Rep-PCR Analyses Reveal Genetic Variation of Ralstonia solanacearum Causing Wilt of Solanaceaous Vegetables in Bangladesh

Ralstonia solanacearum, a soil-borne and seed-borne plant pathogenic bacterium, causes bacterial wilt to several important crop plants causing substantial economic losses. To provide population information on this pathogen for developing effective control strategies, Rep-PCR was used to analyze the genetic variation of 18 representative isolates of R. solanacearum collected in Bangladesh. Phenotypic analyses revealed that all eighteen isolates belong to biotype 3 with wide diversity in aggressiveness on eggplant, tomato, and chili. Rep-PCR studies utilizing the REP, ERIC, and BOXIR primers showed a wide variation at the genetic level among the R. solanacearum isolates used in this study. Dendrogram constructed using REP, ERIC, and BOXIR primers based on banding patterns implied that R. solanacearum isolates were genetically diversified and distributed in four clusters at 83%, 80%, and 63% similarity index, respectively. The genetic relationship assayed by rep-PCR highlighted a wide range of genetic variation but no relation among geographical origin, aggressiveness, and phylogenetic groups of R. solanacearum isolates. These results conceded that other molecular markers related to virulence gene(s) might reveal the complex relationship among geographical origin, aggressiveness, and phylogenetic groups.

Management of Choledocholithiasis: Should We Remove the Bile Duct?

Retrieval of stone by endoscopic papillotomy, laparoscopic choledochotomy or open choledochotomy is the treatment of choice for choledocholithiasis. Published literature shows that the recurrence rate is 4% to 24% with existing method of treatment. We have treated 8 patients who admitted with recurrent choledocholithiasis in the department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Liver Transplant Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Bangladesh in the period of January 2016 to December 2019. None had intrahepatic duct abnormality or stones. All patients underwent either ERCP stenting, open choledocholithotomy or both 16 to 84 months back. Management policy is designed and outcome is observed on these patients. There were 3 males and 5 females; age ranges 18 to 60 years. The common bile duct (CBD) diameter of all patient ranges from 15 to 24mm. The shape of CBD is different from normal variant; S shaped, saculated, grossly dilated with terminal narrowing. Considering the anatomical abnormality and recurrence of disease we have removed the abnormal part of common bile duct along with stones and the operation was completed by Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. All patients were completely symptom free for 6 to 48 months after surgery. Removal of abnormal part of common bile duct with reconstruction in the form of Roux-en-Y hepatico-jejunostomy may be considered for treating choledocholithiasis with abnormal CBD (abnormally dilated, abnormally shaped, angulated or sacculated) however, long-term follow up is required for final comment.

Finite element submodeling technique to analyze the contact pressure and wear of hard bearing couples in hip prosthesis

Finite element (FE) simulation plays a major role in computing stress and predicting the failure of biomedical components. Normally in past, researchers focused on developing a global computational model from the scanned data of patients to analyze the stresses and deformations. To compute the wear of the hip prosthesis, mostly the global model (GM) is used to predict the expected life for million cycles using nodal updating technique which leads to high computational effort and time. The proposed work utilizes a submodeling finite element technique to analyze the contact pressure and wear of biomaterials for three different combinations in hip prosthesis including metal, ceramic and polycrystalline diamond materials. Initially the global model boundary and loading conditions are transferred to the submodel. The mesh is refined further using finer mesh and then the results are computed which consumes lesser time. The contact stress as well as the linear wear of biomaterials is found to be quite high for the local model (LM) when compared with the global model. However, no changes in volumetric wear of these biomaterials are observed when compared with previous experimental results. The computational time as well as accuracy in estimating the contact stress and the wear of bearings is improved effectively. Among local model with different element sizes, 0.75 mm element size of local model showed improved results in estimating the contact stress and linear wear of bearing.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: Correlation between Computed Radiography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The purpose of this study is to diagnose Legg-Calve-Perthes disease by computed radiography and Magnetic resonance imaging and accurate staging and correlating the findings of these two modalities. Thirty five (35) patients complaining pain in groins and painful walking, after thorough physical examinations were sent to Department of Radiology & Imaging, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh for computed radiography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging examination. This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Radiology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July 2016 to June 2018. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease among the selected 35 cases were started at the age of 5(2.9%) and age range of the patients were 5-13 years; mean age was (9.63±1.82) years and most of them belonged to 8-10 years of age (51.4%). Patients with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease had been suffering from pain in right and left groins forvarious durations. Maximum duration was 1-2 years (~88.57%). Maximum proportion of diagnosed patients was delivered by normal delivery (60%) and maximum proportion of patients was premature (65.7%). Most of the patients were low birth weight baby (65.7%). Here chi-square test was done and found no significant relationship between delivery mode and birth weight in case of Legg-Calve-Perthesdisease (x²=1.712) (P=0.191). The result of the X-ray and MRI findings by cross table of chi square test found fair inter relationship between two diagnostic instruments. Result found fine difference in staging of the disease between X-ray and MRI findings. It can be said that MRI definitely a better tool for early diagnosis of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and its staging but X-ray modality can be used. A primary tool for diagnosis and staging of the disease can be done where the MRI facility is not available or cost expensive for patient.

Reducing stress concentration on the cup rim of hip implants under edge loading

High stress concentration under edge loading on the cup rim contact due to micro-separation causes accelerated striping wear, fracture, and fatigue in hip implant components. While continuous effort is devoted into improving bearing design and surgical procedure to tackle the problem, the concern still has remained forcing biomedical engineers to seek for new and alternative solutions. The current paper aims to investigate the effect of a new geometry "spline" introduced at the cup's rim corner to minimise stress concentration under edge loading. Three-dimensional finite element modelling of a metal-on-metal hip implant is developed, where contact pressure, von Mises stress, and strain are predicted for three spline geometries, ie, equivalent characteristic arc radius (R = 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mm) at four micro-separations (of 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mm) simulating edge loading on the rim contact via the application of a constant vertical load of 3 kN. The efficacy of the spline is compared with that of circular arc and sharp corner (ie, no arc) geometries. Overall, the spline outperforms both sharp corner and circular arc in reducing contact pressure, stress, and strain. The benefit of the spline over the circular arc is quite promising at larger micro-separation but fairly marginal at smaller arc radius and micro-separation. The findings indicate that, as an alternative to the circular fillet, the spline can be considered a potential geometry to be incorporated at the rim corner of the cup.

Immune Response against Hepatitis B virus after Pentavalent Vaccination in Children

This study was done to know the real status of immune response to Hepatitis B vaccine among the pentavalent vaccinated children as per EPI schedule of Bangladesh. It was prospective observational study done in the EPI corner of Paediatric OPD of Dhaka National Medical College & Hospital (DNMCH), Dhaka from July 2015 to July 2016. Sixty (60) children ranging from 9 months to 2 years of age, who received pentavalent vaccination (Hepatitis B + DPT + Hib) according to EPI schedule, were included. The testing for anti-HBs titres were conducted in the Department of Virology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Out of 60 children, 9(15%) had anti-HBs titres <10 IU/L (non-protected) while 51(85%) had anti-HBs titres >10 IU/L (protected). Twenty seven (27) were male and of them 21(77.8%) protective and 6(22.2%) non-protective. Thirty three (33) were female, out of them 30(90.9%) protective while 3(9.1%) non-protective. The difference was not significant between male and female (p=0.156). Fifty (50) children received vaccination by EPI (Government) (pentavalent) out of which 9(18%) non-protective and 41(82%) protective level. However, 10 children received privately Hepatitis B vaccination of which all developed protective level. The difference was not significant between Government (EPI) and privately vaccine (p=0.145). Most of the children showed positive immune response after pentavalent vaccination.

Antibiotic resistance pattern of Salmonella spp. isolated from stool samples of hospitalized diarrheal patients in Bangladesh

This study was carried out to investigate the drug resistance pattern of Salmonella spp. from diarrheal patients of under 5 years of age. Collected stool samples from the hospitalized diarrheal patients were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella spp. Among 350 stool samples from diarrheal patients, 15 (4%) were positive for the Salmonella spp. Antibiotic susceptibility test of the identified Salmonella spp. was performed according to Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Eight commonly used antibiotics including azithromycin (15 μg), chloramphenicol (30 μg), Sulphamethaxole-trimethoprim (25 μg), metronidazole (50 μg), tetracycline (30 μg), doxycycline (30 μg), erythromycin (15 μg) and ciprofloxacin (5 μg) used to determine drug resistance pattern of the identified Salmonella spp. Majority of the isolates were multidrug resistant showed resistance against more than three drugs. 73% of Salmonella spp. was resistant to 2-4 drugs and 20% showed resistance to more than 5 drugs. We found that 100% Salmonella showed resistance to metronidazole and 87% were resistant to erythromycin. 7% isolates were resistant to chloramphenicol and doxycycline and 20% were resistant to ciprofloxacin. Antibiotic resistance is a serious public health problem worldwide and a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. This kind of situation, leads to great socioeconomic losses from the perspective of the patient, the hospital, and the whole society. To get rid form the drug resistance problem unnecessary, over and misuse of antibiotics should immediately prohibited and policy of judicious use of antibiotics should be strengthened.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2017, 3(4): 534-538

Computational wear assessment of hard on hard hip implants subject to physically demanding tasks

Hip implants subject to gait loading due to occupational activities are potentially prone to failures such as osteolysis and aseptic loosening, causing painful revision surgeries. Highly risky gait activities such as carrying a load, stairs up or down and ladder up or down may cause excessive loading at the hip joint, resulting in generation of wear and related debris. Estimation of wear under the above gait activities is thus crucial to design and develop a new and improved implant component. With this motivation, this paper presents an assessment of wear generation of PCD-on-PCD (poly crystalline diamond) hip implants using finite element (FE) analysis. Three-dimensional (3D) FE model of hip implant along with peak gait and peak flexion angle for each activity was used to estimate wear of PCD for 10 million cycles. The maximum and minimum initial contact pressures of 206.19 MPa and 151.89 MPa were obtained for carrying load of 40 kg and sitting down or getting up activity. The simulation results obtained from finite element model also revealed that the maximum linear wear of 0.585 μm occurred for the patients frequently involved in sitting down or getting up gait activity and maximum volumetric wear of 0.025 mm³ for ladder up gait activity. The stair down activity showed the least linear and volumetric wear of 0.158 μm and 0.008 mm³, respectively, at the end of 10 million cycles. Graphical abstract Computational wear assessment of hip implants subjected to physically demanding tasks.

Morbidity and Mortality after Pancreatoduodenectomy: A Five Year Experience in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University

Mortality and morbidity was assessed after adoption of a systematic care for patient with pancreatoduodenectomy starting from patient selection and preparation, operative technique, and postoperative care. In this prospective study seventy patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for periampullary carcinoma with curative intent between January 2010 and December 2014 were carefully analyzed prospectively. Patients were selected those who had ampullary carcinoma, lower bile duct carcinoma and small size carcinoma head of pancreas without local invasion and distant metastasis, and the patient who did not have any major disabling comorbid diseases. All patients were assessed uniformly before surgery and deficiency were corrected up to normal level before operation. Pancreatoduodenectomy and standard lymphadenectomy was performed meticulously with minimum blood loss. The pancreatojejunal reconstruction was performed using duct-to-mucosa method mostly. A nasojejunal feeding tube was placed in most patients for starting postoperative early oral feeding. Broad spectrum antibiotics and the epidural analgesia were mostly prescribed for good control infection and pain. Proper nutrition was maintained in calculative way through central venous line and nasojejunal feeding tube in the early postoperative period. General care, early mobilization and chest physiotherapy were given routinely in each patient. Seventy-seven percent (n=54) patients did not have any postoperative complications and they were discharged from hospital within 12-14 postoperative days. The morbidity occurred in 16 patients (23%) and most common complication was wound infection (18%, n=9). The rest complications were pancreatojejunal anastomotic leakage - 2, hepaticojejunal anastomosis leakage - 1, melaena - 1, intra-abdominal abscess - 1, intra-abdominal hemorrhage - 1, and renal dysfunction - 1. The mortality rate was 5.7% (n=4), causes of death were massive myocardial infarction; 1, failure of reversal from anesthesia; 1, massive intraabdominal bleeding; 1 and CV catheter related severe sepsis; 1. Review of recent published literature revealed that mortality and morbidity our series is better than low volume center and almost similar with high volume center of pancreatoduodenectomy surgery. Our systematic management policy of careful patient selection, planned approach in the form of proper work up, meticulous conduction of the procedure, appropriate postoperative care provides an acceptable morbidity and mortality after pancreatoduodenectomy.

Activation cross sections of proton induced nuclear reactions on palladium up to 80MeV

Activation cross sections of proton induced nuclear reactions on palladium were measured up to 80MeV by using the stacked foil irradiation technique and gamma ray spectrometry. The beam intensity, the incident energy and the energy degradation were controlled by a method based on flux constancy via normalization to the excitation functions of monitor reactions measured in parallel. Excitation functions for direct and cumulative cross-sections were measured for the production of (104m,104g,105g,106m,110m)Ag, (100,101)Pd, (99m,99g,100,101m,101g,102m,102g,105)Rh and (103,97)Ru radioisotopes. The cross section data were compared with the theoretical predictions of TENDL-2014 and -2015 libraries. For practical applications thick target yields were derived from the measured excitation functions. Application in the field of medical radionuclide production is shortly discussed.

Associations and Risk Factors of Diabetic Maculopathy

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

Surface treatments for controlling corrosion rate of biodegradable Mg and Mg-based alloy implants

Due to their excellent biodegradability characteristics, Mg and Mg-based alloys have become an emerging material in biomedical implants, notably for repair of bone as well as coronary arterial stents. However, the main problem with Mg-based alloys is their rapid corrosion in aggressive environments such as human bodily fluids. Previously, many approaches such as control of alloying materials, composition and surface treatments, have been attempted to regulate the corrosion rate. This article presents a comprehensive review of recent research focusing on surface treatment techniques utilised to control the corrosion rate and surface integrity of Mg-based alloys in both in vitro and in vivo environments. Surface treatments generally involve the controlled deposition of thin film coatings using various coating processes, and mechanical surfacing such as machining, deep rolling or low plasticity burnishing. The aim is to either make a protective thin layer of a material or to change the micro-structure and mechanical properties at the surface and sub-surface levels, which will prevent rapid corrosion and thus delay the degradation of the alloys. We have organised the review of past works on coatings by categorising the coatings into two classes-conversion and deposition coatings-while works on mechanical treatments are reviewed based on the tool-based processes which affect the sub-surface microstructure and mechanical properties of the material. Various types of coatings and their processing techniques under two classes of coating and mechanical treatment approaches have been analysed and discussed to investigate their impact on the corrosion performance, biomechanical integrity, biocompatibility and cell viability. Potential challenges and future directions in designing and developing the improved biodegradable Mg/Mg-based alloy implants were addressed and discussed. The literature reveals that no solutions are yet complete and hence new and innovative approaches are required to leverage the benefit of Mg-based alloys. Hybrid treatments combining innovative biomimetic coating and mechanical processing would be regarded as a potentially promising way to tackle the corrosion problem. Synergetic cutting-burnishing integrated with cryogenic cooling may be another encouraging approach in this regard. More studies focusing on rigorous testing, evaluation and characterisation are needed to assess the efficacy of the methods.

Circadian rhythm of onset of stroke - in 50 cases of ischemic stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. While the immediate consequence of stroke include permanent cognitive deficits, paralysis, visual impairment and sensory disturbances; stroke also results in long term dysregulation of sleep and mood, which may be equally disabling. The influence of ischemic stroke on circadian rhythm regulation, which is strongly linked to sleep and mood, may thus potentially influence long term recovery in stroke patients. Stroke induces immediate changes in the timing of pineal melatonin secretion, indicating that cortical and basal ganglia infarction impacts the timing of melatonin rhythms. This study was done to find out the time of onset of most of the ischemic stroke attack and to determine the outcome of ischemic stroke during hospital stay. All ischemic stroke patients admitted in Medicine wards in Comilla Medical College Hospital during the period of 1st November 2010 to 30th April 2011 included in this study. After admission, a careful history and a thorough clinical examination was carried out. Data collection was done on a preset questionnaire which involved to identify the risk factors, the time of onset of ischemic stroke, and outcome during hospital stay. All the cases were investigated. Among the 50 ischemic stroke patients, 68% were male and 32% female. Maximum age groups were 61-70 years (50%). By occupational category, maximum were retired persons (46%); 68% were hypertensive, 38% smoker and 16% had diabetes. Dyslipidemia was present in 44% patients. Most of the ischemic stroke (44%) occurred in the morning to late morning (6:01AM-12:00PM) and majority (80%) of the patients was discharged with residual neurological dysfunction. This study supports the presence of a circadian pattern in the onset of ischemic stroke, with higher risk in the morning to late morning. Most of the patients were discharged with residual neurological dysfunction.

Common presentation of amebic liver abscess - a study in a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh

Amebic liver abscess is a tropical disease. It is not uncommon in Bangladesh. Given the often nonspecific nature of complains related to amebic liver abscess, this study was carried out to identify the most common presentation. This hospital based cross sectional study was carried out in 30 cases of amebic liver abscess in the Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Comilla Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh. Clinical and laboratory informations were recorded including symptoms, signs, location and number of abscess. Among 30 patients, 27 were male (90%) and 3 female (10%), mean age of male and female were 42±11 and 52±8 respectively. Common clinical symptoms were fever (93%) and abdominal pain (93%). Common signs were right upper quadrant tenderness (60%), hepatomegaly (67%). Most of the patient had single abscess (80%) and location of abscess was predominantly in the right lobe (77%). Radiological abnormality on x-ray chest was present in 30% cases. Common clinical presentation of amebic liver abscess patients were fever and right upper abdominal pain. Duration of symptoms was more than two weeks in most cases.

Choroidal osteoma - case reports

Choroidal osteoma is a rare disease. In this article four case histories were described. All were female and young patient. One patient had bilateral and other three had unilateral involvement. They had no family history. One patient reported at eye department in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and the other three patients reported in Bangladesh Eye Hospital. Choroidal osteoma is a benign tumor. It is diagnosed by fundoscopy, ocular B-scan ultrasonography, x-ray orbit, FFA, OCT and CT-scan of orbit. Most patients do not require treatment. Hemorrhage on the lesion suggests the presence of sub-retinal neovascularization which are typically treated with laser or intra-vitreal anti-VEGF.

Activation cross sections of α-particle induced nuclear reactions on hafnium and deuteron induced nuclear reaction on tantalum: production of ¹⁷⁸W/(178m)Ta generator

In the frame of a systematic study of charged particle production routes of medically relevant radionuclei, the excitation function for indirect production of (178m)Ta through (nat)Hf(α,xn)(178)W-(178m)Ta nuclear reaction was measured for the first time up to 40 MeV. In parallel, the side reactions (nat)Hf(α,x)(179,177,176,175)W, (183,182,178g,177,176,175)Ta, (179m,177m,175)Hf were also assessed. Stacked foil irradiation technique and γ-ray spectrometry were used. New experimental cross section data for the (nat)Ta(d,xn)(178)W reaction are also reported up to 40 MeV. The measured excitation functions are compared with the results of the ALICE-IPPE, and EMPIRE nuclear reaction model codes and with the TALYS 1.4 based data in the TENDL-2013 library. The thick target yields were deduced and compared with yields of other charged particle ((p,4n), (d,5n) and ((3)He,x)) production routes for (178)W.

Serum-ascites albumin gradient in differential diagnosis of ascites

The present study was aimed to find out causes of ascites based on serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) and to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the serum-ascites albumin gradient, proposed as a new biochemical criterion for the differential diagnosis of ascites and to evaluate the value of serum-ascites albumin gradient in differential diagnosis of ascites. This study includes 50 patients with ascites admitted in Medicine wards of Comilla Medical College Hospital, Comilla during the period of July 2010 to June 2011. Blood was drawn from the antecubital vein and ascetic fluid was obtained by paracentesis at the same time. Determination of the concentrations of albumin in both the serum and the ascitic fluid was carried out simultaneously. Considering SAAG value of ≥1.1g/dl is high SAAG and a SAAG value <1.1g/dl is low SAAG. Out of 50 patients, male patients were 36 and female patients were 14. Male and female ratio was 2.5:1. Age range was 21 years to 70 years. Most of the patients fall in age group of 41-50(28%).Among the 50 patients with ascites, cirrhosis of liver accounted for 68%, followed by tubercular peritonitis 12%, nephrotic syndrome 8%, congestive cardiac failure 6%, hepatocellular carcinoma 4% and malignancy related 2%. In this study serum ascites albumin gradient accurately identified the cause of ascites in 97% cases. In contrast the exudate-transudate concept identified only 83% correctly. Serum ascites albumin gradient was found superior to the exudate-transudate concept. So, differential diagnosis of ascites should be based on the serum ascites albumin gradient which is a better distinguishing marker.

Comparison of trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C versus medical treatment in moderate stage of steroid induced glaucoma

This prospective, comparative and interventional study was done to compare the effects of Trabeculectomy with Mitomycin-C and medical treatment with Timolol maleate 0.5% by controlling IOP (intra ocular pressure) and assessing the visual acuity (VA) and mean sensitivity (MS) of visual field in moderate stage of steroid induced glaucoma and conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, from July 2004 to June 2009. Sixty eyes of thirty patients with glaucoma due to use of topical steroids for >1 year. IOP range was 22-30 mm of Hg, visual field with (MD) mean deviation >6 to 12 dB and (MS) mean sensitivity >12-21dB, C:D ratio 0.7-0.8 and visual acuity 6/9 to 6/6 were included in this study. At first, topical steroid was stopped. Sample was collected in lottery method. Patients were divided into two groups. In Group I, 30 eyes were treated with Timolol maleate 0.5%. In Group II, 30 eyes were treated surgically by Trabeculectomy with Mitomycin-C. Follow-up were done on 1st POD, after 7 days, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. Successful IOP control (<15mm of Hg) were achieved in 23 eyes (77%) in Group I and 30 eyes (100%) in Group II and were highly significant (p<0.001). Visual acuity and mean sensitivity also improved more in Group II than the Group I. It was also highly significant (p<0.001). So, Trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C is effective procedure in comparison to medical treatment for steroid induced glaucoma.

Efficacy of amitriptyline, pizotifen and propranolol in the prevention of migraine

This intervention study conducted in the Neurology outpatient Department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) from January 2006 to December 2007 to compare efficacy of amitriptyline, pizotifen and propranolol in the prophylaxis of migraine. Ninety cases were selected following certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. Result showed that the differences in duration, frequency and severity of attack were reduced in all groups but the differences among the groups were not significant (p>0.05). However, compared with amitriptyline and pizotifen, the propranolol group needed tablet paracetamol as abortive therapy less frequently which was statistically significant (p<0.05). All the drugs were well tolerated with minimum adverse effects.

Fasting glycaemic and lipidaemic status in acute coronary syndrome patients within 24 hours of onset of chest pain

This is a descriptive type of cross sectional study done in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital during the period of June 2008 to November 2009 to estimate and analyze the fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting lipid profile of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients within 24 hours of onset of chest pain. Total 50 patients of either sex diagnosed as acute coronary syndrome whose fasting blood sample would have been collected within 24 hours of chest pain were included. Among 50 patients 42(84%) were male and 8(16%) were female. Age range was 30-80 years with a mean ± SD of 50.74 ± 12.05 years. Among 50 ACS patients, 9 patients (18%) suffered from unstable angina (US), 2(4%) from non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and 39(78%) suffered from ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Study results revealed 41(82%) patients had euglycemia (70-110 mg/dl), 2(4%) patients had impaired fasting glucose (IFG) (110-125 mg/dl), and 7(14%) patients had hyperglycemia (>126 mg/dl). Dyslipidemia found in 38(76%) patients. Among them total cholesterol (TC) >200mg/dl in 14(28%), decreased level of HDL-C (< 40 mg/dl in male and <50mg/dl in female) in 22(44%), increased level LDL-C ≥ 130 mg/dl in 13(26%), and TG >150 mg/dl was found in 16(32%) patients.

Effect of topical Beta blocker (Timolol maleate 0.5%) in primary open angle glaucoma

The study was undertaken to measure the effects of Beta blocker (Timolol maleate 0.5%) in moderate and advanced stage of primary open angle glaucoma by controlling intra-ocular pressure (IOP) and assessing the visual acuity (VA) and mean sensitivity (MS) of visual field. Study was done in the department of Ophthalmology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbagh, Dhaka from January 2002 to December 2005. It was a Prospective and interventional study. Thirty patients of bilateral primary open angle glaucoma were treated medically by B-blocker (Timolol maleate 0.5%) two times daily. Follow up were done after 7 days, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. Before treatment Intra ocular pressure (IOP) range was 22-30 mm of Hg (mean 23.40 ± 2.04). After beta-blockers IOP reduced to the range of 10-20mm of Hg (mean 13.12 ± 2.01) which was statistically significant (p>0.02) in moderate stage & 8-18 mm Hg (mean 13.50 ± 2.0) in advance stage which was also statistically significant (p<0.02). VA and MS also improved in 15 eyes (50%), remained unchanged in 9 eyes (30%) and deteriorated in 6 eyes (20%) in moderate stage and also improved in 15 eyes (50%), remained unchanged in 6 eyes (20%) and deteriorated in 9 eyes (30%) in advanced stage. Success rate was 80% in moderate (p>0.02) & 70% in advanced stage (p<0.02) and which was statistically significant.

Proteinuria is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke among diabetic patients

This study was done to assess the relationship between proteinuria and ischemic stroke in subjects with diabetes mellitus, and to determine whether proteinuria is an independent risk factor for stroke. This comparative study was conducted in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital from January 2009 to June 2010. It was done to establish the relationship between proteinuria (Microalbuminuria) and ischemic stroke among diabetic patients. Other risk factors were also assessed. Patients were divided in Group A - diabetic patients with ischemic stroke (n=50) and Group B diabetic patients without stroke (n=50). Mean age of the Group A & B were 60.16±8.33 and 57.19±7.73 years (p=0.068). Mean Blood sugar (2 hours after Break Fast) was 14.68±4.32mmol/L in Group A and 14.75±4.02mmol/L in Group B (p>0.05). Albumin Creatinine ratio was abnormal in 84.0% in Group A and 22.0% in Group A (p=0.001) [Odds ratio (95%CI) = 18.61 (6.78-51.09)]. Logistic regression analysis has also shown that microalbuminuria (ACR) is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke (p=0.001), [Odds ratio (95%CI) = 19.811(5.915-66.348)]. In diabetic patients increased urinary protein is a risk factor for stroke. Estimation of urinary protein (Microalbuminuria) may be used as a predictor for ischemic stroke in patients with diabetes.

Selective recognition and separation of nucleosides using carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin functionalized hybrid magnetic nanoparticles

A novel magnetic nanoadsorbent (CMCD-APTS-MNPs) containing the superparamagnetic and molecular recognition properties was synthesized by grafting carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin (CM-β-CD) on 3-aminopropyltriethoxysile (APTS) modified Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles. The feasibility of using CMCD-APTS-MNPs as magnetic nanoadsorbent for selective adsorption of adenosine (A) and guanosine (G) based on inclusion and molecular recognition was demonstrated. The as-synthesized magnetic nanoparticles were characterized by TEM, FTIR and TGA analyses. The effects of pH and initial nucleoside concentrations on the adsorption behavior were studied. The complexation of CMCD-APTS-MNPs with both nucleosides was found to follow the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The CMCD-APTS-MNPs showed a higher adsorption ability and selectivity for G than A under identical experimental conditions, which results from the ability of selective binding and recognition of the immobilized CM-β-CD towards G. The driving force of the separation between G and A is through the different weak interaction with grafted CM-β-CD, i.e., hydrogen bond interaction, which is evidenced by different inclusion equilibrium constants and FTIR analyses of inclusion complexes between grafted cyclodextrin and the guest molecules. Our results indicated that this nanoadsorbent would be a promising tool for easy, fast and selective separation, analysis of nucleosides and nucleotides in biological samples.

Carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin conjugated magnetic nanoparticles as nano-adsorbents for removal of copper ions: synthesis and adsorption studies

A novel nano-adsorbent, carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin modified Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles (CMCD-MNPs) is fabricated for removal of copper ions from aqueous solution by grafting CM-β-CD onto the magnetite surface via carbodiimide method. The characteristics results of FTIR, TEM, TGA and XPS show that CM-β-CD is grafted onto Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles. The grafted CM-β-CD on the Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles contributes to an enhancement of the adsorption capacity because of the strong abilities of the multiple hydroxyl and carboxyl groups in CM-β-CD to adsorb metal ions. The adsorption of Cu(2+) onto CMCD-MNPs is found to be dependent on pH and temperature. Adsorption equilibrium is achieved in 30 min and the adsorption kinetics of Cu(2+) is found to follow a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Equilibrium data for Cu(2+) adsorption are fitted well by Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity for Cu(2+) ions is estimated to be 47.2mg/g at 25 °C. Furthermore, thermodynamic parameters reveal the feasibility, spontaneity and exothermic nature of the adsorption process. FTIR and XPS reveal that Cu(2+) adsorption onto CMCD-MNPs mainly involves the oxygen atoms in CM-β-CD to form surface-complexes. In addition, the copper ions can be desorbed from CMCD-MNPs by citric acid solution with 96.2% desorption efficiency and the CMCD-MNPs exhibit good recyclability.

Excitation functions of α-particle induced reactions on enriched 123Sb and (nat)Sb for production of 124I

Excitation functions of (α,xn) reactions on 98.28% enriched (123)Sb and on (nat)Sb were measured from 9 to 40 MeV. The data could be described well in terms of statistical and precompound models using the code TALYS. The discrepancies in the literature data for the formation of (125)I and (126)I were solved. The nuclear reaction (123)Sb(α,3n)(124)I on an enriched target appears to be interesting for the production of (124)I (T(1/2)=4.18 d) over the energy range E(α)=42→32 MeV, its yield being 11.7 MBq/μAh. The levels of the radionuclidic impurities (125)I and (126)I amount to 1.8% and 0.6%, respectively. The use of (nat)Sb as target material for (124)I production is unsuitable due to the high level of (123)I impurity.

An Am/Be neutron source and its use in integral tests of differential neutron reaction cross-section data

An Am/Be neutron source, installed recently at the Rajshahi University, is described. Neutron flux mapping was done using the nuclear reactions (197)Au(n,gamma)(198)Au, (113)In(n,gamma)(114m)In, (115)In(n,n'gamma)(115m)In and (58)Ni(n,p)(58)Co. An approximate validation of the neutron spectral shape was done using five neutron threshold detectors and the iterative unfolding code SULSA. Integral cross sections of the reactions (54)Fe(n,p)(54)Mn, (59)Co(n,p)(59)Fe and (92)Mo(n,p)(92m)Nb were measured with fast neutrons (E(n)>1.5MeV) and compared with data calculated using the neutron spectral distribution and the excitation function of each reaction given in data libraries: an agreement within +/-6% was found.

Determination of toxic trace elements in foodstuffs, soils and sediments of bangladesh using instrumental neutron activation analysis technique

The concentrations of arsenic (As), chromium (Cr) and iron (Fe) were determined in the foodstuffs, soils and sediments from various areas in Bangladesh and new data for these toxic trace elements were given. The arsenic pollution problems in the most of the areas of Bangladesh are of geological origin. The high level of As in foodstuffs, soils and sediments, except for tannery sediments is probably positively correlated to the Fe concentration. An excessive amount of chromium was found in the sediments from the tannery area of Bangladesh.

Surface functionalized nano-magnetic particles for wastewater treatment: adsorption and desorption of mercury

The present study deals with adsorption and desorption of mercury on surface functionalized nano-magnetic particles. The nano-magnetic particles (Fe3O4) were synthesized by chemical precipitation of Fe2+ and Fe3+ salts at 80 degrees C at alkaline condition and inert atmosphere. The particle surface was then functionalized in two different ways: surface charge controlled by solution pH and coating the surface with polymer (vinylpyrrolidone) with thiodiglycolic acid as the primary surfactant and 4-vinylaniline as the secondary surfactant. It was found that the adsorption of mercury was pH dependent and maximum adsorption occurred at pH of 7.5 with bare particles and at pH 10 for polymer grafted particles. Maximum adsorption of mercury was found to be 280 mg/g particle.

PCR for mecA gene of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus

The study was under taken to detect mecA gene of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by PCR. It was carried out in the department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College in collaboration with the Department of Medicine under the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh between the periods from July 2006 to June 2007. A total of 40 S. aureus strains were used in this study. Isolates of S. aureus were identified by standard microbiology technique and their antimicrobial susceptibility test was done by disk diffusion method according to NCCLS. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of oxacillin was determined for all isolates by standard agar plate dilution method. All strains were tested for mecA gene by PCR. Out of 40 S. aureus strains 15(37.5%) were detected as MRSA by disk diffusion and agar dilution method but 10(25%) yielded mecA gene by PCR. Detection rate of MRSA by disk diffusion and agar dilution test showed significant difference to that by PCR (p<0.001).

Association of tuberculosis with vasculitis retinae

Retinal vasculitis is one of the common causes of blindness among the young adult in this subcontinent. Causes of retinal vasculitis are variable and it is one of the common ocular manifestations of tuberculosis. This case control study was carried out on 45 patients with retinal vasculitis of different age groups. All the patients were purposively selected from the department of ophthalmology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and National Institute of Ophthalmology Dhaka. This study reveals that vasculitis retinae is a disease of younger age group (68.9%). Mean+/-SD age of cases were 31.84+/-10.82 years. It occurs more in male (75.6%) and male female ratio is 3.09:1, single or both eye may involve. Retinal vasculitis occurs more in middle socio-economic status persons (62.2%). It present with floaters (58.9%), hazy media (60%), vitreous haemorrhage (57.8%) and retinal haemorrhage (42.2%). All 45 subjects both cases and control groups were tested with Mantoux test. 18(40%) subjects of cases and 13(28.9%) subjects of control group were found positive Mantoux test. It was observed that the association of tuberculosis with vasculitis retinae is not statistically significant. As tuberculosis is common in this country, further specific and extensive study over a longer period of time is necessary for understanding the role of tuberculosis in retinal vasculitis patients.

Neutron capture cross-section measurement for the 186W(n,gamma)187W reaction at 0.0536eV energy

The thermal neutron-induced activation cross section for the (186)W(n,gamma)(187)W reaction was measured at 0.0536eV neutron energy using TRIGA Mark-II research reactor, Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The (197)Au(n,gamma)(198)Au monitor reaction induced in a high-purity gold foil was used to determine the effective neutron beam intensity. The activities induced in sample and monitor foils were measured nondestructively by a high-resolution HPGe gamma-ray detector. The present experimental cross-section value is the first one at 0.0536eV. The obtained new cross section that amounts to 26.6+/-1.6b is 2% higher than the recently reported data in ENDF/B-VII and 5% lower than that of JENDL-3.3.

Evaluation of stentangioplasty in university cardiac center

In this ongoing prospective study conducted in University Cardiac Center, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, from July 2004 to January 2006. Fifty (50) patients (mean age 56+/-7.2 years) underwent stentangioplasty were evaluated. The study group of 50 patients consisted of 42 (84%) men and 08 (16%) women. The aim of this study was to evaluate in-hospital success, failure and complications during the procedures. About risk factors 19(38%) had hypertension, 13(26%) were smoker, 11(22%) suffered from diabetes mellitus, 05(10%) had family history of ischaemic heart disease. Average left ventricular ejection fraction was 54+/-7. Target vessel percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PTCA) were done in 61 vessel, intracoronary stent implanted in 58 vessels, direct stenting were done in 35 cases, failed PTCA were in 03(6%) cases and two had dissection. The native vessels had a mean reference diameter of 2.91 mm and their luminal diameter increased significantly after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). All the patients were discharged by one to three days of the procedure with improvement of their clinical condition. In conclusion, intracoronary stent deployment in coronary artery stenosis following balloon angioplasty is a valid and beneficial strategy with good in-hospital results.

Thermosensitive polymer (N-isopropylacrylamide) coated nanomagnetic particles: Preparation and characterization

Thermosensitive polymer coated nanomagnetic adsorbents were synthesized by seed polymerization using surface modified nanomagnetic particles as the seeds. The Fe3O4 nanomagnetic particles were prepared by chemical precipitation of Fe2+ and Fe3+ salts in the ratio of 1:2 under alkaline and inert condition. The surface of these particles was modified by surfactants to achieve stability against agglomeration. These stable particles were then polymerized using N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) as the main monomer, methylene-bis-acrylamide as the crosslinker and potassium per sulfate as the initiator. The thermosensitive adsorbents were characterized by using transmission electron micrography (TEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). TEM showed that the particle remained discrete with a mean diameter of 12 nm. Magnetic measurements revealed that the particles are superparamagnetic only with a decrease of magnetism after binding with the polymer due to the increase in surface spin disorientation. Pure Fe3O4 spinel structure of these nanoparticles was indicated by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. The polymerization of NIPAM with the surface modified nanomagnetic particles was confirmed by Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In addition, the adsorption/desorption of BSA molecule on these thermosensitive nanoparticles was investigated as a function of temperature. More than 60% desorption efficiency was achieved under appropriate condition.

Thermosensitive-polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles: Adsorption and desorption of Bovine Serum Albumin

Adsorption and desorption behavior of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) on surface-modified magnetic nanoparticles covered with thermosensitive polymer (PNIPAM) was investigated as a function of temperature, pH, and ionic strength. Functionalization of surface-modified magnetic particles was performed by seed polymerization using N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAM) as the main monomer. Characterization of these particles was carried out using transmission electron micrography (TEM), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The adsorption results exhibited both pH and temperature sensitivity. The results showed that the temperature effect on adsorption/desorption behavior was mainly dependent on the properties of the particles' surface. The effect of pH was also investigated and it was observed that a smaller amount of protein was adsorbed at higher pH because of the electrostatic repulsive force between protein molecules and latex particles. The maximum amount of protein was adsorbed near the isoelectric point of BSA. Desorption results showed that more protein was desorbed when adsorption was done at lower temperatures and desorption efficiency was found to be higher than 80%.

Experimental studies of the deuteron-induced activation cross-sections on natAg

Excitation functions were measured for the (nat)Ag(d,x)(105,106m,110m)Ag, (nat)Ag(d,x)(107,109)Cd and (27)Al(d,x)(24)Na reactions by the stacked-foil activation technique and high-resolution gamma-spectroscopy over the energy range 0.44-40 MeV. The thick target integral yields were deduced using the measured cross-sections. No experimental data on the (nat)Ag+d process are available in the literature above 27 MeV. The nuclides (105)Ag, (106m)Ag and (109)Cd produced with deuteron induced activation of natural silver have suitable yields and decay characteristics important for thin layer activation (TLA) analysis. The cross-section for the production of (107)Cd and (109)Cd is significantly large. Therefore, the Ag+d process can be an efficient route for the production of isotope with a medium energy accelerator. The results of the model calculation using the TALYS code are not consistent with the present data. A large shift in the incident energy is found in TALYS calculations.

Experimental studies on excitation functions of the proton-induced activation reactions on yttrium

Proton-induced activation cross-sections were measured for the (89)Y(p,x)(89,88,86)Zr, (89)Y(p,x)(88,87,87 m,86)Y, (89)Y(p,x)(85,83,82)Sr and (89)Y(p,x)(84,83)Rb reactions by a stacked foil technique in the energy range 15-80 MeV which was covered by two separate measurements for 15-50 and 32-80 MeV energy range with 50 and 80 MeV incident protons. The differences between the results of two irradiations were found within 6% in the overlapping energy regions. The production yields for the long-lived products like (88)Zr, and (88)Y are significantly larger than that of (nat)Mo+p, (nat)Nb+p and (nat)Zr+p processes. The productions of the medical isotopes, (85)Sr and (83)Sr are also effective by Y+p process using an 80 MeV beam. Thick target integral yields were also deduced using the measured cross-sections. The (87)Y, (88)Y, (88)Zr and (89)Zr radionuclides have suitable yields and decay characteristics important for thin-layer activation (TLA) analysis.

Selective and sequential adsorption of bovine serum albumin and lysozyme from a binary mixture on nanosized magnetic particles

Magnetic particles about 10 nm in size were prepared by chemical precipitation under nitrogen and used for the selective and sequential adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) (pI = 4.7) and lysozyme (LSZ) (pI = 1.1) under different conditions, such as pH and initial protein concentration. The separation ratio of BSA over LSZ at pH 4.6 is about 5, which is about 1.5 times the separation ratio of LSZ over BSA at pH 11.0. Only 10% of the preadsorbed BSA could be displaced by the sequential adsorption of LSZ at pH 11.0. On the other hand, 60% of the preadsorbed LSZ was desorbed due to the sequential adsorption of BSA at pH 4.6. Over 50% desorption of BSA or LSZ could be achieved either by 0.5 M Na(2)HPO(4) or 0.5 M NaH(2)PO(4) after 2 h. Over 80% of the enzymatic activity of LSZ was preserved when it was desorbed from magnetic particles.

Experimental studies on excitation functions of the proton-induced activation reactions on silver

Excitation functions were measured for the production of 106m,105Ag, 103,101,100Pd, 105,102,101m,100,99Rh and 97Ru via proton-induced activation reactions on natural silver using a stacked foil technique in the energy range 11-80 MeV. The residual activity measurements were carried out nondestructively by the high-resolution HPGe gamma-ray spectroscopy. Thick target integral yields were deduced using the measured cross-sections from the respective threshold energies of the investigated reactions up to 80 MeV. The present work gives new results for the investigated radionuclides. The data in MENDL-2P deduced with the theoretical model code ALICE-IPPE are consistent in shape with the measured values, but show disagreement in magnitude.

Activation cross-sections of long-lived products of proton-induced nuclear reactions on zinc

In the frame of a systematic study of excitation functions induced by medium energy protons, the activation cross-sections on natural zinc were investigated for different applications. Excitation functions for production of 66,67Ga, 62,65,69mZn, 64Cu, 57Ni, 55,56,57,58Co and 52,54Mn radioisotopes were measured by the stacked foil technique in the energy range of 26-67 MeV. Results were compared with the earlier reported experimental data and theoretical calculations based on the ALICE-IPPE code. Experimental data are presented for the first time for most of the products in the investigated energy range. Applications of the measured data for validating the cross-sections on highly enriched isotopic Zn targets and for thin layer activation method are discussed.

Adsorption and desorption of lysozyme on nano-sized magnetic particles and its conformational changes

Adsorption and desorption of lysozyme on nano-sized magnetic particles and its conformational change were studied in this work. Adsorption of lysozyme on nano-sized magnetic particles (Fe(3)O(4)) was carried out at different pH. Maximum adsorption of lysozyme (4.65 mg/m2) occurred at its isoelectric point (pI = 11.1). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results show that the lysozyme adsorbed on magnetic particles did not show any thermal transition over the range 20-100 degrees C. High desorption of lysozyme from magnetic particles was achieved using NaH(2)PO(4) (pH 4.0) (90%) and NaSCN (pH 6.0) (97%) as desorbents. The conformational change of the lysozyme desorbed by NaH(2)PO(4) was small, while the lysozyme desorbed by NaSCN underwent a significant conformational change as measured by the intrinsic fluorescence. Eighty-eight and 82% activity was retained in the desorbed enzyme for desorption by NaH(2)PO(4) and NaSCN, respectively.

Experimental studies on the proton-induced activation reactions of molybdenum in the energy range 22–67MeV

The production cross-sections of (99,93m)Mo, (96,95,95m,94)Tc, (96,95,92m,90)Nb, (89,88,86)Zr and (88,87,86)Y radionuclides for proton-induced reactions on molybdenum were measured with molybdenum targets of natural isotopic composition using a stacked-foil activation technique in the energy range 22-67 MeV. The thick target integral yields were also deduced for each reaction using the measured cross-sections from the respective threshold up to 67 MeV. The results have given new data for all of the investigated radionuclides. The results of the present experiment showed excellent agreement with the earlier reported data in the lower energy region.

Adsorption of bovine serum albumin on nanosized magnetic particles

Adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on nanosized magnetic particles (Fe(3)O(4)) was carried out in the presence of carbodiimide. The equilibrium and kinetics of the adsorption process were studied. Nanosized magnetic particles (Fe(3)O(4)) were prepared by the chemical precipitation method using Fe2+, Fe3+ salts, and ammonium hydroxide under a nitrogen atmosphere. Characterizations of magnetic particles were carried out using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to confirm the attachment of BSA on magnetic particles. Effects of pH and salt concentrations were investigated on the adsorption process. The experimental results show that the adsorption of BSA on magnetic particles was affected greatly by the pH, while the effect of salt concentrations was insignificant at a low concentration range. The adsorption equilibrium isotherm was fitted well by the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption of BSA on magnetic particles occurred at the isoelectric point of BSA. Adsorption kinetics was analyzed by a linear driving force mass-transfer model. BSA was desorbed from magnetic particles under alkaline conditions, which was confirmed by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and FTIR results.

Microencapsulation of ascorbic acid: effect of process variables on product characteristics

This study deals with a comparative investigation of the characteristics of ascorbic acid microcapsules prepared by different methods, such as thermal phase separation, melt dispersion, solvent evaporation and spray drying. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), release tests and size distribution were used for the evaluation of product characteristics. The results show that microencapsulated ascorbic acid could prevent the ascorbic acid colour change, retard its core release rate, and generally mask its acid taste. In the thermal phase separation, molecular weight (Mw) of ethyl cellulose (EC) and the addition of polyisobutylene (PIB) significantly influenced the aggregation and release rate of microcapsules. In the melt dispersion method, spherical particles were prepared by using carnauba. The ascorbic acid release rate was found to be slower in the case of carnauba-encapsulated ascorbic acid than that made by EC using other methods. In the solvent evaporation method, a higher Mw of EC and the addition of plastizer were also found to be important for good encapsulation. In the spray drying method, loss of ascorbic acid was found to be minimum during microencapsulation. Starch and beta-cyclodextrin encapsulated ascorbic acid delayed the degradation of ascorbic acid during storage at 38 degrees C and relative humidity 84.0%.

Adaptive computer-based spatial-filtering method for more accurate estimation of the surface velocity of debris flow

An adaptive computer-based spatial-filtering velocimeter to measure the surface velocity of a natural debris flow with high accuracy is described that can adjust the filter parameters, specifically, the slit width of the filter, based on the surface-pattern characteristics of the flow. A computer simulation confirms the effectiveness of this technique. The surface velocity of a natural debris flow at the Mt. Yakedake Volcano, Japan, was estimated by this adaptive method, and the results were compared with those obtained by two other methods: hardware-based spatial filtering and normal computer-based spatial filtering.

Estimation of the surface velocity of debris flow with computer-based spatial filtering

A computer-based spatial-filtering velocimeter to measure the surface velocity of natural debris flow is described. This is a simple and interesting technique implemented with a spatial filter constructed as a software program that processes the video image of debris flow instead of a hardware implementation. The surface velocity of the debris flow at the Mt. Yakedake Volcano, Japan, was estimated by this computer-based spatial-filtering method, and the results were compared with those obtained by a hardware-based spatial-filtering method. Computer-based spatial filtering has the important advantage of a capability for tuning the spatial-filter parameters to the target flow.

Purification and renaturation of recombinant human lymphotoxin (tumour necrosis factor beta) expressed in Escherichia coli as inclusion bodies

High level expression of recombinant human tumour necrosis factor beta (rhTNF-beta) in Escherichia coli results in the formation of two portions of protein, namely soluble active protein and insoluble protein which is inactive and aggregates in the form of inclusion bodies (IBs). In this study, a procedure for purification and renaturation of rhTNF-beta from inclusion bodies has been designed and verified experimentally with a product purity of more than 90% and a recovery of about 30%. The procedure includes washing of IBs with specific wash buffer (Triton X-100/EDTA/lysozyme/PMSF), their solubilization with 8 mol dm-3 alkaline urea, purification with ion-exchange columns, refolding with renaturation buffer and finally concentration and desalination with an ultrafiltration membrane. The characteristics of the renatured protein were identical with those of purified protein from the soluble fraction as demonstrated by (1) SDS-PAGE, (2) cytotoxic activity on mouse L929 cells, (3) N-terminal amino acid sequence, and (4) gel filtration chromatography.

Occupation and blood pressure: a study in rural and urban communities in Dhaka

One thousand six hundred and ninety six males and females living in Dhaka city and a nearby village were grouped according to their age and occupation. The subjects blood pressure and occupation were recorded. The study revealed that occupation had a significant effect on both diastolic and systolic blood pressure, specially in relation to social status, Age, smoking, BMI appeared to modulate the blood pressure.

Marked elevation of transaminases and alkaline phosphatase during asymptomatic cholangitis associated with calcific pancreatitis-induced common bile duct stricture

Cholestasis due to chronic pancreatitis has been well documented. Previous reports describe the gamut of biochemical, radiological and clinical findings in these patients. We wish to present the unusual association of a relatively asymptomatic cholangitis due to common bile duct (CBD) stricture induced by calcific pancreatitis.

Cutaneous reaction to spironolactone resembling lupus erythematosus

A cirrhotic male patient was admitted with a skin eruption. He had been taking spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide for two months prior to admission. The morphology and distribution of skin lesions resembled that of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Histologic changes in the skin biopsy specimen were consistent with SLE. Biopsy specimens of normal and affected skin were reported to show weak focal deposition of IgM and complement at the dermal-epidermal junction. However, there was a striking absence of serologic evidence of SLE. The rash disappeared when all medications were discontinued and reappeared when the patient was given spironolactone. The character and distribution of the rash after spironolactone administration was identical to the previous lesions. It disappeared again when spironolactone was withdrawn. This response to spironolactone is good evidence that it and not chlorothiazide was responsible for the rash. The latter drug has been reported to cause SLE-like skin changes.