Initial Six Month's Study of Neonatal Covid-19 in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh

The pandemic Covid-19 affects mainly adult causing fatal illness specially who have co-morbidities. But as days pass by with increasing surveillances it's gradually obvious that this devastating disease also affects the children as well as neonates with greater number. The aim of study was to determine the Covid-19 in neonates. So, we can give proper emphasis on neonatal Covid-19. This cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2020 to September 2020 at Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital in Bangladesh. Neonates with suspected Covid-19 were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by RT- PCR. Newborn who had suspected or confirmed COVID-19 mother, exposed to relatives infected with Covid-19, related with cluster outbreak or with abnormal clinical courses such as respiratory distress, not responded to conventional treatment and also abnormal chest x-ray was selected for Covid-19 test. Data regarding gestational age, birth weight, gender, positive cases and other findings were collected and analyzed. Statistics analysis was done by SPSS version 26.0. Forty three cases were Covid-19 positive. Among them 28(65.1%) cases were male and 15(34.9%) female. Term was 39(90.6%) cases and preterm 4(9.4%). Twenty nine (67.5%) cases were belonged to medicine and 14(32.6%) surgical cases. Fourteen (32.5%) cases with Covid-19 lived in Dhaka and 29(67.5%) cases in outside of Dhaka. Eleven (25.5%) cases were positive for SARS -CoV-2 by RT- PCR within 3 days, among them 5 (11.6%) cases were within 24 hours of age. Nine (20.9%) and 23(53.5%) cases were test positive at day 4-7 and 8-28 days respectively. The main symptoms at admission were respiratory difficulty (12/43, 27.9%), fever (8/43, 18.6%), convulsion (8/43, 18.6%) and reluctance to feed (7/43, 16.6%). In neonate two or more diseases coexist in same cases. Sepsis was present in 20 (46.5%) cases with COVID-19. Perinatal asphyxia was present in 10(23.3%) and pneumonia in 8 (18.6%) cases. In laboratory findings low Hb% was present in 2/43(4.7%) cases, leukopenia in 4/43(9.3%), leukocytosis in 2/43(4.7%) and thrombocytopenia in 5/43(11.6%). Elevated CRP was present in 14/29 (32.6%) cases, hypernatremia in 10/33 (30.3%), hyponatremia in 1/33(3%), increased serum creatinine in 10/18(55.6%), and prolonged PT, aPTT in 2/2(100%). Hyperglycaemia was found in 1/15(6.7%) cases and hypoglycaemia in 2/15(13.3%). No organism was found in blood C/S. In chest X-ray, one showed patchy opacities in right lower lobe, another showed bilateral ground-glass opacity and third one revealed few patchy opacities in the right perihilar region. Among 43 cases 21(48.9%) were discharged with advice, 12(27.9%) cases referred to Covid-19 designated hospital, 2(4.7%) cases LAMA (Leave against medical advice) and 8(18.6%) cases died including one surgical case. A good number (43) of Covid-19 cases were found in this study. In neonates the clinical features could not be differentiated properly between Covid-19 or associated diseases unlike children and adult. The neonate may be a source of transmission of this disease. So, we should give proper emphasis on test, tracing and management of neonatal Covid-19.

DFT insights into Nb-based 211 MAX phase carbides: Nb2AC (A = Ga, Ge, Tl, Zn, P, In, and Cd)

In this study, we performed the first-principles calculations to study the 211 MAX phase carbides: Nb₂AC (A = Ga, Ge, Tl, Zn, P, In, Cd, and Al). The structural characteristics are in good agreement with those of the prior studies. The mechanical behavior has been explored by calculating the stiffness constants, elastic moduli, and Vickers hardness. The stiffness constants and phonon dispersion curves were used to check the structural stability of the selected compounds. 2D and 3D plotting of elastic moduli and calculated anisotropy indices disclosed the anisotropy of the elastic properties. We utilized the Mulliken atomic and bond overlap population to explain the mixture of ionic and covalent bonding among these carbides. The metallic behavior has been confirmed by calculating the band structure and density of states (DOS). Partial DOS was also used to discuss the bonding nature and strength among the different states. The optical properties of these phases have also been computed and analyzed to reveal possible relevance in diverse fields. The Debye temperature (Θ _D), Grüneisen parameter (γ), melting temperature (T _m), and minimum thermal conductivity (K _min) were studied to bring out their possible relevance in high-temperature technology. The outcomes of this research indicate that the titled carbides are suitable for use as solar radiation-protecting coating and thermal barrier coating (TBC) materials.

Exploration of the physical properties of the newly synthesized kagome superconductor LaIr3Ga2 using different exchange-correlation functionals

LaIr₃Ga₂ is a kagome superconductor with a superconducting temperature (T_c) of 5.16 K. Here, we present the physical properties of the LaIr₃Ga₂ kagome superconductor computed via the DFT method wherein six different exchange-correlation functionals were used. The lattice parameters obtained using different functionals are reasonable, with a slight variation compared to experimental values. The bonding nature was explored. The elastic constants (C_ij), moduli (B, G, Y), and Vickers hardness (H_v) were computed to disclose the mechanical behavior. The H_v values were estimated to be 2.56-3.16 GPa using various exchange-correlation functionals, indicating the softness of the kagome material. The Pugh ratio, Poisson's ratio, and Cauchy pressure revealed the ductile nature. In addition, mechanical stability was ensured based on the estimated elastic constants. The anisotropic mechanical behavior was confirmed via different anisotropic indices. The Debye temperature (Θ_D), melting temperature (T_m), and minimum thermal conductivity (k_min) were calculated to characterize the thermal properties and predict the potential of LaIr₃Ga₂ as a thermal barrier coating material. The electronic density of states was investigated in detail. The McMillan equation was used to estimate T_c, and the electron-phonon coupling constant (λ) was calculated to explore the superconducting nature. The important optical constants were also calculated to explore its possible optoelectronic applications. The values of reflectivity in the IR-visible region are about 62% to 80%, indicating that the compound under study is suitable as a coating to reduce solar heating. The obtained parameters were compared with previously reported parameters, where available.

Glycemic Status among Pregnant Women during 24th to 28th Gestational Age

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a heterogeneous group of metabolic disorder, which result in varying degrees of maternal hyperglycemia and pregnancy associated risk. Glucose intolerance usually returns to normal range within 6 weeks after delivery. This study was undertaken to determine the glycemic status who attended for antenatal care. This study enrolled pregnant women, with their gestational age between 24th - 28th weeks. This analytical cross sectional study was carried out in the department of Biochemistry, BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2014 to June 2015. Total 135 subjects were selected to evaluate the glycemic status among Bangladeshi pregnant women attending BIRDEM General Hospital. Among them 41 were GDM subjects and 94 were non GDM subjects. The mean fasting plasma glucose values (mmol/L) and 2 hours after 75gm glucose values of GDM were 6.06±1.26 and 9.78±2.74 respectively compared to non GDM patients were 4.82±0.38 and 7.26±0.41 respectively and the mean of HbA₁C (%) of GDM and non GDM were 5.87±0.73 and 5.43±0.31 respectively.

Enhancing Wheat Disease Diagnosis in a Greenhouse Using Image Deep Features and Parallel Feature Fusion

Since the assessment of wheat diseases (e.g., leaf rust and tan spot) via visual observation is subjective and inefficient, this study focused on developing an automatic, objective, and efficient diagnosis approach. For each plant, color, and color-infrared (CIR) images were collected in a paired mode. An automatic approach based on the image processing technique was developed to crop the paired images to have the same region, after which a developed semiautomatic webtool was used to expedite the dataset creation. The webtool generated the dataset from either image and automatically built the corresponding dataset from the other image. Each image was manually categorized into one of the three groups: control (disease-free), disease light, and disease severity. After the image segmentation, handcrafted features (HFs) were extracted from each format of images, and disease diagnosis results demonstrated that the parallel feature fusion had higher accuracy over features from either type of image. Performance of deep features (DFs) extracted through different deep learning (DL) models (e.g., AlexNet, VGG16, ResNet101, GoogLeNet, and Xception) on wheat disease detection was compared, and those extracted by ResNet101 resulted in the highest accuracy, perhaps because deep layers extracted finer features. In addition, parallel deep feature fusion generated a higher accuracy over DFs from a single-source image. DFs outperformed HFs in wheat disease detection, and the DFs coupled with parallel feature fusion resulted in diagnosis accuracies of 75, 84, and 71% for leaf rust, tan spot, and leaf rust + tan spot, respectively. The methodology developed directly for greenhouse applications, to be used by plant pathologists, breeders, and other users, can be extended to field applications with future tests on field data and model fine-tuning.

Significant production of vanillin and in vitro amplification of ech gene in local bacterial isolates

Vanillin is the major component which is responsible for flavor and aroma of vanilla extract and is produced by 3 ways: natural extraction from vanilla plant, chemical synthesis and from microbial transformation. Current research was aimed to study bacterial production of vanillin from native natural sources including sewage and soil from industrial areas. The main objective was vanillin bio-production by isolating bacteria from these native sources. Also to adapt methodologies to improve vanillin production by optimized fermentation media and growth conditions. 47 soil and 13 sewage samples were collected from different industrial regions of Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Kasur. 67.7% bacterial isolates produced vanillin and 32.3% were non-producers. From these 279 producers, 4 bacterial isolates selected as significant producers were; A3, A4, A7 and A10. These isolates were identified by ribotyping as A3 Pseudomonas fluorescence (KF408302), A4 Enterococcus faecium (KT356807), A7 Alcaligenes faecalis (MW422815) and A10 Bacillus subtilis (KT962919). Vanillin producers were further tested for improved production of vanillin and were grown in different fermentation media under optimized growth conditions for enhanced production of vanillin. The fermentation media (FM) were; clove oil based, rice bran waste (residues oil) based, wheat bran based and modified isoeugenol based. In FM5, FM21, FM22, FM23, FM24, FM30, FM31, FM32, FM34, FM35, FM36, and FM37, the selected 4 bacterial strains produced significant amounts of vanillin. A10 B. subtilis produced maximum amount of vanillin. This strain produced 17.3 g/L vanillin in FM36. Cost of this fermentation medium 36 was 131.5 rupees/L. This fermentation medium was modified isoeugenol based medium with 1% of isoeugenol and 2.5 g/L soybean meal. ech gene was amplified in A3 P. fluorescence using ech specific primers. As vanillin use as flavor has increased tremendously, the bioproduction of vanillin must be focused.

Anti-inflammatory activity of crude and detoxified leaves of Daphne oleoides Schreb. on carrageenan-induced paw edema in wistar rats

BACKGROUND

Mazaryun (Daphne oleoides Schreb.) is used as an anti-inflammatory drug in Unani medicine after detoxification, as it is defined under fourth-degree drugs.

OBJECTIVE(S)

To evaluate and compare the anti-inflammatory activity of crude and detoxified Mazaryun in maximum and minimum doses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Anti-inflammatory activity was carried out by carrageenan-induced paw edema test. Wistar rats of either sex, weighing 150-200 gm, were divided into seven groups (I, II, IIIA, IIIB, IVA, IVB, and V) of six animals in each. Group I - plain control, administered with 1 ml of 1% CarboxyMethyl Cellulose (CMC); Group II - standard control, given Diclofenac Sodium (6 mg/kg); Group III - crude Mazaryun and Group IV - detoxified Mazaryun, A and B are maximum and minimum doses of test drug, respectively; and V group - positive control was not treated with any other drugs. The data was statistically analyzed by ANOVA repeated for inter-group analysis and ANOVA one-way for intra-group analysis with post hoc Tukey Kramer multiple comparison test. The GC-MS analysis of crude and detoxified leaves of Mazaryun was also carried out in continuation of study to determine the phytochemical changes before and after detoxification.

RESULTS

Maximum dose of detoxified Mazaryun and standard control groups showed significant anti-inflammatory activity at p < 0.001, and detoxified Mazaryun showed dose-dependent activity. The GC-MS fingerprints showed totally eight different chemical constituents in its crude and detoxified form.

CONCLUSION

The study standardised the concept of detoxication in Unani medicine, as the detoxified Mazaryun showed significant anti-inflammatory activity and present of totally different chemicals constituents.

Evaluation of Pre-peritoneal (Sublay) Mesh Repair for Treatment of Ventral Hernia

Ventral hernia after abdominal surgery is a common complication. Several techniques for the repair of ventral hernia have been described from time to time and it is a great challenge for a surgeon. The mesh placement by sublay technique authorized by Rives and Stoppa in Europe has been reported to be effective with low recurrence rate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of sublay technique of mesh placement in ventral hernia. This prospective study was carried out in the Department of Surgery, Dhaka Dental College, Bangladesh from January 2017 to December 2018. A total of 21 patients with ventral hernia were included in this study. Data collected in data collection sheet regarding demographic data, severity of symptoms and post operative complains of patients which were then analyzed. Age ranged from 21-60 years. Male were 5(23.80%) and female were 16(76.20%). Dragging pain were 7(33.33%), irreducibility were 4(19.05%) but swelling were 100%. Incisional hernia was 18(85.71%) and para-umbilical hernia was 3(14.29%). Post-operative complication were seroma1 (4.76%), major wound infection 1(4.76%), minor infection 1(4.76%) but no recurrence. Sublay mesh repair in ventral hernia was found to be a better and effective technique with minimal complication rate.

Outcome of Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy: Experience of 90 Cases

Hemorrhoidal disease is one of the commonest anorectal problems in worldwide. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is the treatment choice due to less post-operative pain and early recovery. The aim of this study was to assess outcomes after Stapled hemorrhoidopexy (SH). This cross-sectional prospective study was performed in Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, Dhaka from January 2016 to December 2017. Ninety patients with symptomatic hemorrhoidal diseases were included in this study. Data collected in data collection sheet regarding demographic data, severity of symptoms, post-operative complains of patient and outcome of patients which were then analyzed. Total 90 patients were included in this study. Age ranged from 18-50 years. Male were 59(65.56%) and female were 31(34.44%). 2° hemorrhoids were 11(12.22%), 3° hemorrhoids were 63(70%), 4° hemorrhoids were 16(17.78%). Post-operative complications were mild pain 73(81.11%), moderate pain 13(14.45%), severe pain 4(4.44%), early bleeding 23(25.56%), retention of urine 16(17.78%), early urgency 15(16.67%), infection 4(4.44%), constipation 9(10%), late recurrence 4(4.44%). Outcomes of stapled hemorrhoidopexy were satisfactory in most patients. Early recovery, low complication rate, minimal post-operative pain was encountered in treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoids by stapled hemorrhoidopexy.

Scientific appraisal of Unani concept of islah-e-advia (rectification/purification of drugs) and its importance

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Unani system of medicine uses drugs from plants, minerals and animals (Mawaleed-e-salasa) origin. Most of the drugs used are believed to be safe, but some drugs may have toxins and produce harmful effects, so it is very important to remove the toxins or to minimize their harmful effects before using, so as to increase their therapeutic values and make easy for use.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the concept, aims and objectives of islah-e-advia (rectification/purification of drugs) in Unani system of medicine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A through literature survey was undertaken using the various online bibliographic databases like Pub Med, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science and Scopus. Classical Unani literature books which are translated in Urdu by CCRUM were used for Unani references. The keywords used for the search included "Tadbeer-e-Advia", "Islah-e-advia", Mudabbar process, detoxification and purification of drug.

RESULTS

The ancient Unani physicians were well aware of toxicity of the drugs and have divided drugs into four degrees (1°, 2°, 3° and 4°) according to the Mizaj (temperament) of drugs. The fourth degree drugs produce so strong effects that the physiological functions of the body get disturbed; such drugs are also considered to be poisonous drugs. Different methods of purification have been mentioned for drugs belonging to the third and fourth degree temperament and always recommended their use after subjecting them to certain Tadbeer (rectification/purification). Otherwise these drugs may destroy the physiological function of the body. After purification process the drugs become physically and chemically pure, therapeutically more effective and less toxic. Very few pharmacological and toxicity studies have been conducted.

CONCLUSION

Third and fourth degree drugs and its formulations have been claimed by Unani scholars to be useful in the management of various diseases of the body. After purification toxicity has been reduced in comparison crude drug. However, further elaborate and comprehensive studies are required to validate such claims.

Analgesic and antidepressant activities of Brassica rapa subspecies chinensis (L.) Hanelt on Swiss-albino mice model

Bangladesh being a subtropical country provides varieties of herbs and vegetables. Brassica is a broad genus available in Bangladesh and it encompasses a lot of nutritive herbs. Among these, Brassica rapa subspecies chinensis (L.) Hanelt (Family-Brassicaceae) is popular in many parts of the world. In the quest of medicinal property, this plant was investigated here for observing analgesic and antidepressant activities in Swiss-albino mice model. The herb was extracted well with methanol and then assayed by acetic acid-induced writhing and tail immersion methods for analgesic action. Besides, thiopental sodium induced sleeping time test, tail suspension test and forced swim test were conducted for the evaluation of its antidepressant activity. The plant extract was orally administered to the mice at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight and it exhibited significant analgesic and antidepressant activities in compare to the controlled groups. This is the first time comprehensive report for analgesic and antidepressant activities of this plant.

Identification of bacterial isolates in neonatal sepsis and their antimicrobial susceptibility

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Ad-din Medical College Hospital during the period of January to December 2011 to determine the pattern of bacterial agents causing neonatal sepsis and their susceptibility pattern to various antimicrobial agents. Blood cultures were performed on admitted newborn babies (0-28 days) to rule out sepsis. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done for all blood culture isolates according to the criteria of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards by disk diffusion method. Out of 1000 screened blood cultures, 87(8.7%) reported as positive and the gram positive and gram negative bacteria accounted for 21(24.1%) and 66(75.9%) respectively. The most common gram positive organisms were Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus Aureus (CONS) (18.4%) and Staphylococcus Aureus (4.6%) and gram negative organisms were Acinetobacter (34.4%), Pseudomonas (21.8%) and Klebsiella spp. (6.9%). The susceptibilities were remarkably low to Ampicillin (20%) and Cefotaxim (29.6%) for both gram positive & gram negative isolates. Gram positive group had susceptibilities of 71.1% to Gentamicin, 85.7% to Imipenem & 100% to Amikacin & Vancomycin. Gram negative isolates showed higher sensitivities to Colistin (96.9%), Piperacillin-Tazobactum (78.7%), Imipenem (74.2%), Levofloxacillin (71.2%), respectively. Gram-negative bacteria showed high level of resistance to commonly used antibiotics (Ampicillin, Ceftazidim and Cefotaxim). Gentamicin, Amikacin, Imipenem and Levofloxacin were the most effective drugs compared to others. Routine bacterial surveillance and their sensitivity patterns must be an essential component of neonatal care.

Evaluation of chronic toxicity of Kushta Sammulfar (calx of Arsenic trioxide)

<em>Sammulfar</em> (arsenic trioxide) is a notorious poison and has extensively been studied for its toxicity. It is in use for various purposes for centuries and is used even today as a therapeutic agent in the form of <em>kushta</em> (calx) in traditional systems of medicine, particularly Unani medicine, but without apparent safety data. The present study, therefore, was conducted to produce data for prolong use of calx of arsenic trioxide. The calx (test drug) was prepared by the method described in National Formulary of Unani Medicine. The study was carried in healthy Wistar rats of either sex; weighing 150-250 g; 2-3 months of age, in a dose dependent manner, following the methods of Gupta et al. (2002), Ghosh (2008) and Klaassan (2008). The animals were divided into four groups of 10 animals each. Group I served as control, where as group II, III and IV were used for three dose levels of the test drug <em>i.e.</em> low (8.75 mg^&ndash;1 kg), medium (17.50 mg^&ndash;1 kg) and higher (26.25 mg^&ndash;1 kg). Standard parameters usually applied for chronic toxicity studies were considered. The study revealed dose dependent toxicity. Usual signs of chronic toxicity were observed during the study. Low dose of <em>Kushta Sammulfar </em>(KSF) did not produce remarkable toxic effects. Mild to moderate toxicity was seen in KSF-II and KSF-III.

Maternal and foetal risk factor and complication with immediate outcome during hospital stay of very low birth weight babies

This prospective study was done to find out the maternal and foetal risk factors and complications during hospital stay. It was conducted in Special Care Neonatal Unit (SCANU), Department of Child Health, Bangabandhu Memorial Hospital (BBMH), University of Science and Technology Chittagong (USTC) from1st October 2001 to 30th March 2002 and cases were 35 very low birth weight (VLBW) newborns. Common complications of VLBW babies of this series were frequent apnea (40%), Septicemia (25.71%), Hypothermia (17.14%), NEC (14.28%), Convulsion (11.43%), Hyper-bilirubinaemia (8.57%), Anemia (5.71%), IVH (5.71%), RDS (2.86%), HDN (2.86%), CCF (2.86%), ARF (2.86%), either alone or in combination with other clinical conditions. Newborns 62.86% male, 37.14% female & their mortality rate were 40.91% & 38.46% respectively; Preterm 88.57% & their mortality (41.93%) were higher than term babies (25.00%); AGA 62.86%, SGA 37.14% & mortality rate of AGA babies (45.46%) were higher than of SGA (30.77%) babies. The mortality rate of VLBW infants of teen age (≤ 18 years) mothers (57.14%) & high (≥ 30 years) aged mothers (50.00%) were higher than average (19-26 yrs) maternal age mothers (33.33%). Mortality rate was higher among the babies of primi (41.67%) than multiparous (36.36%), poor socioeconomic group (53.33%) than middle class (30.00%) & mothers on irregular ANC (47.83%) than regular ANC (25.00%). It has been also noted the mortality rate of home delivered babies (50.00%) higher than institutional delivered (34.78%) babies; higher in LUCS babies (46.15%) than normal vaginal delivered babies (31.58%); higher in the babies who had antenatal maternal problem (48.15%) than no maternal problems babies (12.50%); higher in the babies who had fetal distress (50.00%) and twin (46.67%) than no foetal risk factors (28.57%) during intrauterine life; higher in the babies who had problems at admission (46.67%) than no problems (35.00%); and mortality higher in twin (46.67%) than singleton babies (35.00%). Maximum VLBW babies who died during hospital stay had multiple problems and mortality was varied from ?60-100%. The babies who had frequent apnea have been carried relative better outcome (mortality rate 35.72%). In this study out of total 35 studied baby 21(60.00%) survived and 14(40.00%) died. Frequent apnea, sepsis, hypothermia, NEC, convulsion, jaundice, anemia, IVH, and RDS are common complications in VLBW babies. Male sex, prematurity, primiparity, average (middle) socio-economic status, irregular ANC, preterm labor, toxemia of pregnancy, prolonged rupture of membrane, malnutrition, multiple gestations and foetal distress are risk factor for VLBW delivery. Clinical outcome depends on maturity, birth weight, centile for weight, maternal age, parity, maternal nutrition & socio-economic status, ANC, place & mode of delivery, maternal problems during antenatal & perinatal period, number of gestation, fetal condition, presentation at admission, postnatal problems, time of start of management & referral and level of care.

Impact of exotic carps in the polyculture with indigenous carps: competition for food

The fingerlings of indigenous carps such as catla (Catla catla), rohu (Labeo rohita) and mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala) with exotic carps such as silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) and mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio) were cultured together in a fish pond at Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, in order to determine the food electivity, dietary overlap and food competition among indigenous major carps and exotic carps. Phytoplankton (Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae), zooplankton (rotifers) were the dominant groups in the cultured pond. Chlorophyceae was dominant in the diet of rohu. Chlorophyceae and rotifers were the preferred food of catla. Mrigal preferred phytoplankton than zooplankton. Rohu showed positive electivity for zooplankton. Silver carp consumed large quantity of phytoplankton and also preferred rotifers. Chlorophyceae was the dominant food group in the diet of bighead. Mirror carp also preferred plant food organisms dominated by Chlorophyceae. Bighead had positive trends towards phytoplankton. Both mrigal and mirror carp had positive electivity towards phytoplankton. The higher level of dietary overlap occurred between rohu and silver carp followed by between rohu and bighead carp and between catla and silver carp. The lowest level of dietary overlaps occurred between rohu and mirror carp.

Administration of misoprostol by trained traditional birth attendants to prevent postpartum haemorrhage in homebirths in Pakistan: a randomised placebo-controlled trial

Objective

To determine if misoprostol is safe and efficacious in preventing postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) when administered by trained traditional birth attendants (TBA) at home deliveries.

Design

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Setting

Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan.

Population

A total of 1119 women giving birth at home.

Methods

From June 2006 to June 2008, consenting women were randomised to receive 600 μg oral misoprostol (n = 534) or placebo (n = 585) after delivery to determine whether misoprostol reduced the incidence of PPH (≥500 ml).

Main outcome measures

The primary outcomes were measured blood loss ≥500 ml after delivery and drop in haemoglobin >2 g/dl from before to after delivery.

Results

Oral misoprostol was associated with a significant reduction in the rate of PPH (≥500 ml) (16.5 versus 21.9%; relative risk 0.76, 95% CI 0.59–0.97). There were no measurable differences between study groups for drop in haemoglobin >2 g/dl (relative risk 0.79, 95% CI 0.62–1.02); but significantly fewer women receiving misoprostol had a drop in haemoglobin >3 g/dl, compared with placebo (5.1 versus 9.6%; relative risk 0.53, 95% CI 0.34–0.83). Shivering and chills were significantly more common with misoprostol. There were no maternal deaths among participants.

Conclusions

Postpartum administration of 600 μg oral misoprostol by trained TBAs at home deliveries reduces the rate of PPH by 24%. Given its ease of use and low cost, misoprostol could reduce the burden of PPH in community settings where universal oxytocin prophylaxis is not feasible. Continual training and skill-building for TBAs, along with monitoring and evaluation of programme effectiveness, should accompany any widespread introduction of this drug.

Trial registration

http://clinicaltrials.gov/NCT00120237 Misoprostol for the Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage in Rural Pakistan.

Genetic Testing for Huntington's Disease in Parkinsonism

The study was conducted to find out Huntington's disease (HD) by genetic analysis from those presenting with parkinsonism in the Neurology department of Mymensingh Medical College & Hospital. A sample of about 5ml blood was collected by veni puncture in EDTA tube with informed consent from 9 patients & 7 healthy individuals after approval of the institutional ethics committee for genetic study. The neurological disorder along with a complete history and physical findings were recorded in a prescribed questionnaire by the neurologists of Mymensingh Medical College & Hospital. Extraction of genomic DNA from the venous blood using FlexiGene DNA kit (Qiagen, Japan) was performed in Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. The extracted DNA was stored and accumulated and then these DNA were sent to Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka University Medical School, Suita, Osaka 565 0871, Japan for PCR and further analysis. PCR amplification of the CAG repeat in the 1T15 gene was performed with primers HD1 and HD3. HD PCR products revealed the DNA product of about 110bp (no. of CAG repeats=21) to 150bp (no. of CAG repeats=34) in both healthy individual and suspected PD patient DNA.

Usefulness of the hydrogen sulfide test for assessment of water quality in Bangladesh

AIM

To evaluate the usefulness of the hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) test for assessing water quality in Bangladesh.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We tested 382 water samples from a variety of sources using locally produced H(2)S test kits and laboratory-based membrane filtration for the detection of Escherichia coli. Compared with membrane filtration, H(2)S tests, when incubated for 24 h, had both a sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of <40% when analysis was restricted to water samples with E. coli levels below 100 colony forming units (CFU) per 100 ml. In contrast, for E. coli levels from 1000 to 9999 CFU per 100 ml, sensitivity was 94% and PPV 88%; specificity was 97% and negative predictive value was 99%.

CONCLUSIONS

The hydrogen sulfide test, when incubated at 24 h, is a promising alternative for assessing water quality where E. coli levels may be high. An improved understanding of the incremental impact of contamination level on health is needed to better determine its usefulness.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The hydrogen sulfide test is inexpensive, easy to use and portable. Its use may allow rapid assessment of water quality in situations where cost or logistics prevent use of other testing methods, such as in remote areas or during flood and other natural disasters.

Molecular characterization of insulin-like peptide genes and their expression in the African malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae

Of the seven genes encoding insulin-like peptides (ILPs) in the mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, four are arrayed proximally as duplicate pairs on chromosome three. Amino acid substitutions encoded in the duplicate genes occur in the C peptide and not the B and A peptides. Except for one duplicated gene, sequence-specific transcripts for all other AgamILPs were obtained from female mosquitoes. Transcript expression of each AgamILP was determined by RT-PCR in the head, thorax, and abdomen of all life stages and both sexes of this mosquito. Two AgamILPs were ubiquitously expressed, suggesting a growth factor function, whereas the other AgamILPs were expressed primarily in heads, as confirmed by the immunostaining of ILPs in the neurosecretory cells of female brains, thus indicating a hormonal function.

A comparative study of body iron status and lipid profile in acute myocardial infarction patients

This study was carried out to evaluate the relationship between body iron status and lipid profile in hospital admitted clinically diagnosed AMI patients considering the concept that there is a potential association between body iron status and coronary heart disease (CHD). Total 80 subjects were selected, of which 40 were healthy adults and 40 were AMI patients. Fasting blood samples were collected from healthy adults. Blood samples of AMI patients were collected within 24 hours of the attack of myocardial infarction. Body iron status was measured in term of 3 variables serum total iron concentration, TIBC and transferrin saturation. Lipid profile variables measure were total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol. No correlation was found between serum iron and the variables of lipid profile. TIBC was found to maintain negative correlation with total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol but positive correlation with HDL-cholesterol. Transferrin saturation was found to maintain strongly positive correlation with total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol but strongly negative correlation with HDL-cholesterol. This correlation of TIBC and transferrin saturation with lipid profile supports the hypothesis that there is a potential association between body iron status and coronary heart disease.

Triterpenes from Mimusops elengi

Pentacyclic triterpenes (1) and (2) have been isolated from Mimusops elengi and assigned structures 3beta,6beta,19alpha,23-tetrahydroxy-urs-12-ene and 1beta-hydroxy-3beta-hexanoyllup-20 (29)-ene-23, 28-dioic acid, respectively, on the basis of spectroscopic studies including 2D-NMR. The compound 1 showed moderate inhibiting activity against beta-glucuronidase enzyme

Effects of environmental factors on the seasonally change of phytoplankton populations in a closed freshwater pond

The effect of environmental factors affecting the population dynamic of phytoplankton population was studied seasonally in a closed freshwater pond with the natural water of Lake Kasumigaura, Japan. The predominant phytoplankton species in the pond were classified as Oscillatoria tenuis, Synedra ulna, Chlamydomonas cingulata and Cyclotella kutzingiana, with dominant species of Melosira italica, Synechococcus sp. and Cryptomonas ovata. The most important limiting factor for filament length and cell size of most of the phytoplankton community was temperature. Availability of most nutrients had profound effects on the phytoplankton growth as nonlimiting factors. Based on our results, it is suggested that cell cycle progression was also temporally regulated by a multiplicity of external factors such as temperature, nutrients, dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH. At high pH and high temperature, consistent increase of cell division of some phytoplanketers such as Synedra, Cyclotella, Chlamydomonas and Melosira occurs, and there also may be species-specific responses for other species of phytoplankters. In addition, the cell divisions of phytoplankters are differentially regulated in different phytoplankton species.

Detection of ciprofloxacin-resistant Yersinia pestis by fluorogenic PCR using the LightCycler

We have developed a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based assay to detect ciprofloxacin resistant (Cp(r)) mutants of the biothreat agent Yersinia pestis. We selected spontaneous mutants of the attenuated Y. pestis KIM 5 strain that were resistant to a ciprofloxacin (CIP) concentration of at least 1 microg/ml. DNA sequencing of gyrA encoded by 65 of these mutants revealed that all isolates contained one of four different point mutations within the quinolone resistance-determining region of gyrA. We developed a FRET-based assay that detected all of these mutations by using a single pair of fluorescent probes with sequences complementary to the wild-type Y. pestis gyrA sequence. Melting peak analysis revealed that the probe-PCR product hybrid was less stable when amplification occurred from any of the four mutant templates. This instability resulted in the PCR product obtained from the Cp(r) Y. pestis strains displaying a 4 to 11 degrees C shift in probe melting temperature. Following optimization of the reaction conditions, we were able to detect approximately 10 pg of purified wild-type template DNA or the presence of approximately 4 CFU of wild-type Y. pestis KIM 5 or Cp(r) mutants in crude lysates. Taken together, our results demonstrate the utility of FRET-based assays for detection of Cp(r) mutants of Y. pestis. This method is both sensitive and rapid.

IL-12 and IL-18 synergistically induce the bactericidal activity of murine peritoneal cells against M. leprae

We examined the effect of IL-12 and IL-18 on bactericidal activities of mouse peritoneal cell (PC) against Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae). We demonstrated that IL-12 and IL-18 synergistically induced the NO-dependent bactericidal activity of PC by stimulating Natural Killer (NK) cells and T-cells through IFN-gamma production. IL-12 and IL-18 induced host cell death through NK-cells and T-cells. Therefore. IL-12 and IL-18 play an important role on direct killing of intracellular M. leprae and on indirect killing of them through inducing host cell death.

Seasonal variation in frequency of dividing cells of freshwater phytoplankters

The frequency of dividing cells (FDC) of a natural phytoplankton community was studied seasonally in a freshwater pond to which water directly from Lake Kasumigaura was supplied. Phytoplankton samples were collected every 3 h at three depths (5, 30 and 75 cm) over 24 h periods in each of the four seasons and examined for FDC, cell size and abundance. Dominant phytoplankton species were Synedra ulna, Cyclotella kutzingiana, Chlamydomonas cingulata and Oscillatoria tenuis with Melosira italica, Cryptomonas ovata, and Synechococcus sp. being seasonally abundant. All species showed a similar FDC pattern related to the light-dark period that is a moderately phased division with the maximum FDC between 21:00-03:00.

Leprosy in hypertensive nude rats (SHR/NCrj-rnu)

Since more than a decade ago, we have attempted to develop spontaneously hypertensive rats carrying the nude gene that permits high multiplication of Mycobacterium leprae. A congenic strain carrying nude (rnu) and hypertensive genes was produced using SHR/NCrj females and F344/NJcl-rnu males. Cross-intercross was carried out 12 times to establish the hypertensive nude rat congenic strain. As a result of the genetic monitoring test with NE12F2 generation rats, the genetic profile of the SHR/NCrj-rnu rats was the same as that of the SHR/NCrj rats except for the rnu gene. We have successfully developed a hypertensive congenic nude rat strain (SHR.F344Hfh11; SHR/NCrj-rnu). An increase in the blood pressure in nude rats was found to begin at a slightly delayed age when compared with their hairy litter mates. Both female and male rats showed the highest blood pressure at approximately 20 weeks of age--166 +/- 1.4 and 197 +/- 11 mm Hg in nude rats and 175 +/- 11 and 193 +/- 3.2 mm Hg in their hairy litter mates in female and male rats, respectively. In the present study, comparisons were made on the susceptibility to M. leprae in hypertensive SHR/NCrj-rnu and normotensive F344/NJcl-rnu rats. We have reconfirmed that hypertensive SHR/NCrj-rnu rats of the NE12F3 generation were highly susceptible to M. leprae. In the SHR/NCrj-rnu rats of both sexes excellent massive swelling due to multiplication of M. leprae was observed and, also, nodular lesions were produced in uninoculated fore feet and lips while those sites in the F344/NJcl-rnu rats showed only a slight swelling of the inoculated feet with mild nodular lesions. Although mild lymphocyte proliferation was seen only in the M. leprae-inoculated site with numerous bacilli and partial necrosis in the SHR/NCrj-rnu rats, at noninoculated sites, multiplication of M. leprae was only observed in the cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system. However, in F344/NJcl-rnu rats, lymphocyte proliferation with a few neutrophils was seen at the site of inoculated hind foot pads and everywhere at the site of multiplication of M. leprae. There was a wide difference in the susceptibility to M. leprae between the SHR/NCrj-rnu and the F344/NJcl-rnu rats.

Blood digestion in the mosquito, Anopheles stephensi: the effects of Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis on midgut enzyme activities

Midgut proteases contribute to the success or failure of Plasmodium infection of the mosquito. This paper examines the reciprocal effect of Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis on midgut trypsin, chymotrypsin, aminopeptidase and carboxypeptidase in the mosquito Anopheles stephensi. The total protein ingested and the rate of protein digestion were unaffected by the parasite, but more protein was ingested at the first than the second bloodmeal. All peptidases were unaffected by the presence of the parasite during the first gonotrophic cycle, when ookinetes were penetrating the midgut. In the second gonotrophic cycle, trypsin and chymotrypsin were unaffected by growing oocysts, but aminopeptidase activity was reduced in the midguts of infected mosquitoes. Chymotrypsin activity was depressed and aminopeptidase activity elevated during the second gonotrophic cycle. Plasmodium infection has a negligible effect on bloodmeal digestion and does not limit the availability of the protein for egg production. The significance of changes in aminopeptidase activity when oocysts are present is discussed.

Hypotensive effect of the methanolic extract of Mimusops elengi in normotensive rats

The methanolic extract of Mimusops elengi caused hypotensive activity in anaesthetized rats. On intravenous administration (i.v.) at a dose range of 2-16 mg/kg, it produced about a 7-38% fall in mean arterial blood pressure, in a dose-dependent manner. The effect was independent of adrenergic, muscarinic and histaminergic receptors. The hypotension was also unchanged after autonomic ganglion or angiotensin-converting-enzyme blockade. Administration of calcium channel blockers, however, including nifedipine (0.9 mg/kg) and verapamil (3.9 mg/kg), caused corresponding reductions of 81 and 64% in extract-induced hypotension. These data imply M. elengi might possess calcium-blocking activity which would explain its hypotensive effect.

Effect of Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis (Haemosporidia: Plasmodiidae) on Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae) vitellogenesis

Our previous studies demonstrated a significant reduction in the egg production and survival of Anopeles stephensi Liston infected with Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis Killick-Kendrick. We investigated the physiological mechanism underlying the malaria-induced curtailment of reproductive fitness. Polyclonal antibodies were raised against An. stephensi vitellin (Vn) and used in an enzyme immunoassay to quantify ovarian Vn and hemolymph vitellogenin (Vg) at 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 48 h postblood feeding in infected and noninfected mosquitoes. Initially, the concentration of Vg in the hemolymph and the accumulation of Vn in the ovaries of infected females were identical to females fed on noninfected mice, indicating that the synthesis of yolk protein by the fat bodies was initiated normally. However, there was a significant reduction in ovarian Vn at 24 and 48 h postblood feeding and a significant accumulation of Vg at 20 and 24 h postblood feeding in the hemolymph of infected mosquitoes. This increase in concentration of Vg in the hemolymph just before Vn reduction in the ovaries of infected mosquitoes indicated that synthesis at the fat body level may not be affected, but that sequestration of Vg by ovarian follicles of malaria-infected mosquitoes may be affected before resorbing follicles lose protein.

The effects of infection with Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis on the reproductive fitness of Anopheles stephensi

Infection with the rodent malarial parasite Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis caused a significant reduction in the reproductive fitness (number of eggs produced and proportion of eggs hatched) of two different generations of Anopheles stephensi. Overall fertility (number of larvae produced) was reduced by 38.3% in the generation containing smaller mosquitoes (with a wing length of 3.2 +/- 0.1 mm) with relatively larger parasite burdens, and by 48.81% in the generation containing larger mosquitoes (with a wing length of 3.4 +/- 0.1 mm). The contribution that reduction in egg production and egg hatching made to overall reduction in reproductive fitness differed in each experiment. No significant difference was observed in the egg size (length from tip to tip and breadth at the centre) of control and infected mosquitoes in another generation of infected An. stephensi.

Effect of graded head-up tilt on parasympathetic reactivity

Thirteen healthy subjects were tested for parasympathetic reactivity during head-up tilt and reversal of the tilt. Head-up tilt (70 degrees) resulted in significant increase in baseline heart rate and diastolic blood pressure. Head-up tilt also led to increased parasympathetic reactivity as measured by Valsalva manoeuvre and hand grip test. Heart rate response to deep breathing test did not change. The reversal of the tilt led to returning of heart responses to original values. Responses indicate towards enhanced parasympathetic reactivity during head-up tilt position.