow rate was 23 ± 4.2 ml/sec, mean ± SD post void residue was 25 ± 15.5 ml and patient quality of life (QOL) was excellent in almost all patients. Overall complications were seen in 9(8.3%) cases. Of which, restricture occurred in 6 patients; periurethral fistulae seen in 2 cases and per urethral bleeding in 1 patient. No significant complications were observed at the donor site. Oral numbness and mild discomfort complained by 67.6% patients which were managed by reassurance only. In our experience ventral placement of oral mucous membrane graft along with spongioplasty is a very easy procedure with very encouraging short term result.

Review of Treatment of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

A review study was done by searching literature through PubMed. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy is a life altering disease pathogenesis of which are not yet clearly known likewise its management protocol has not been established. Treatment of longstanding Reflex sympathetic dystrophy is empirical and of limited efficacy. This disease may lead to dreadful squeal which may need amputation for their management and few of these patients may even develop suicidal tendency. Patient with Reflex sympathetic dystrophy usually present late. It was found that the clinical presentation of RSD are too much variable, although different modalities of treatment are used either alone or in combination, the outcomes are often unpredictable and of variable efficacy. Understanding of the treatment modalities and proper selection of treatment option are essential for best outcome. Preventive measure does play a role in management of these patients. Option of treatment includes pharmacological method, sympathetic nervous system interruption, use of calcitonin and bisphosphonate. More study is required to find out the mechanism that triggers the pain and other clinical manifestation so that a standardized protocol for its management can be developed DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v11i3.11714 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 11 No. 03 July’12

Rural to Urban Migration and Household Living Conditions in Bangladesh

This study examines the relationships between rural to urban migration status and household living conditions, using the 2007 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) data. The analysis finds significant living condition advantage of rural-urban migrants and urban natives over rural-natives, primarily linked to migration selectivity by education and occupation. Once the independent effects of education and occupation are controlled, association between migration status and living conditions remain significant but living condition advantage of rural-urban migrants and urban natives over rural natives fall down. The results imply that promoting higher education and opportunities for employment outside the agricultural or labour sectors (pull factor) are more likely to yield improved living conditions in Bangladesh.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v60i2.11529 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 60(2): 253-257, 2012 (July)

Predictive value of urine cultures in evaluation of bacterial colonization of ureteral stents

To evaluate the predictive value of urine cultures in the assessment of ureteral stent colonization and to investigate the frequency of double J stent colonization and stent associated bacteriuria. This observational study was conducted in the department of Urology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital from December 2006 to March 2009. A total of 100 patients (mean age 39.2 ± 9.9 years, range 18-60 years, 69 male and 31 female) needing internal ureteral stent placement for different sorts of urinary tract operations were included in the study. Sterile urine samples were obtained from each patient before stenting and all patients had been given short-term prophylactic antibiotic (5-12 days). On the day of stent removal midstream urine were obtained from all patients for microbiological culture. Stents removed by aseptic precaution. Proximal and distal tip segments (3-5 cm) were also sent for culture. The lowest and highest durations of stenting were 10 and 86 days respectively (median 35 days). Both bacteriuria and bacterial colonization was significantly higher as duration of stenting increases (p=0.045 and p<0.001). E. coli was the most common microorganism isolated from both urine and stent culture. However, colonization rate of stents was much higher (45%) than positive urine cultures (21%) indicating that urine culture is less sensitive to diagnose stent colonization (k-value = 0.49). The study concludes that bacterial colonization significantly increases with indwelling time of stent and sterile culture of urine does not rule out that the stent itself is colonized.

New introduction of clade 2.3.2.1 avian influenza virus (H5N1) into Bangladesh

Since the first outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian inafluenza (HPAI) in Bangladesh in February 2007, a total of 519 disease events have been reported till 22 October 2011. Partial HA gene sequences of 11 selected H5N1 HPAI isolates of 2007 to 2011 were determined and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. The study revealed a recent introduction of clade 2.3.2 and 2.3.4 viruses into Bangladesh in 2011 in addition to clade 2.2 viruses that had been in circulation since 2007. Clade 2.3.2 virus isolates from Bangladesh are phylogenetically related to the newly designated clade 2.3.2.1 viruses, reported recently from Asia and Eastern Europe.

Serum adiponectin in patients with coronary heart disease

Adiponectin is an adipocyte derived hormone, a modulator of lipid metabolism and systemic inflammation. It has potential anti-atherogenic property. Adiponectin is present in low concentration in patients with obesity, insulin resistance (IR), Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and coronary heart disease (CHD). In this case control study, we studied the association of Serum adiponectin with CHD. Sixty-four subjects were enrolled. Consecutive 31 CHD patients (Group I) and 33 healthy controls (Group II) were included. Serum adiponectin & lipid profile were estimated in all. Serum adiponectin was significantly lower in CHD patients (3.90±2.21μg/ml) in comparison with controls (5.09±2.13μg/ml)(P<0.05). There was no significant difference of any fraction of lipid profile between cases and controls. Significant negative correlation was observed between Serum adiponectin and Serum triacylglyceride (STG) in cases (P<0.01). It may be concluded that low serum adiponectin may have some important role in development of CHD and probably low adiponectin and dyslipidemia are linked in the development of atherosclerosis. Further study is recommended with larger sample size to explore the role of hypoadiponectinemia in the causation of CHD.

Evaluation of bacterial colonization and bacteriuria secondary to internal ureteral stent

To assess the frequency of bacterial colonization on internal ureteral stent and stent associated bacteriuria in different periods of indwelling time, a total of 100 patients (mean age 39.2+/-9.9 years, range 18-60 years, 69 male and 31 female) needing internal ureteral stent placement for different sorts of urinary tract operation in the department of Urology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital from December 2006 to May 2008 were included in the study. Sterile urine samples were obtained from each patient before stenting and all patients had been given short-term prophylactic antibiotics (5-12 days). Midstream urine obtained from each patient on the day of stent removal and submitted for microbiological culture. Stent removed by aseptic precautions. Proximal and distal stent tip segments (3-5) were also sent for culture. The median duration of stenting was 35 days (10-86 days). Bacterial colonies were found in 45% of the stent. Colonization rate was 71.4% in stents removed after 6 weeks compared to 33.3% in 4-6 weeks and 23.5% before 4 weeks (p<0.001). Bacteriuria was found only in 21% patients. Escherichia coli was the common organism isolated from both stent and urine. The study concludes that bacterial colonization significantly increases with indwelling time of stent and absence of growth in urine culture does not rule out that the stent itself is colonized.

Radiation processed hydrogel of poly (vinyl alcohol) with biodegradable polysaccharides

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) can be modified to polymer hydrogels by radiation crosslinking and can be used in different biomedical applications. A study was done on the optimization of ingredients concentration for preparing good quality PVA hydrogels with natural polysaccharides. The synthesized hydrogels were also characterized by measuring the different physical properties e.g. gel fraction, swelling and absorption rate. Besides these, sterility test were also performed. Good quality hydrogels were obtained from PVA and natural polysaccharides solutions with 27 kGy radiation dose. There is an influence of natural polysaccharides on the gel fraction of hydrogel. The increase in the amount of polysaccharide causes a decrease in gel fraction that is decrease in the crosslinking density of PVA hydrogel network. The prepared hydrogels were found to be sterile.

Effects of hemagglutinin fusion peptide on poly(ethylene glycol)-mediated fusion of phosphatidylcholine vesicles

The effects of hemagglutinin (HA) fusion peptide (X-31) on poly(ethylene glycol)- (PEG-) mediated vesicle fusion in three different vesicle systems have been compared: dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) small unilamellar vesicles (SUV) and large unilamellar vesicles (LUV) and palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC) large unilamellar perturbed vesicles (pert. LUV). POPC LUVs were asymmetrically perturbed by hydrolyzing 2.5% of the outer leaflet lipid with phospholipase A(2) and removing hydrolysis products with BSA. The mixing of vesicle contents showed that these perturbed vesicles fused in the presence of PEG as did DOPC SUV, but unperturbed LUV did not. Fusion peptide had different effects on the fusion of these different types of vesicles: fusion was not induced in the absence of PEG or in unperturbed DOPC LUV even in the presence of PEG. Fusion was enhanced in DOPC SUV at low peptide surface occupancy but hindered at high surface occupancy. Finally, fusion was hindered in proportion to peptide concentration in perturbed POPC LUV. Contents leakage assays demonstrated that the peptide enhanced leakage in all vesicles. The peptide enhanced lipid transfer between both fusogenic and nonfusogenic vesicles. Peptide binding was detected in terms of enhanced tryptophan fluorescence or through transfer of tryptophan excited-state energy to membrane-bound diphenylhexatriene (DPH). The peptide had a higher affinity for vesicles with packing defects (SUV and perturbed LUV). Quasi-elastic light scattering (QELS) indicated that the peptide caused vesicles to aggregate. We conclude that binding of the fusion peptide to vesicle membranes has a significant effect on membrane properties but does not induce fusion. Indeed, the fusion peptide inhibited fusion of perturbed LUV. It can, however, enhance fusion between highly curved membranes that normally fuse when brought into close contact by PEG.

Molecular mechanism in activation of glutathione system by ropinirole, a selective dopamine D2 agonist

We have previously reported that ropinirole, a non-ergot dopamine agonist, has neuroprotective effects against 6-hydroxydopamine in mice based on in vivo antioxidant properties such as the glutathione (GSH)-activating effect. In the present study, we determined that the effects of ropinirole on the level of expression of GSH-related enzyme mRNA, these enzymes were shown to regulate GSH contents in the brain. This study focused on the mechanism of GSH enhancement by ropinirole. Striatal GSH contents were significantly increased by 7-day daily administration of ropinirole. Furthermore, the expression levels of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (gamma-GCS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) mRNA increased following daily injections of ropinirole for 7 days. In addition, ropinirole treatment for 7 days suppressed auto-oxidation in mouse striatal homogenates, in contrast to the vehicle treatment. In conclusion, ropinirole was able to suppress auto-oxidation, most probably by increasing GSH levels due to an increase of GSH synthesis. In addition, it is likely that auto-oxidation was also suppressed by the activation of GSH-regulating enzymes such as GPx, GR, and GST in the mouse striatum. Thus, our results indicate that the GSH-activating effect of ropinirole may render this dopamine agonist beneficial as a neuroprotective drug.

The rate of lipid transfer during fusion depends on the structure of fluorescent lipid probes: a new chain-labeled lipid transfer probe pair

A number of fluorescent probes have been used to follow membrane fusion events, particularly intermixing of lipids. None of them is ideal. The most popular pair of probes is NBD-PE and Rh-PE, in which the fluorescent groups are attached to the lipid headgroups, making them sensitive to changes in the surrounding medium. Here we present a new assay for monitoring lipid transfer during membrane fusion using the acyl chain tagged fluorescent probes BODIPY500-PC and BODIPY530-PE. Like the NBD-PE/Rh-PE assay, this assay is based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between the donor, BODIPY500, and the acceptor, BODIPY530. The magnitude of FRET is sensitive to the probe surface concentration, allowing one to detect movement of probes from labeled to unlabeled vesicles during fusion. The high quantum yield of fluorescence, high efficiency of FRET (R(o) is estimated to be approximately 60 A), photostability, and localization in the central hydrophobic region of a bilayer all make this pair of probes quite promising for detecting fusion. We have compared this and two other lipid mixing assays for their abilities to detect the initial events of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-mediated fusion of small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs). We found that the BODIPY500/530 assay showed lipid transfer rates consistent with those obtained using the DPHpPC self-quenching assay, while lipid mixing rates measured with the NBD-PE/Rh-PE RET assay were significantly slower. We speculate that the bulky labeled headgroups of NBD-PE and especially Rh-PE molecules hamper movement of probes through the stalk between fusing vesicles, and thus reduce the apparent rate of lipid mixing.

Antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis flowers

The flowers of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis showed interesting antibacterial activity against some gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms (chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts) and significant cytotoxic activity (petroleum ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts).

Influence of lipid composition on physical properties and peg-mediated fusion of curved and uncurved model membrane vesicles: "nature's own" fusogenic lipid bilayer

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-mediated fusion of phosphatidylcholine model membranes has been shown to mimic the protein-mediated biomembrane process [Lee, J., and Lentz, B. R. (1998) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 95, 9274-9279]. Unlike the simple model membranes used in this earlier study, the lipid composition of fusogenic biomembranes is quite complex. The purpose of this paper was to examine PEG-mediated fusion of highly curved (SUV) and largely uncurved (LUV) membrane vesicles composed of different lipids in order to identify lipid compositions that produce highly fusogenic membranes. Starting with liposomes composed of five lipids with different physical properties, dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC), dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), dioleoylphosphatidylserine (DOPS), bovine brain sphingomyelin (SM), and cholesterol (CH), we systematically varied the composition and tested for the extent of PEG-mediated fusion after 5 min of treatment. We found that a vesicle system composed of four lipids, DOPC/DOPE/SM/CH, fused optimally at a 35/30/15/20 molar ratio. Each lipid seemed to play a part in optimizing the membrane for fusion. PE disrupted outer leaflet packing as demonstrated with TMA-DPH lifetime, C(6)-NBD-PC partitioning, and DPH anisotropy measurements, and thus significantly enhanced fusion and rupture, without significantly altering interbilayer approach (X-ray diffraction). An optimal ratio of PC/PE (35/30) produced a balance between fusion and rupture. CH and SM, when present at an optimal ratio of 3/4 in vesicles containing the optimal PC/PE ratio, reduced rupture without significantly reducing fusion. This optimal CH/SM ratio also enhanced outer leaflet packing, suggesting that fusion is dependent not only on outer leaflet packing but also on the properties of the inner leaflet. Addition of CH without SM enhanced rupture relative to fusion, while SM alone reduced both rupture and fusion. The optimal lipid composition is very close to the natural synaptic vesicle composition, suggesting that the synaptic vesicle composition is optimized with respect to fusogenicity.

Relationship between locomotor activity and monoamines following single and double transient forebrain ischemia in gerbils

The relationship between locomotor activity and monoamine levels in gerbils after single and/or double forebrain ischemic insult was studied. Locomotor hyperactivity was observed after the first ischemic episode, but the gerbils failed to show hyperactivity after the second ischemic episode induced one week later. The monoamine levels were determined in order to clarify the biochemical basis of post-ischemic locomotor hyperactivity. Norepinephrine increased in response to first ischemic episode but remained at normal levels after the second episode of ischemia. Metabolites of dopamine and serotonin increased after both the first and second ischemic insults, which indicates that these monoamines do not play significant roles in post-ischemic locomotor activity. Therefore, increases in norepinephrine after first ischemic insult may play a role in increasing locomotor activity during the period following such an episode.

Antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of Trapa bispinosa

The extracts of Trapa bispinosa showed interesting antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative test organisms and significant cytotoxic activity.

Protein machines and lipid assemblies: current views of cell membrane fusion

Protein machines and lipid bilayers both play central roles in cell membrane fusion, a process crucial to life. Recent results provide clues to how both components function in fusion. Recent observations suggest a common mechanism by which very different fusion machines (from lipid-enveloped viruses and synaptic vesicles) may function to produce compartment-joining pores. This mechanism presumes that fusion proteins act as machines that use stored conformational energy to assemble closely juxtaposed lipid bilayers, bend these to form fusion-competent structures, stabilize unfavorable lipid structures and destabilize a committed intermediate to drive fusion pore formation.

Improved HPLC determination of acidic opines by phenylisothiocyanate derivatization and its application to marine animals

We present here a reliable and sensitive method for the determination of acidic opines such as meso-alanopine, beta-alanopine, tauropine and strombine in biological samples. Interfering primary amino acids were eliminated by reaction with o-phthalaldehyde, and the derivatized compounds were passed through Sep-Pak Plus PS-1 cartridges. The acidic opines were recovered by flushing the cartridges with water, then determined by high performance liquid chromatography after a second derivatization with phenylisothiocyanate. All 4 acidic opines were detected within 30 min. This method ensured good separation and guaranteed almost full recovery of all acidic opines. This method was applied to analyze opines in marine animals and to test whether opines are metabolized in the livers of the rat and fish.

Mixed Micelles of Sodium Deoxycholate and Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monooleate (Tween 80)

The results of studies on the interaction of binary mixtures of sodium deoxycholate (NaDC) and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) in bulk and at the air/water interface obtained from conductance, surface tension, and fluorescence measurements are described. The critical micelle concentration (CMC), thermodynamics of micellization, free energy of interfacial adsorption, minimum average area occupied by the surfactant species at the interface, micellar polarity, and aggregation number of the mixed aggregates have been determined. The mixed micellar composition and the estimation of the interacting forces involved are evaluated on the basis of recent theoretical models. The estimated interaction parameter indicates an overall attractive force in the mixed state, and the proportion of NaDC in the mixed micelle is found to be lower compared to the stoichiometric compositions. The mixed aggregates with higher mole fractions of NaDC show less stability in comparison with those having higher proportions of the nonionic component. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Mortality in severely malnourished children with diarrhoea and use of a standardised management protocol

BACKGROUND

Severely malnourished children have high mortality rates. Death commonly occurs during the first 48 h after hospital admission, and has been attributed to faulty case-management. We developed a standardised protocol for acute-phase treatment of children with severe malnutrition and diarrhoea, with the aim of reducing mortality.

METHODS

We compared severely malnourished children with diarrhoea aged 0-5 years managed by non-protocol conventional treatment, and those treated by our standardised protocol that included slow rehydration with an emphasis on oral rehydration. The standardised-protocol group included children admitted to the ICDDR,B Hospital, Dhaka between Jan 1, 1997, and June 30, 1997, while those admitted between Jan 1, 1996, and June 30, 1996, before the protocol was implemented, were the non-protocol group.

FINDINGS

Characteristics on admission of children on standardised protocol (n=334) and non-protocol children (n=293) were similar except that more children on standardised protocol had oedema, acidosis, and Vibrio cholerae isolated from stools. 199 (59.9%) of children on standardised protocol were successfully rehydrated with oral rehydration solution, compared with 85 (29%) in the non-protocol group (p<0.0001). Use of expensive antibiotics was less frequent in children on standardised protocol than in the other group (p<0.0001). Children on standardised protocol had fewer episodes of hypoglycaemia than non-protocol children (15 vs 30, p=0.005). 49 (17%) of children on non-protocol treatment died, compared with 30 (9%) children on standardised protocol (odds ratio for mortality, 0.49, 95% CI 0.3-0.8, p=0.003).

INTERPRETATION

Compared with non-protocol management, our standardised protocol resulted in fewer episodes of hypoglycaemia, less need for intravenous fluids, and a 47% reduction in mortality. This standardised protocol should be considered in all children with diarrhoea and severe malnutrition.

Nosocomial bacterial sepsis in babies weighing 1000-1499 g in Kelantan

From January to December 1992, 92 babies weighing 1000-1499 gm here to referred as very low birth weight (VLBW) were admitted to NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), Hospital University Sains Malaysia (HUSM). Sixty babies were inborn giving a VLBW rate of 7.5 per 1000 live births. Incidence of nosocomial sepsis was 32.6% (30/92) of whom 43.3% (13/30) died. Eighty percent (24/30) of the septic babies had blood culture positive for gram negative organisms of which 40% (12/30) were sensitive only to imipenem. Ventilator support within 24 hours of life was required in 41.3% (38/94) babies of whom 42% (16/38) babies developed nosocomial sepsis. Delayed initiation of feeding was significantly associated with nosocomial sepsis. A strict asepsis policy and early feeding of the VLBW infant are essential components of any strategy to prevent of sepsis due to nosocomial infection.

Cytotoxic principles of a Bangladeshi crude drug, akond mul (roots of Calotropis gigantea L.)

Three cardenolide glycosides, calotropin (1), frugoside (2), and 4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranosylfrugoside (3), were obtained as the cytotoxic principles of "akond mul" (roots of Calotropis gigantea L.). The cytotoxicity of these compounds against various cell lines of human and mouse origin was tested. They showed similar cell line selectivity to those of cardiac glycosides such as digoxin and ouabain: they are toxic to cell lines of human origin, but not to those from mouse at 2 micrograms/ml.

Determinants of subsequent late postoperative left ventricular function and reversal of ventricular dilatation after mitral valve replacement for chronic mitral regurgitation

We studied 16 patients with chronic mitral regurgitation by echocardiography before, and at 3 weeks, at 6-8 months and at 1-9 years after mitral valve replacement (MVR) to investigate serial changes in left ventricular (LV) function and reversal of ventricular dilatation. All patients at an average of 2.6 years after, and 8 patients before MVR were also studied by echocardiography and, except for 3 patients by measuring plasma catecholamines from the right atrium during bicycle exercise. Before operation, all patients were divided into group A (n = 12) with end-systolic dimension (ESD) < 4 cm and systolic blood pressure (SBP)/ESD > 3, and group B (n = 4) with ESD > 4 cm and SBP/ESD < 3. Maximum reduction in end-diastolic dimension (EDD) occurred at 3 weeks in all patients after MVR (from 60.5 +/- 3.7 to 49.0 +/- 4.5 mm, p < 0.05). ESD was reduced significantly (p < 0.5) only in group A. LV function was normal in group A, but it was depressed in group B at early and late periods after MVR. The slopes of the relationship between the mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (Vcf) and plasma norepinephrine (NE) during exercise in all patients in group B decreased along with the depression in LV function. After operation, all patients in group A reached New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class I, while patients in group B were in NYHA class II. It is concluded that the surgical outcome after MVR for chronic MR will be better if preoperative ESD < 4 cm and SBP/ESD > 3. The relationship between mean Vcf and plasma NE during exercise seemed to be a useful index to evaluate the inotropic reserve of the LV.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF UDDER AND TEAT DISEASES IN DAIRY COWS

An epidemiologic study was conducted on 581 dairy cows (indigenous and its crosses 371, exotic crosses 210) of 4 government establishments to find prevalence of udder and teat diseases and their association with udder and teat characteristic, milk yield and milk flow rate in dairy cows. Mastitis (25.5%) was most common disease followed by udder skin diseases (15.0%) and teat diseases (12.6%). Prevalence of injuries and other lesions was higher in the skin of fore left udder quarter (22.7%) and teat (17.7%) and rear left teat end (4.5%). Mastitis was found to be associated with Sahiwal and Sindhi cross cow, poor body condition, bottle shaped teat, teat with round end, injuries and other lesions to the udder and teat skin and teat diseases. Udder skin diseases were strongly associated with indigenous cows, cow aged 5-10 years, small milk vein, larger front udder, and bottle shaped teats and flat end teats. Milk flow rate was higher in Sahiwal and Sindhi cross cows, large milk vein, larger front udder, funnel and cylindrical teats and pointed teat ends. Risk factors of udder and teat diseases, milk yield and milk flow rate in high yielding indigenous and its cross cows were not similar to those of exotic cows and their crosses. The relationship of udder and teat diseases; and udder and teat characteristics varies with the genetic composition of the dairy cows. Therefore, further genomic study needs to confirm association of udder and teat diseases with host characteristics.