Tazemetostat decreases β-catenin and CD13 protein expression in HEPG-2 and Hepatitis B virus-transfected HEPG-2 with decreased cell viability

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the global health concerns. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the major causes of HCC. Poor clinical outcome of HCC patients is attributed to a small population of cancer cells known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this work, we studied the effect of inhibiting the enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2), a histone methyltransferase known to be overexpressed in CSCs, using tazemetostat (Taz). The effect of Taz was assessed in the HCC cell line (HEPG2) and Hepatitis B virus-transfected HEPG2 (HBV/HEPG2) cells. MTT assay showed a significant decrease in HEPG2 cells viability after 48 h treatment with either 0.5, 1, 4 or 6 μM Taz. HEPG2 and HBV/HEPG2 cells were incubated with either 0.5 or 1 μM Taz for 48 h, and then, the cells and supernatants were collected for protein expression analysis of EZH2, CD13, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and β-catenin using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Taz showed a significant dose-dependent inhibition of EZH2, CD13 and β-catenin in HEPG2 and HBV/HEPG2 cells. Also, EpCAM protein levels were significantly decreased in HBV/HEPG2 but not in HEPG2 cell line alone. Our results indicate that Taz inhibition of EZH2 leads to downregulation of β-catenin signaling and eventually decreased expression of CD13 and EpCAM, which are characteristic for CSCs. The present study suggests that Taz could be a promising treatment for HCC including HBV-induced HCC that might be used in combination with radio/chemotherapy to target CSCs and prevent tumor relapse.

Simvastatin Induces Apoptosis And Suppresses Hepatocellular Carcinoma Induced In Rats

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a frequent primary aggressive cancer, a crucial cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Simvastatin is a well-known safe cholesterol-lowering medication that has been recently shown to suppress cancer progression. Apoptosis is a well-organized and controlled cellular process that happens both physiologically and pathologically leading to executing cell death. Apoptosis is frequently downregulated in cancer cells. In the present study, we aimed to test the effect of simvastatin on HCC progression. HCC was induced in experimental rats by means of diethylnitrose amine (DEN) and thioacetamide (TAA) injections. Gross examination and liver index along with biochemical analysis of hepatic function were evaluated. Serum alpha-feto protein (AFP) concentration was measured by ELISA. Histopathological examination was used for assessing necroinflammatory scores and fibrosis degree. Apoptosis was assessed using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Simvastatin was found to induce apoptosis successfully in HCC and improve liver fibrosis, overall hepatic function, and necroinflammatory score. Simvastatin, therefore, may be a potential adjunctive therapeutic option in clinical settings of treating HCC.

Predictors of In-hospital Mortality in Patients Presenting with Acute Coronary Syndromes in a Tertiary Cardiac Center in Dhaka, Bangladesh

The outcomes of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) vary internationally, given regional differences in patient co-morbidities, access to health care, interventional procedures and adherence to guideline-based management practices. This study aimed to identify the predictors of mortality from a large ACS registry of patients admitted to a tertiary care cardiac centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This was a hospital record based retrospective cross sectional observational study that included all patients presenting with ACS to Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital and Research Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2013 to December 2013. Data were collected from cardiac catheterization laboratory database and hospital discharge records. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Ethical approval was obtained by Institutional Review Board of the hospital. A total of 1914 ACS patients were studied: 39.8% presented with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 39.7% with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and 20.5% with unstable angina (UA). There were 146 in-hospital deaths (7.6%). Mortality was highest among STEMI patients (10.5%), followed by NSTEMI (8.1%) and UA (1.03%). The mean age of expired patients was significantly higher than that of those who survived (64.82±12.14 years vs. 57.32±11.99 years; p<0.001). Male patients were 71.4%, with no significant gender differences observed between expired and surviving groups. Age >50 years {odds ratio (OR) 2.56, p=0.005}, chronic kidney disease (CKD) (OR 2.1, p<0.001), shock (OR 16.82, p<0.001), left ventricular failure (LVF) (OR 2.43, p<0.001) and STEMI (OR 1.92, p=0.002) were independent predictors of mortality among ACS patients. Although diabetes per se was not associated with mortality (OR 1.3; 95% CI=0.89-1.91; p=0.169), uncontrolled diabetes defined as HbA1c levels ≥7.5% had significant risk of mortality (OR 51.4, p<0.001). ACS patients who did not undergo angiography (OR 16.4; p<0.001) or PCI (OR 18.9; p<0.001) had greater risk of mortality. ACS patients complicated with shock, LVF, uncontrolled diabetes and CKD had increased risk of in-hospital mortality. Improved outcomes may be likely with prompt angiography and PCI during index admission. This study is a preliminary initiative, and prospective multi-centre registries with nation-wide involvement are warranted.

The antimicrobial peptide alpha defensin correlates to type 2 diabetes via the advanced glycation end products pathway

Background: Diabetes is a serious health problem that results in high mortality rates worldwide. α-defensins are antimicrobial peptides of the innate immune system that contribute to inflammation. However, data on serum levels of α-defensin in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes are limited. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the possible changes in α-defensin serum levels in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes and to investigate its correlation with relevant biomarkers. Methodology: Analysis of serum α-defensin levels in 47 type 2 diabetics with diabetic neuropathy, 19 type 2 diabetics with no complications and 19 healthy control subjects by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was established. Furthermore, measurement of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) serum levels was performed, together with the lipid profile analysis. Results: The serum levels of α-defensin were higher in patients with and without diabetic neuropathy in comparison to control subjects. In addition, there was a significant correlation between α-defensin serum levels and AGEs and FBG serum levels as well as with the body mass index. Conclusions: α-defensins are significantly elevated in serum of type II diabetics, and correlate with AGEs serum levels indicating a crosstalk that may aggravate inflammation in type 2 diabetes. Keywords: Alpha defensing; Advanced glycation end products; Hyperglycemia; Inflammation; Innate immunity; Type 2 diabetes.

Design, synthesis, and antitumor activity of PLGA nanoparticles incorporating a discovered benzimidazole derivative as EZH2 inhibitor

PURPOSE

Targeting enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) can represent a hopeful strategy for oncotherapy. Also, the use of PLGA-based nanoparticles as a novel and rate-controlling carrier system was of our concern.

METHODS

Benzimidazole derivatives were synthesized, and their structures were clarified. In vitro antitumor activity was evaluated. Then, a modeling study was performed to investigate the ability of the most active compounds to recognize EZH2 active sites. Compound 30 (Drug) was selected to conduct pre-formulation studies and then it was incorporated into polymeric PLGA nanoparticles (NPs). NPs were then fully characterized to select an optimized formula (NP₄) that subjected to further evaluation regarding antitumor activity and protein expression levels of EZH2 and EpCAM.

RESULTS

The results showed the antitumor activity of some synthesized derivatives. Docking outcomes demonstrated that Compound 30 was able to identify EZH2 active sites. NP₄ exhibited promising findings and proved to keep the antitumor activity of Compound 30. HEPG-2 was the most sensitive for both Drug and NP₄. Protein analysis indicated that Drug and NP₄ had targeted EZH2 and the downstream signaling pathway leading to the decline of EpCAM expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeting EZH2 by Compound 30 has potential use in the treatment of cancer especially hepatocellular carcinoma.

Antiproliferative potential of moluccella laevis L. aerial parts family lamiaceae (labiatae), supported by phytochemical investigation and molecular docking study

The current biologically guided study aimed the in vitro investigation of cytotoxic activity, identification of the phytochemical content of Moluccella laevis L. aerial parts and supporting this activity by a molecular docking study. Aqueous fraction demonstrated the most potent cytotoxic effect against CACO-2 with IC₅₀ = 0.067 ± 0.01 μg/mL. Furthermore, EtOAc fraction showed a remarkable cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cell line with IC₅₀ = 0.35 ± 0.02 μg/mL. Consequently, total ethanolic extract (TEE) and its fractions were subjected to LC-HR-ESI-MS metabolic profiling to discover the constituents that possibly underlie their cytotoxicity. Twenty compounds were tentatively identified from metabolic analysis. Furthermore, eight compounds were isolated. In silico docking study revealed that stachydrine is more likely to account for the antiproliferative activity of both EtOAc and aqueous fractions, probably via its moderate inhibition of receptor tyrosine kinases.

Exercise-induced downregulation of serum interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in Egyptian handball players

Muscles of candidates work at various grades of intensity during handball exercises according to the pace of exercise. The movement pattern involves large number of contractions, feints, dodges and numerous changes in movements, all of which are highly responsible for changes in trainer's organs, including the immune system. In this study, inflammatory mediators involving interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in serum of 18 Egyptian male handball players, selected from Tanta club handball under 21 year’s old team, were analyzed. The analysis was established on samples collected just before and immediately after intermediate reasonable exercise via enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Moreover, white blood cells (WBCs) count and other hematological markers including hemoglobin %, hematocrit value, and platelet count were assessed. Our results demonstrated a significant decrease in the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α after exercise compared to those before exercise. This was coupled with an increase in WBCs and platelets count. It is also noteworthy that there was a significant positive correlation between serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the study subjects coupled with a significant negative correlation between IL-6 and WBCs after the exercise. Therefore, it is concluded that intermediate reasonable exercises result in decreased levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, which result in decreasing of the inflammation and help in healing and rapid recovery of muscles of the candidates.

Cardio-protective impact of gabapentin against doxorubicin-induced myocardial toxicity in rats; emphasis on modulation of inflammatory-apoptotic signaling

PURPOSE

Cardiotoxicity is one of the most commonly encountered adverse effects observed alongside the therapeutic use of doxorubicin (DOX), thus curbing its therapeutic utility.

METHODS

The current study was conducted to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of gabapentin (Gaba), a Ca + 2 channel blocker with emerging pharmacological merits, against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Gaba was orally administered at two dose levels (10 and 30 mg/kg) for 21 days parallel to DOX injection.

RESULTS

DOX induced significant functional, biochemical, and histopathological injury to the myocardium. Gaba treatment revealed a cardioprotective effect as manifested in the significant restoration of electrocardiogram parameters, including the heart rate, ST segment elevation, QRS and T wave amplitudes, and QT and PR intervals. The biomarkers of myocardial injury, namely serum creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities, significantly declined as well as the concomitant improvement of the myocardial oxidative status. Mechanistically, Gaba treatment significantly reduced the myocardial contents of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), the major modulator of inflammatory/apoptotic signaling. However, the myocardial contents of the apoptotic biomarkers caspase-8 and TRAIL also significantly declined. In isolated cardiomyocytes, Gaba treatment maintained the morphological characteristics of the cardiomyocytes and preserved their spontaneous beating characteristics. Nevertheless, the protein expression of caspase-8, JNK 1/2, and CD95L significantly declined with Gaba treatment.

CONCLUSION

Gaba confers cardioprotective effects against DOX-induced myocardial injury and cardiotoxicity by modulating the inflammatory/apoptotic signaling pathway.

Cytotoxic Activity and Metabolic Profiling of Fifteen Euphorbia Species

Euphorbia is a large genus of flowering plants with a great diversity in metabolic pattern. Testing the cytotoxic potential of fifteen Euphorbia species revealed highest activity of E. officinarum L. against human colon adenocarcinoma (CACO2) cell line (IC₅₀ 7.2 µM) and of E. lactea Haw. against human hepatoma (HepG2) and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell lines (IC₅₀ 5.2 and 5.1 µM, respectively). Additionally, metabolic profiling of the fifteen tested species, using LC-HRMS, for dereplication purposes, led to the annotation of 44 natural compounds. Among the annotated compounds, diterpenoids represent the major class. Dereplication approach and multivariate data analysis are adopted in order to annotate the compounds responsible for the detected cytotoxic activity. Results of Principle component analysis (PCA) come in a great accordance with results of biological testing, which emphasized the cytotoxic properties of E. lactea Haw. A similarity correlation network showed that the two compounds with the molecular formula C₁₆H₁₈O₈ and C₂₀H₃₀O₁₀, are responsible for cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 and HepG2 cell lines. Similarly, the compound with molecular formula C₁₈H₃₅NO correlates with cytotoxic activity against CACO2.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of hematological and immunological markers in COVID-19 infection: A meta-analysis of 6320 patients

OBJECTIVE

Evidence-based characterization of the diagnostic and prognostic value of the hematological and immunological markers related to the epidemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is critical to understand the clinical course of the infection and to assess in development and validation of biomarkers.

METHODS

Based on systematic search in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct up to April 22, 2020, a total of 52 eligible articles with 6,320 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cohorts were included. Pairwise comparison between severe versus mild disease, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) versus general ward admission and expired versus survivors were performed for 36 laboratory parameters. The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using the DerSimonian Laird method/random effects model and converted to the Odds ratio (OR). The decision tree algorithm was employed to identify the key risk factor(s) attributed to severe COVID-19 disease.

RESULTS

Cohorts with elevated levels of white blood cells (WBCs) (OR = 1.75), neutrophil count (OR = 2.62), D-dimer (OR = 3.97), prolonged prothrombin time (PT) (OR = 1.82), fibrinogen (OR = 3.14), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (OR = 1.60), procalcitonin (OR = 4.76), IL-6 (OR = 2.10), and IL-10 (OR = 4.93) had higher odds of progression to severe phenotype. Decision tree model (sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 81%) showed the high performance of neutrophil count at a cut-off value of more than 3.74x109/L for identifying patients at high risk of severe COVID-19. Likewise, ICU admission was associated with higher levels of WBCs (OR = 5.21), neutrophils (OR = 6.25), D-dimer (OR = 4.19), and prolonged PT (OR = 2.18). Patients with high IL-6 (OR = 13.87), CRP (OR = 7.09), D-dimer (OR = 6.36), and neutrophils (OR = 6.25) had the highest likelihood of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Several hematological and immunological markers, in particular neutrophilic count, could be helpful to be included within the routine panel for COVID-19 infection evaluation to ensure risk stratification and effective management.

Protective effect of vanillin on diabetic nephropathy by decreasing advanced glycation end products in rats

AIMS

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common chronic microvascular complication of both types of diabetes mellitus, which leads to renal dysfunction and subsequent need of dialysis and organ transplantation. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are metabolic consequence of hyperglycemia and are main contributory factor in the DN pathogenesis through mediating establishment of oxidative status and chronic inflammatory milieu. This study aimed to explore the impact of vanillin on preventing the progression of DN.

MAIN METHODS

Experimental DN model was established in rats utilizing streptozotocin. Serum concentration of AGEs and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) levels in kidney homogenate were assessed using ELISA technique. Also, we evaluated the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) using immunohistochemistry.

KEY FINDINGS

Treatment with vanillin for 8 weeks significantly ameliorated DN. Vanillin significantly decreased hyperglycemia and improved kidney function reflected by decreased serum levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and decreased proteinuria. Also, vanillin significantly decreased malondialdehyde content and elevated superoxide dismutase activity in renal tissues. Moreover, vanillin decreased renal expression of NF-κB and renal concentrations of IL-6, TGFβ1 and collagen. In addition, vanillin significantly decreased serum AGEs concentration. Also, vanillin attenuated histological abnormalities in kidney architecture.

SIGNIFICANCE

Vanillin, which is a cheap and abundant natural product, exhibited anti-AGEs, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activities. These activities might be helpful and potent mechanisms in preventing the progression of DN.

Consanguinity and hearing impairment in a deaf school

Objective: To find out the frequency of consanguinity and positive family history of hearing impairment among deaf children in a deaf school in Bangladesh. Methods: This was a retrospective study were included 150 patients. They were subjected to complete audiological examinations. These pupils were collected from Integrated Pre-school for Hearing Impaired children (IPSHIC) of SAHIC, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Results: The results showed that out of 150 Hearing impaired (HI ) children 30.0% (45) were from the consanguineous parents and 70.0% (105) from non- consanguineous parents. Also found 22.0% (33) had positive family history of hearing impairment. Conclusion: Prevention is only means to reduce the prevalence of Congenital hearing impairment. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v20i2.22020 Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol; October 2014; 20(2): 60-65

Combining ability study in waterlogged tolerant maize (Zea mays L.)

Combining ability was studied for kernel yield and yield components in a 8×8 diallel cross of waterlogged tolerant maize. Significant general and specific combining ability variances were observed for all the characters studied. Additive genetic variance was preponderant in plant height, ear height, ear length, ear diameter, and kernel weight and non-additive gene action was involved in days to silking, number of kernels per ear and kernel yield. The parental lines E-31 and E-79 were found to be the best general combiners for yield. The good combining parents for different traits could be used in hybridization to improve yield and other desirable traits as donor parents for the accumulation of favourable genes. The cross combinations, E 31× E 40, E 31× E 64, E 31× E 79, E 38× E 40, E 58× E 79, E 63× E 79, E 64 × E 79 showing significant and positive sca effects can be used for commercial hybrid variety development after verifying them at different locations. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v39i2.20430 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 39(2): 283-291, June 2014

Effects of catchment, first-flush, storage conditions, and time on microbial quality in rainwater harvesting systems

Rainwater collected from a rooftop rainwater harvesting (RWH) system is typically not considered suitable for potable uses, primarily because of poor microbial quality. The quality of stored rainwater, however, can be improved through basic design and maintenance practices during the construction and operation of an RWH system. This paper presents the microbial analysis of rainwater in two RWH systems installed at the Seoul National University Campus in South Korea. Rainwater samples were collected at different locations within each system and analyzed for total and fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, and heterotrophic plate count bacteria. Within their storage tanks, water quality improved horizontally from inlet to outlet points, and higher quality was observed at the supply point (located about 0.5 m from the base of the tank) than at the surface or bottom of the tank. First-flush rainwater was found to be highly contaminated but rainwater quality improved following about 1 mm of precipitation. The catchment surface also had a significant effect on the quality of rainwater; samples collected from a rooftop exhibited better microbial quality than from a terrace catchment. Better water quality in underground tanks (dark storage conditions) compared to open weirs/ filters (exposed to natural light) demonstrated the importance of storage conditions. Water quality also improved with longer storage, and a decrease of 70% to 90% in microbial concentrations was observed after about 1 week of storage time. The findings of this study demonstrate that the microbial quality of harvested rainwater can be improved significantly by the adoption of proper design and maintenance guidelines such as those discussed in this paper.

Comparison of P2Y12 receptor inhibition by clopidogrel and prasugrel in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Dual antiplatelet treatment (DAPT) with aspirin and clopidogrel is vital after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Clopidogrel and prasugrel act on P2Y12 platelet surface receptors. Both these P2Y12 inhibitors are pro-drugs and depend on cytochrome system of the liver for their conversion to active metabolite. There is growing concern regarding suboptimal response in platelet inhibition by clopidogrel. Verify Now system got approval by Federal Drug Administration, USA, for assessing platelet function as its result is almost comparable to gold standard Light Transmission Aggregometry (LTA). There are no data on the prevalence of clopidogrel resistance in Bangladeshi population. Prasugrel, as an antiplatelet drug, is a newer introduction in this country. This study will show light on the efficacy of these drugs on our population especially in patients who undergo PCI where DAPT is mandatory. A total 120 (60 diabetics) patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), were alternatively given 600 mg clopidogrel loading dose (LD) followed by 75 mg maintenance dose (MD) daily or 60 mg LD of prasugrel followed by 10 mg MD daily. Five samples of blood were taken at different time intervals over a period of 2 weeks. Measurement of percent inhibition of P2Y12 was done by VerifyNow. Patients who showed less than 20% inhibition (clopidogrel resistant) at any stage were switched to prasugrel. The outcomes of clopidogrel, prasugrel and clopidogrel switched to prasugrel groups were then compared. Nearly half (46.7%) of the patients in the clopidogrel group was found resistant to the drug as opposed to none in the prasugrel group. No difference was found between diabetic and non-diabetic subjects with respect to drug resistance. Intracoronary blood samples showed high degree of platelet inhibition with prasugrel. There was a gradual decline of platelet inhibition over two weeks with prasugrel. Almost fifty percent of the population is clopidogrel resistant in our study. Prasugrel is a much more potent antiplatelet drug and should be preferred in patients undergoing PCI. Prasugrel may also show resistance over time.

Risk factors of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis in Bangladeshi population: a case control study

Despite success in tuberculosis control, multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in Bangladesh is increasing and currently multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis rate is 3.6% in new cases and 19% in re-treatment cases. This study focused on determination of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis which is warranted for effective prevention strategy. An unmatched case control study was conducted in 2010. Purposively recruited 136 culture-proved multi-drug-resistant- tuberculosis cases and 152 cured tuberculosis patients were interviewed. Associations between exposure and outcome variables were initially tested by chi2-test, t-test. A result was considered significant at p value < 0.05. Effects of exposure variables were also assessed after adjusting for other variables by binary logistic regression models. Crude and adjusted Odds Ratio with 95% Confidence Interval was computed. Younger age (p = 0.008) and, peri-urban locality (p = 0.002) were associated with multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis. History of contact (p < 0.001) and tuberculosis in the past (p < 0.001) were four and eight times, respectively, more likely to influence multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis. Regularity [Odds Ratio 0.05; 95% Confidence Interval (0.01 to 0.39)] and always observation of treatment [Odds Ratio 0.25; 95% Confidence Interval (0.10 to 0.61)], sputum conversion [Odds Ratio 0.02; 95% Confidence Interval (0.01 to 0.08)] negatively associated with multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis. Gender and socio-economic status did not show any influence. Treatment course and sputum conversion was the best predictors. Like other developing countries adequacy of treatment is the most important exposure variable. Strengthening of control activities might contribute in preventing development of resistance in tuberculosis patients.

Clinical study of advanced glycation end products in egyptian diabetic obese and non-obese patients

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are complex, heterogenous molecules generated by glycation and oxidation of proteins in vivo, which are thought to markedly increase in diabetic patients. One of the recently identified AGEs is carboxy methyl lysine (CML), which is the main ligand of receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). The present study aimed to assess the effect of obesity on such pathways in presence and absence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. CML, soluble receptors for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE), HbA1C, lipid profile, liver function tests and kidney function tests were determined in 29 diabetic obese, 29 diabetic non-obese, 15 non-diabetic obese and 15 non-diabetic non-obese subjects. The study compared obese and non-obese subjects in presence and absence of type 2 diabetes. The results showed a significant increase in CML and a significant decrease in sRAGE in each of the diabetic obese group when compared with the diabetic non-obese group and the non-diabetic obese group when compared with the non-diabetic non-obese group. A significant positive correlation was found between CML and markers of obesity (body mass index and waist/hip ratio). These results suggest that obesity can increase CML independent of diabetes and support the reports that CML could be generated from both sugars and lipids. The present study suggests that treatment using glycation inhibitors like aminoguanidine or recombinant sRAGE will not only retard the diabetic complications, but may also have a prophylactic effect.

Noise level in different places of Dhaka Metropolitan City (DMC) and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in Dhaka City dwellers

A cross sectional, exploratory study was designed at "National Center for Hearing and Speech for Children" (NCHSC), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from May 2001 to June 2002, with a view to determine the average noise level in different places of Dhaka Metropolitan City (DMC), and also aiming at evaluating the extent of Noise-induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) in different groups of city dwellers and finally a base line information. A total of 32 places in DMC were selected randomly. The highest noise level recorded 104 dB at Sayedabad bus terminal and the lowest 68 dB in Banani and Baridhara residential area. In silent zone of DMC, average noise level was 79 dB, in residential zone 72 dB, in commercial zone 90 dB, and in mixed zone average noise level was recorded at 91 dB. Measured noise levels were more than acceptable and permissible levels in all places of DMC. A total of 312 persons aged between 15-45 years (mean age- 24.64 years) were enrolled for the study as per inclusion criteria. Gender-wise male were 211(67.62%) and female were 101(32.57%). Profession-wise Automobile drivers were 57(18.26 %), Garment workers 58(18.55 %), City dwellers 72(23.07%), Students 72(23.07%), Traffic polices 12(3.85%), Hawkers and Road side shopkeepers were 41(13.1%). Definite noise notch (>25dB) at 4KHz observed in 33(10.58%) audiogram of persons under study. Automobile drivers, Traffic polices, Road side hawkers and Shop keepers, Garment workers are mostly affected were 17.54%, 16.4%, 12.09% and 12.06% respectively. A total of 201 persons (64.42%) were not aware of their hearing impairment, 244(78%) of the person had poor level of knowledge regarding bad effects of noise on health and about protective means available. Amongst persons (33) found to have NIHL did not use any protective device.

A comparison of polyacrylamide gels and radiochromic film for source measurements in intravascular brachytherapy

For intravascular brachytherapy with catheter-based systems, AAPM Task Group 60 has recommended measurements that should be made to characterize the sources. Beta emitters, including (90)Sr/(90)Y are ideal for intravascular brachytherapy, but problems arise in measuring dose distributions in the high dose gradient region at short distances from the source. In this paper, measurements of radial and orthogonal dose distributions and dose profiles for a (90)Sr/(90)Y source train using polyacrylamide gel (PAG) dosimetry and a high-field 4.7 Tesla MRI scanner are presented and compared with measurements made with two types of radiochromic film, MD-55 and HD-810. For the PAG system, the dose distributions were determined with in-plane resolutions of 0.4 mm and 0.2 mm. The measurements of absorbed dose distributions both orthogonal and parallel to the source axis show good agreement between the PAG and radiochromic film. The absolute dose at a radial distance of 2 mm in the central 32 mm of a line parallel to the axis was measured. For the PAG the measured absorbed dose was 1.25% lower, for MD-55 4% higher and for the HD-810 1.6% higher when compared with the value given by the source calibration. These results confirm that both absorbed dose and dose distributions for high gradient vascular brachytherapy sources can be measured using PAG but the disadvantages of gel manufacture and the need for access to a high resolution scanner suggests that the use of radiochromic film is the method of choice.

Determination of chromium in river waters by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with preconcentration on a tantalum wire

The preconcentration of chromium on tantalum wire followed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with a tungsten tube atomizer is described. The preconcentration is accomplished by adsorbing chromium on a tantalum wire. The optimal immersion time was 3 mm. The best pH for chromium adsorption was 3. Under optimal conditions, the detection limit was 15 pg mU1 (3 x SIN). The effects on the preconcentration of chromium by large amounts of contaminants were evaluated. Even though matrix elements existed in 10(3)-10(4)-fold excess in water, the chromium absorption signal was not affected by the matrix elements. The method with preconcentration on tantalum wire was applied to the determination of chromium in river water.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: a study of 24 cases

24 cases of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) in children were treated by surgical removal with cup forceps and followed up for variable periods between 1990-95. Most of the patients required multiple operations due to recurrence. No anaesthetic death or complication was recorded. Voice changes of different degrees were noted. Four patients has glottic web formation. The findings suggest that recurrence of RRP is very common & needs multiple session of surgery. For children with persistent and progressive voice change/cry, the necessity of precise & comprehensive endoscopic examination of the upper aerodigestive tract under general anesthesia (GA) is emphasized.

Follow up study of thyroidectomy

One hundred thyroidectomized patients were followed up. The male:female ratio was 1:4. Majority (62%) of the patients were in the 4th and 5th decades. Multinodular goiter was the commonest lesion found in 74, diffuse colloid goiter in 12 and carcinoma in 14 cases. After operation, sixty-five patients were relieved of all preoperative symptoms of thyroid disease. Thirteen patients had some persistent symptoms. Rest 22 had developed different types of complication in addition to some preoperative symptoms. Three patients developed hoarseness of voice due to recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Hypoparathyroidism occurred in 1, hypothyroidism in 4 and recurrent neck swelling in 14 patients. One patient died. It seems that a thorough knowledge of the surgical anatomy and meticulousness during the procedure would reduce the rates of such complications in future.

Screening--a unique way of better health care delivery for ENT patients

A few Ear Camps were carried out amongst 25 schools and madrashas of Dhaka City having 10,102 pupils, to see the prevalence of ENT diseases and hearing impairment. A primary screening was done by the Bangladesh Council for Child Welfare (BCCW) with the possibilities of suffering from ear, nose & throat diseases with the help of questionnaire and clinical examination by qualified doctor. The word "Screening" is used in this paper not in the epidemiological sense but to imply primary selection. 1,403 (13.89%) were issued registration card for ENT consultation. Five otolaryngologist, one audiometrician, two ancillary staffs, BCCW workers, local volunteers and school teachers conducted the 3 days long camp. Secondary screening by the otolaryngologists revealed pathology in 1,101 students (10.89%). 26 children (0.26%) were attending schools with severe hearing loss. ENT diseases appeared to be common in urban school children and screened proved to be an efficient method for health care delivery.

Ewing's sarcoma of maxilla--a case report

This paper reports the case of an adolescent girl who was admitted in the ENT ward, IPGMR in February '88 with the complaints of nasal obstruction, nasal discharge associated with progressive swelling of the right side of her face for 1 year. She had an operation at Chittagong Medical College Hospital 1 year back for some problem in the right side of the nose. No history of pain, nasal bleeding or visual disturbance were present. The nasal mass was mobile, insensitive and did not bleed on touch, but the facial swelling was red, soft and cystic. Clinically diagnosed as an Antral growth with Ethmoidal involvement. Radiologically revealed soft tissue swelling, obliteration of nasal fossa and opacification of sinuses. After surgical resection the facial mass was diagnosed as Ewing's sarcoma histopathologically. The patient needed radiotherapy but did not follow it.