Investigation of Campylobacter fetus in breeding bulls of private farms in Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

Bovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC) is a venereal disease caused by Campylobacter fetus that has a negative impact on animal reproduction. The bull is considered to be a symptomless carrier that spreads the disease agent to breeding cows, causing infertility and sporadic abortion.

AIM

The study aims to estimate the prevalence, identify risk factors of Campylobacter fetus (C. fetus) infection and antimicrobial resistance pattern of the C. fetus isolates.

METHOD

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. Bull smegma samples (single sample from each bull) were collected from 300 bulls from four farms and tested via culture, biochemical identification and finally 16S rRNA and cdtA gene-based molecular assays (PCR) for herd and animal-level prevalence estimation. Herd- and animal-level data on risk factors were collected from the farmers using a pretested questionnaire and analysed by univariable and multivariable logistic regression models with a p value of <0.05 was taken statistically significant for both analyses.

RESULTS

Among the surveyed farms, 75% (95% CI: 19.4%-99.4%) were confirmed to have bulls infected with Campylobacter fetus at herd level. However, animal-level occurrence of C. fetus was estimated to be 8.7% (26/300) (95% CI: 5.7%-12.4%). Natural service increases the odds of campylobacteriosis 38.18 times (95% CI: 13.89-104.94) in comparison to artificial insemination for C. fetus infection in bulls. Significantly, half of the isolates (50%, n = 13) were identified to be multidrug resistant (MDR) for three to five antimicrobial agents.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the need to develop official guidelines for C. fetus control and prevention in Bangladesh including mandatory artificial insemination in reproductive cows and heifers, routine screening of breeding bulls for C. fetus free status.

Study of Human Brucellosis among Patients with Pyrexia of Unknown Origin by Antibody Detection

This study was performed to determine the seropositivity of human brucellosis among the patients suffering from pyrexia of unidentified origin. This cross-sectional study was performed at department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from September 2018 to August 2019; among the patients of pyrexia of unknown origin visited inpatient and outpatient facility of department of Medicine and department of Paediatrics, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) in Mymensingh division of Bangladesh. A total of 400 serum samples were screened by Brucella-specific latex agglutination test to determine seropositivity. Seven percent (7.0%) (28/400) serum samples were found to be seropositive for brucellosis by detecting Brucella-specific antibody at a titer ≥1:160. Therefore, Brucella-specific latex agglutination test may be recommended as a screening test for human brucellosis in developing and underdeveloped countries.

Reliability of the tools used to examine psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping amongst migrants and non-migrants in Australia

Study tools examining psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping amongst migrants and non-migrants in Australia are very limited. The aim of this research was to assess the psychometric properties and correlation of the English version of Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10), Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCSV-19S), and Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS) tools during the COVID-19 pandemic situation in Australia. Data from a cross-sectional survey (n = 516) were utilized to examine reliability; 299 (57.9%) were migrants. High internal consistency, as evidenced by Cronbach's alpha, was found for the K-10 (0.92), FCV-19S (0.87) and BRCS (0.66) tools. The corresponding values for migrants and non-migrants were (0.92, 0.87, 0.67) and (0.92, 0.86, 0.63), respectively. Item-total correlations ranged 0.57-0.78 for K-10, 0.62-0.69 for FCV-19S, and 0.39-0.50 for BRCS tools. EFA retained a single factor for each tool with adequate factor loadings. The scoring of K-10 was significantly predicted by the scoring of FCV-19S (r = 0.284, P < 0.001) and BRCS tool (r = 0.132, P < 0.01). Therefore, these tools can be used reliably amongst both migrant and non-migrant population in Australia.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Molecular Detection of Campylobacter in Farmed Cattle of Selected Districts in Bangladesh

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in selected districts of Bangladesh to estimate prevalence, risk factors, and molecular detection of Campylobacter isolates from 540 farmed cattle of 90 herds. As an individual sample, 540 feces, and as a pooled sample, 180 milk samples, 90 feed samples, 90 water samples, 90 manure samples, and 90 animal attendants' hand-rinse water were collected and tested via culture, biochemical, and molecular assays. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect herd-level data on risk factors with the herd owners. The herd-level data on risk factors were analyzed through univariate and multivariate analyses, and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant for all analyses. Overall, farm-level prevalence of bovine Campylobacter was enumerated to be 53.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 42.5-63.9%). The feces sample was found to be a high level of contamination of 30.9% (95% CI: 27-35%) followed by the manure swab (pooled) at 15.6% (95% CI: 8.8-24.7%). Campylobacter jejuni was documented as an abundant species (12.6%), followed by Campylobacter coli (5.1%), and Campylobacter fetus (0.3%). Older farms (>5 years of age), no/minimum cleaning and disinfection practices, along with animal roaming outside of the farm, were documented as significant risk factors for farm-level Campylobacter occurrence. Evidence-based control measures need to be taken through stringent biosecurity and hygienic measurement to lessen the load of the Campylobacter pathogen in the farm environment and prevent further transmission to animals and humans.

Factors associated with psychological distress, fear and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the personal, professional and social life of Australians with some people more impacted than others.

Objectives

This study aimed to identify factors associated with psychological distress, fear and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among residents in Australia, including patients, frontline health and other essential service workers, and community members during June 2020. Psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10); level of fear was assessed using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S); and coping strategies were assessed using the Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS). Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the extent of psychological distress, level of fear and coping strategies while adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Among 587 participants, the majority (391, 73.2%) were 30–59 years old and female (363, 61.8%). More than half (349, 59.5%) were born outside Australia and two-third (418, 71.5%) completed at least a Bachelor’s degree. The majority (401, 71.5%) had a source of income, 243 (42.3%) self-identified as a frontline worker, and 335 (58.9%) reported financial impact due to COVID-19. Comorbidities such as pre-existing mental health conditions (AOR 3.13, 95% CIs 1.12–8.75), increased smoking (8.66, 1.08–69.1) and alcohol drinking (2.39, 1.05–5.47) over the last four weeks, high levels of fear (2.93, 1.83–4.67) and being female (1.74, 1.15–2.65) were associated with higher levels of psychological distress. Perceived distress due to change of employment status (4.14, 1.39–12.4), alcohol drinking (3.64, 1.54–8.58), providing care to known or suspected cases (3.64, 1.54–8.58), being female (1.56, 1.00–2.45), being 30–59 years old (2.29, 1.21–4.35) and having medium to high levels of psychological distress (2.90, 1.82–5.62) were associated with a higher level of fear; while healthcare service use in the last four weeks was associated with medium to high resilience.

Conclusions

This study identified individuals who were at higher risk of distress and fear during the COVID-19 pandemic specifically in the State of Victoria, Australia. Specific interventions to support the mental wellbeing of these individuals should be considered in addition to the existing resources within primary healthcare settings.

Molecular Detection of Human Brucellosis among Patients with Pyrexia of Unknown Origin

This study describes the molecular detection of human brucellosis among patients with pyrexia of unknown origin. It was a cross-sectional descriptive study and was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Non-probability purposive type of sampling technique was used. Blood samples were collected from 400 pyretic patients from September 2018 to August 2019. BCSP31 Brucella genus-specific TaqMan real-time PCR and SYBR Green real-time PCR were undertaken for molecular detection. Out of 400 samples, 22 (5.5%) samples found BCSP31 Brucella genus-specific real-time PCR positive. The study revealed that a considerable number of brucellosis is present in rural areas among risk as well as non-risk group study population having definite male predominancy, most prone to develop among >40-80 years age group. Brucella genus and species-specific real-time PCR might be performed for confirmation and also to avoid unjustified costs, drug toxicity, and un-masking of other potentially dangerous diseases.

A survey of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) farming in selected areas of Bangladesh

Aim:

To investigate the status, problems and prospects of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) farming in selected areas of Bangladesh.

Materials and Methods:

The study was conducted in 14 districts of Bangladesh, viz., Dhaka, Narayanganj, Munshiganj, Mymensingh, Netrakona, Faridpur, Jessore, Khulna, Satkhira, Kushtia, Bogra, Naogaon, Comilla, and Sylhet during the period from July 2011 to June 2012. A total of 52 quail farmers were interviewed for data collection using a structured questionnaire. Focus group discussions were also carried out with unsuccessful farmers and those want to start quail farming. Workers of quail farms, quail feeds and medicine suppliers, quail eggs and meat sellers were also interviewed regarding the issue.

Results:

Out of 52 farms, 86.5% were operated by male, 67.3% farmers did not receive any training and 92.3% farmers had no earlier experience of quail farming although 58.0% farmers primary occupation was quail farming. Most of the farms (63.4%) were mixed in type having ≤5000 birds of two or three varieties. About 80.7% farms were operated separately round the year with no other poultry and 83.0% farmers wanted to expand their farming. The average pullet weight 145.0±0.12, 110.0±0.07, 120.0±0.22, and 128.0±0.17 g; age at the first lay 46.0±0.04, 42.0±0.31, 42.0±0.09, and 45.2±0.05 days; rearing period 15.0±0.01, 12.0±0.14, 15.0±0.32, and 15.2±0.18 months; culling period 15.5±0.14, 13.0±0.06, 15.0±0.03, and 15.4±0.26 months were for layer, parent stock, hatchery, and mixed farms, respectively. Most of the layer farms had an average egg production of ≤5000/day and net profit BDT 0.75/egg. However, an average number of birds, hatchability and net profit per day-old-chick were ≤5000, 76.8% and BDT 2.75, respectively, in the hatchery. Broiler quails were sold at 30 days with mean weight of 110.8 g and net profit BDT 9.02/bird. The major constraints of quail farming were higher feed price, outbreak of endemic diseases, lack of proper knowledge, farmers training, proper market access, difficulties of parent stock collection, inadequate biosecurity practices, and limited access to veterinary care. Thus, a proper training on quail farming, bio-security management, and government subsidy on feeds could make quail farming sustainable in Bangladesh.

Conclusions:

The study concludes that Japanese quail farming has enormous potentiality and could be an alternative to chicken farming particularly in providing gainful employment, supplementary income and as a valuable source of meat and egg, quail farming should be encouraged and promoted in Bangladesh.

Descriptive epidemiology of common female cancers in the north East India--a hospital based study

BACKGROUND

Cancers of the breast, uterine cervix and ovary are common cancers amongst females of North East India. Not much is known about the descriptive epidemiology of these cancers in our population. The present retrospective analysis was therefore performed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data set available at the hospital based cancer registry of a regional cancer center of North-East India, containing information on patients registered during the period of January 2010 to December 2012, was applied. A total of 2,925 cases of breast, uterine cervix and ovarian cancer were identified.

RESULTS

Of the total, 1,295 (44.3%) were breast cancers, 1,214 (41.5%) were uterine cervix and 416 (14.2%) ovarian cancer, median age (range) for breast, uterine cervix and ovary were 45 (17-85), 48 (20-91) and 45 years (7-80), respectively. Some 43.5% of cases with uterine cervix patients were illiterate, 5.4% and 5.7% stage I in breast and cervix respectively and 96.4% of ovarian cancers in advanced stage.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvement of female education can contribute to increase the proportion of early stage diagnosis of breast and uterine cervix in our population. Any population-based intervention for the detection of cancers of breast, uterine cervix and ovarian cancer should be started early in our population.

Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Serum Lipid Profile of Bangladeshi Female Volunteers

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of fasting for a period of one month during Ramadan on the lipid profile of Bangladeshi female volunteers who fasted during the Arabic month of Ramadan, when there occurs a change, both in the pattern and timing of dietary intake. Findings of the study showed that Ramadan fast significantly reduced serum Total cholesterol (TC) (p=0.030) and Low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) (p=0.011). A statistically nonsignificant elevation of triglyceride (TG)) was observed (p=0.598). High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) also found to be raised significantly at the end of fasting (p = 0.037). Findings of the study revealed that fasting during the month of Ramadan changes lipid profile pattern in an aniatherogenic direction and may be beneficial to health. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v7i2.22412 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2014; 7(2): 47-51

Dyslipidemia in Insulin Resistance: Cause or Effect

Lipids are of one of the four basic types of molecules of life and its derivatives serve diverse functions in the body. Generally acclaimed functions of lipids include shock absorption and insulation, and energy storage of the body. Phospholipids and cholesterol form the integral part of cell membrane. In addition cholesterol serves as the precursor for bile salts, male and female sex hormones, vitamin D and adrenocortical hormones. Complex lipids consist of neutral lipid core of cholesterol esters and or triacylglycerol and proteins are the chylomicrons, VLDL, LDL and HDL which serve as the carriers of fats, fatty acids and other lipids in the body. Complex lipids are tightly controlled in the body. Its dysregulation has been mainly linked to obesity, diabetes and insulin resistance though the issue is yet to be clearly understood. The present review evaluates recent reports in this regards and try to explain the relationship between dyspidemia and insulin resistance. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v7i1.18576 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2014; 7(1): 27-31

Efferocytosis: the Removal of Apoptotic Cells by Phagocytes

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v3i2.13808 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2010; 3(2): 35

Effects of Pleurotus ostreatus on Blood Pressure and Glycemic Status of Hypertensive Diabetic Male Volunteers

Different species of mushrooms are being used increasingly for their nutritional and medicinal values. They are used in traditional medical practice in the treatment and prevention of diabetes, obesity, heart diesaes, hyperacidity, cancer and hypertension. This study was designed to see the effects of Pleurotus ostreatus on blood pressure and glycemic status of hypertensive diabetic male volunteers. The study was carried out in the National Mushroom development and Extension Center (NAMDEC) laboratory, Savar, Dhaka in collaboration with the Department of Pharmacy along with the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jahangirnagar University. A total of 27 hypertensive male volunteers suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus with age range of 32 to 68 years, who were free from renal impairment and other known acute or chronic diseases were included in the study. Blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c and serum creatinine were measured before and after 3 months of regular intake of 3 grams mushroom powder capsule daily in in 3 divided doses. However they were allowed to continue the drugs they were taking already. The study showed that after 3 months of regular intake of Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly (p<0.001). It was also observed that, Pleurotus ostreatus decreased fasting plasma glucose level significantly (p<0.001). Reduction of HbA1c % observed after 3 months of mushroom intake was found to be significant (p<0.001). But there was no significant change of plasma creatinine level (p>0.05) indicating Pleurotus ostreatus has no detrimental effect on renal system. From the study, it can be said that, Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom intake improves glycemic status and blood pressure control in diabetic hypertensive subjects. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v6i1.13280 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2013; 6(1): 5-10

Non-culture diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection in sexually active women

Infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) are one of the most prevalent of all sexually transmitted diseases (STD). This cross sectional study was carried out to diagnose genital CT infection on 108 (59 pregnant and 49 non-pregnant) women attending at Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) during the period from January 2009 to December 2009. This non- culture technique was based on detection of CT major outer membrane protein (MOMP) by Direct Fluorescence Antibody Test (DFAT) from endocervical swab. Chlamydial inclusion bodies (IB) were looked for using Iodine stain. CT antigens were detected in 45.3% (49/108) cases by DFAT; IBs were detected in 5.5% cases (06/108) by Iodine staining technique. Majority of CT positive cases (65%) were found in the younger age group (15 to 25 years). The CT infection was found 47.2 % (35/74) in symptomatic cases, 41.1% (14/34) in asymptomatic cases and 47.4% in pregnant group, 42.8% in non-pregnant group. Although high incidence of genital chlamydia infection is common both in pregnant, non-pregnant, symptomatic and asymptomatic women in Bangladesh an early and reliable diagnostic method for genital chlamydia infection in Bangladesh should be further explored.

Inhibition of alpha(1)-adrenergic-mediated responses in rat ventricular myocytes by adenosine A(1) receptor activation: role of the K(ATP) channel

Both beta- and alpha(1)-adrenoceptors mediate the myocardial effects of catecholamines. It is well known that adenosine inhibits beta-dependent effects; however, whether alpha(1)-dependent responses can be similarly modulated is unclear. Accordingly, rat ventricular myocytes were exposed for 25 min to the alpha(1) agonist phenylephrine (2 microM, in the presence of 1 microM propranolol) in the absence or presence of adenosine (100 microM) or the A(1) receptor-selective agonist N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA, 1 microM). We also investigated the effects of K(ATP) blockade with glibenclamide (1 microM), the protein kinase C inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide (20 nM), and pertussis toxin (300 ng/ml), which uncouples G(i) protein/receptor interaction, and assessed whether effects of adenosine were mimicked by K(ATP) activation with either pinacidil or cromakalim (5 microM). Phenylephrine significantly increased cell shortening by 190% and the Ca(2+) transient by 24%, which was abolished by either adenosine or CPA, but not in the presence of the A(1) receptor-selective antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1, 3-dipropylxanthine (1 microM), and was abolished by pertussis toxin. The effect of adenosine or CPA was reversed by glibenclamide and mimicked by either cromakalim or pinacidil. Bisindolylmaleimide was without effect. The A(2) or A(3) receptor agonists 2-(4-(2-carboxyethyl)phenylethylamino)-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoade nos ine and N(6)-(3-iodobenzyl)-adenosine-5'-N-methyluronamide (1 microM each), respectively, were without effect. Neither CPA nor adenosine modulated the effect of endothelin-1 (5 nM), which also acts via the phosphoinositide hydrolysis pathway. We conclude that adenosine selectively inhibits alpha(1)-adrenergic-mediated effects in rat ventricular myocytes through a G(i) protein-dependent mechanism involving A(1) receptor and K(ATP) activation. Our study further suggests that endogenous adenosine may modulate alpha(1)-mediated effects of catecholamines.

LPS pretreatment ameliorates peritonitis-induced myocardial inflammation and dysfunction: role of myocytes

Peritonitis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) produces a systemic inflammatory response that can be largely mitigated by pretreatment of the animals with lipopolysaccharide (LPS tolerance). Although cells of myeloid origin and endothelial cells have been shown to contribute to the development of LPS tolerance, little is known regarding the potential role of parenchymal cells in this phenomenon. The major aim of the present study was to assess whether cardiac parenchymal cells (myocytes) contribute to the development of LPS tolerance. Six hours after induction of CLP rats were neutropenic and acidotic, the myocardium contained a leukocyte infiltrate [myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was increased], and myocardial contractile function was impaired (left ventricular developed pressure was decreased). In animals that were pretreated with LPS these manifestations of sepsis were largely reversed. Further studies focused on the responses of cardiac myocytes to CLP and whether myocytes contributed to the development of LPS tolerance. Myocytes were isolated from rat hearts 6 h after induction of CLP. These myocytes 1) exhibited an impaired ability to shorten in response to pacing, 2) contained the nuclear transcription factor NF-kappaB in their nuclei, 3) increased their surface levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and 4) were hyperadhesive for neutrophils. All of these events did not occur in myocytes obtained from animals that were pretreated with LPS before induction of CLP. These findings indicate that LPS tolerance can be induced in myocytes with respect to polymorphonuclear leukocyte adhesion, presumably by an inability of CLP to mobilize NF-kappaB to the myocyte nuclei and, thereby, preventing an increase in surface levels of ICAM-1.

Cardioprotective effect of K-7259, a novel dilazep derivative, against ischemia-reperfusion damage in isolated, working rat hearts

Global ischemia (15 min) followed by reperfusion (10, 20 or 30 min) was performed in isolated, working rat hearts. Ischemia depressed mechanical function, which was not restored by reperfusion of 20 min. Preischemic administration of K-7259 (N,N'-bis[4-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)butyl]homopiperazine dihydrochloride) (1, 5 or 10 microM) decreased the function before ischemia, but it attenuated the ischemia-induced dysfunction during reperfusion (20 min). Postischemic administration of K-7259 (10 microM) or dilazep (20 microM) also attenuated the ischemia-induced dysfunction during reperfusion (30 min). Ischemia-reperfusion (10 min) increased the tissue malondialdehyde level, and postischemic administration of K-7259 (10 microM) or dilazep (20 microM) attenuated the malondialdehyde accumulation. K-7259 has a cardioprotective effect when given either before or after ischemia.

K-7259, a novel dilazep derivative, and d-propranolol attenuate H2O2-induced cell damage

We studied the effects of dilazep, K-7259 (a novel derivative of dilazep) and d-propranolol on the change in cell shape and accumulation of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in isolated rat cardiac myocytes. Myocytes were incubated in a Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer containing 2 mM diethyltriamine pentaacetic acid (DETAPAC) and 2mM FeSO4 for 10 min, and then treated with 2mM H2O2 for 50 min. Before the treatment with H2O2, the percentage of the number of rod-shaped cells to that of total cells was 66 +/- 2%, and decreased to 35 +/- 3%, 25 +/- 4% and 14 +/- 2%, after 30, 40 and 50 min of the H2O2 treatment, respectively. The levels of NEFA (lauric, myristic, palmitoleic, arachidonic, linoleic, palmitic, oleic and stearic acids) increased after the treatment with H2O2. In the absence of FeSO4 and DETAPAC, however, H2O2 did not have these effects, and therefore all the experiments with drugs were performed in the presence of Fe2SO4 and DETAPAC. K-7259 (30 microM) and d-propranolol (50 microM) attenuated both the changes in cell shape and accumulation of NEFA induced by H2O2, whereas dilazep (30 or 50 microM) did not. N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)glycine (2 mM), an .OH scavenger, inhibited the H2O2-induced changes completely. These results suggest that K-7259 and d-propranolol attenuate the H2O2-induced changes in cell shape and accumulation of NEFA, probably because of their .OH-scavenging effect.

A study on dilazep: II. Dilazep attenuates lysophosphatidylcholine-induced mechanical and metabolic derangements in the isolated, working rat heart

The effects of dilazep, d-propranolol and lidocaine on the mechanical and metabolic changes induced by lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) were studied in isolated, perfused working rat heart. After a stabilization period, the heart was perfused for 5 min with LPC (10 microM) alone, LPC plus dilazep (5, 10 or 20 microM), LPC plus d-propranolol (30 or 50 microM) or LPC plus lidocaine (30 or 100 microM) and then perfused with normal Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate (KHB) buffer for a further 20 min. Perfusion with LPC for 5 min followed by KHB for 20 min irreversibly decreased cardiac mechanical function, decreased the tissue levels of adenosine triphosphate and creatine phosphate significantly, and increased the tissue levels of lactate and free fatty acids including arachidonic acid. Dilazep or d-propranolol significantly attenuated the mechanical and metabolic changes induced by LPC, but lidocaine did not. These results indicate that the exogenous LPC causes ischemia-like changes, suggesting that LPC is one of the important factors in producing ischemia-reperfusion derangements in terms of mechanical and metabolic functions, and that both dilazep and d-propranolol can prevent the LPC-induced myocardial damage.

A study on dilazep: I. Mechanism of anti-ischemic action of dilazep is not coronary vasodilation but decreased cardiac mechanical function in the isolated, working rat heart

In the isolated, perfused working rat heart, ischemia (15 min) decreased the mechanical function and the tissue levels of adenosine triphosphate and creatine phosphate and increased the levels of lactate and free fatty acids. Reperfusion (20 min) did not restore the mechanical function, but restored incompletely the levels of metabolites, with the exception of free fatty acids, which increased further during reperfusion. Dilazep was given 5 min before starting ischemia until the end of ischemia. Dilazep at 5 or 10 microM decreased the cardiac mechanical function, but did not affect coronary flow in the pre-ischemic heart. Dilazep at 5 or 10 microM accelerated the recovery of mechanical function and coronary flow during reperfusion, and it attenuated metabolic changes induced by ischemia and reperfusion. Dilazep at 1 microM neither decreased the pre-ischemic mechanical function nor restored the mechanical function during reperfusion, although it attenuated the accumulation of free fatty acids during reperfusion. These results suggest that dilazep attenuates both ischemia- and reperfusion-induced myocardial damage and that the anti-ischemic action of dilazep is not due to coronary vasodilation but probably due to an energy-sparing effect and other effects that remain to be studied.

Prevalence of urinary tract infection in adult women

Five hundred adult women of Sylhet town of different socio-economic status were screened to detect urinary tract infection by a random "door-to-door" survey. Significant bacteriuria was considered as an important criterion in the diagnosis of urinary tract infection. Pyuria with bacteriuria was, but without bacteriuria was not, considered a good evidence of infection. The ratio between the asymptomatic and symptomatic bacteriuria was found to be 7:1. The significance of asymptomatic bacteriuria in preventive medicine has been stressed.