Effect of different temperature variations on the physiological state of catfish species: a systematic review

Catfish are a highly diverse group of fish that are found in various regions across the globe. The significance of catfish culture extends to various aspects, including food security, economic advancement, preservation of cultural legacy, and ecological stewardship. The catfish industry is presently encountering unprecedented challenges as a consequence of the variability in water temperature caused by climate change. Temperature is a significant abiotic component that regulates and restricts fish physiology throughout their life cycle. The impact of severe temperatures on various species of catfish is dependent upon the magnitude of the stressor and additional influencing factors. This paper presents an analysis of the effects of temperature fluctuations on various aspects of catfish species, including growth and survival, blood parameters, enzymatic and hormone response, oxygen consumption rates, sound generation and hearing skills, nutritional requirements, and other phenotypic attributes. While this review is certainly not exhaustive, it offers a broad synopsis of the ideal temperature ranges that are most favorable for several catfish species. In-depth research to investigate the interacting impacts of severe temperature occurrences in conjunction with other associated environmental stresses on a wider variety of catfish species is crucial in order to further our understanding of how catfish species will respond to the anticipated climate change in the future.

Hoven's carp Leptobarbus hoevenii strategized metabolism needs to cope with changing environment

Current water warming and freshwater acidification undoubtedly affect the life of aquatic animals especially ammonotelic teleost by altering their physiological responses. The effect of temperature (28 °C vs 32 °C) and pH (7 vs. 5) on the metabolic compromising strategies of Hoven's carp (Leptobarbus hoevenii) was investigated in this study. Fishes were conditioned to (i) 28 °C + pH 7 (N28°C); (ii) 32 °C + pH 7 (N32°C); (iii) 28 °C + pH 5 (L28°C) and (iv) 32 °C + pH 5 (L32°C) for 20 days followed by osmorespiration assay. Results showed that feeding performance of Hoven's carp was significantly depressed when exposed to low pH conditions (L28°C and L32°C). However, by exposed Hoven's carp to L32°C induced high metabolic oxygen intake and ammonia excretion to about 2x-folds higher compared to the control group. As for energy mobilization, Hoven's carp mobilized liver and muscle protein under L28°C condition. Whereas under high temperature in both pH, Hoven's carp had the tendency to reserve energy in both of liver and muscle. The findings of this study revealed that Hoven's carp is sensitive to lower water pH and high temperature, thereby they remodeled their physiological needs to cope with the environmental changes condition.

Assessment of Dialysis Adequacy Using Small Solute Clearance Indices among Twice versus Thrice Weekly Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh

This observational study was carried out in the Department of Nephrology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh from January 2020 to December 2020. A total of 179 patients were included in this study according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Informed written consent was taken from each patient. All patients were underwent detail history taking, thorough physical examination and relevant investigations. Data collection was conducted through a structured questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed using the statistical software SPSS 23.0. Mean age ±SD of the study patients was 47.06±14.1 with a majority in age group 41-50 years. Male predominance was observed with a male: female ratio of 2.19:1 and 68.7% male patients. Level of pre-dialysis, post-dialysis urea in the study population was 123.77±26.86mg/dl, 50.27±15.70mg/dl respectively and mean ±SD of Urea Reduction Ratio (URR) in hemodialysis (target >65.0%) was 67.2±1.9. Most of the 8 hours (two times) per week hemolysis patients could not achieve the target value of dialysis adequacy parameters. On the other hand, maximum people in 12 hours (three times) per week hemodialysis group achieved the target value of dialysis adequacy parameters. It is important to calculate Kt/V or URR and individualize the dialysis doses for each patient.

Identifying a Dose Constraint for the Parotid Ducts: Impact on Patient Reported Xerostomia and Comparison to Conventional Parotid Gland Mean Dose Sparing

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

(1) Identify a dose constraint for the parotid ducts to reduce patient reported xerostomia and compare effectiveness to QUANTEC constraint. (2) Determine if conventionally planned patients meet this constraint by using atlas-based duct segmentation.

MATERIALS/METHODS

(1) 38 patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) were treated prospectively on trial with MRI sialography guided parotid duct sparing radiation therapy (parotid duct sparing cohort). These patients were compared to a historical cohort of 89 similar patients treated with conventional parotid gland mean dose sparing for salivary gland dosimetry and patient reported xerostomia (PRO-CTCAE ≥ Moderate). (2) A contour atlas comprised of 24 patients with MRI sialograms was created. Atlas-based segmentation was generated on the remaining 14 patients with MRI sialograms to assess for contour accuracy. Atlas-based parotid duct contours were generated on 111 patients treated with conventional parotid gland mean dose sparing to facilitate a dosimetric comparison to the parotid duct sparing cohort.

RESULTS

(1) In the parotid duct sparing cohort, patients whose parotid ducts (bilateral) were planned for a mean dose <14 Gy reported significantly (p<0.01) lower rates of xerostomia compared to patients whose ducts were planned to receive >14 Gy (26% (5/19) versus 86% (12/14) at 6 months post-RT and 22% (4/18) versus 73% (8/11) at 12 months post-RT). This improvement compares favorably to the QUANTEC constraint of bilateral parotid glands < 25 Gy (see Table). (2) The atlas-based duct contours were found to have a mean distance-to-agreement of 5mm and an average absolute dose difference of 4.5 Gy compared to the MRI sialography defined duct contours. The average duct dose for those undergoing MRI sialography guided duct sparing was found to be 13.5 Gy compared to an estimated (via atlas-based segmentation) 22.3 Gy for those receiving conventional parotid gland mean dose sparing (p < 0.01). 20% (22/111) patients receiving conventional parotid gland mean dose sparing met the 14 Gy parotid duct constraint versus 60% of patients undergoing MRI sialography guided parotid duct sparing.

CONCLUSION

Parotid duct sparing (parotid duct dose <14 Gy) was both more effective (∼50% [76% to 26%] absolute xerostomia reduction at 6mo and ∼24% [46% to 22%] absolute xerostomia reduction at 12 mo) and more achievable (∼60% of patients vs ∼35% patients) than mean dose parotid gland sparing per QUANTEC constraint. Atlas-based segmentation estimated that MRI sialography guided parotid duct sparing reduced the parotid duct dose by 9 Gy and that only 20% of patients met the parotid duct dose constraint (<14 Gy) with conventional parotid gland mean dose sparing.

Assessing the Sustainability of Initiatives Aimed to Enhance Patient Safety Culture: A > 10-year Experience with Multifaceted Interventions

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Culture is a key factor in maintaining high-quality care. We have instituted a series of mutually-reinforcing initiatives aimed to improve operations, and patient and staff safety. We herein review the impact of these initiatives on our Patient Safety Culture over 14 years. We hypothesize that these initiatives can lead to sustained improvements in Culture.

MATERIALS/METHODS

In ≈ 2009, our department, with help of dedicated quality improvement coaches from our internal Division of Healthcare Engineering (with knowledge of Lean-Six Sigma and High Reliability methods and tools), instituted (and largely sustained) initiatives aimed to improve our operations, and to improve patient/staff safety; including: (a) daily multidisciplinary team huddles, (b) daily pre-planning/treatment peer review, (c) a robust Incident Learning System, (d) weekly meetings to review reported incidents, (e) monthly department-wide meetings to review the highlights from the weekly incident review meetings, (f) celebration/recognitions for staff participation and (g) leader Gemba walks. Culture was quantitatively assessed via the AHRQ (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) Patient Safety Culture Survey (with 51 questions) which was sent to the department every two years (2021 was skipped due to Covid). Changes in the summary survey results over time were assessed using 2-tailed chi-square.

RESULTS

Within 2-4 years of starting of our initiatives, there was an increase in the number of survey respondents, and an increase in the % of favorable responses (vs. pre-initiative data from 2009), for most comparisons (see Table with representative data). The % favorable responses plateaued in ≈ 2013-2015, and there was a non-significant decline in % favorable responses in later years (vs. the high scores in 2015).

CONCLUSION

A series of mutually reinforcing initiatives aimed to improve operations, and to improve patient/staff safety, can lead to improvements in Patient Safety Culture; and these improvements can be largely sustained over time. Some of the modest non-significant decline in later years may reflect staff changes, fatigue, increasing practice complexity, financial pressures, and/or Covid-related issues (in the 2022 survey). This speaks to the importance of maintaining quality/safety initiatives through transitions in leadership, staff and external stressors.

COVID-19 Induces Neuroinflammation and Suppresses Peroxisomes in the Brain

OBJECTIVE

Peroxisome injury occurs in the central nervous system (CNS) during multiple virus infections that result in neurological disabilities. We investigated host neuroimmune responses and peroxisome biogenesis factors during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection using a multiplatform strategy.

METHODS

Brain tissues from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (n = 12) and other disease control (ODC) (n = 12) patients, as well as primary human neural cells and Syrian hamsters, infected with a clinical variant of SARS-CoV-2, were investigated by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR), quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-qPCR), and immunodetection methods.

RESULTS

SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in the CNS of 4 patients with COVID-19 with viral protein (NSP3 and spike) immunodetection in the brainstem. Olfactory bulb, brainstem, and cerebrum from patients with COVID-19 showed induction of pro-inflammatory transcripts (IL8, IL18, CXCL10, NOD2) and cytokines (GM-CSF and IL-18) compared to CNS tissues from ODC patients (p < 0.05). Peroxisome biogenesis factor transcripts (PEX3, PEX5L, PEX11β, and PEX14) and proteins (PEX3, PEX14, PMP70) were suppressed in the CNS of COVID-19 compared to ODC patients (p < 0.05). SARS-CoV-2 infection of hamsters revealed viral RNA detection in the olfactory bulb at days 4 and 7 post-infection while inflammatory gene expression was upregulated in the cerebrum of infected animals by day 14 post-infection (p < 0.05). Pex3 transcript levels together with catalase and PMP70 immunoreactivity were suppressed in the cerebrum of SARS-CoV-2 infected animals (p < 0.05).

INTERPRETATION

COVID-19 induced sustained neuroinflammatory responses with peroxisome biogenesis factor suppression despite limited brainstem SARS-CoV-2 neurotropism in humans. These observations offer insights into developing biomarkers and therapies, while also implicating persistent peroxisome dysfunction as a contributor to the neurological post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:531-546.

Antibacterial effect of kitchen herbs against pathogenic multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates from calf diarrhoea

Calf diarrhoea remains the biggest challenge both in the small and large farms. Infectious diarrhoea is associated with many pathogens, Escherichia coli being one, but majority are systematically treated with antibiotics. Since antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing menace, the need to find alternative prophylactic solutions using popular kitchen herbs such as Trachyspermum ammi (carom seeds), Curcuma longa (turmeric) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum sp.) extracts is been investigated against virulent form of E. coli isolated from calf diarrhoea. The virulence factors identified in these isolates were ST (32.5%), LT (20%), eaeA (15%), stx1 (2.5%) and stx2 (5%) with the occurrence of the most common serogroups as O18 (15%) followed by O111 (12.5%). Highest resistance was seen with beta lactam + beta lactamase inhibitor (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid) followed by beta lactams (ampicillin, cefuroxime and cefepime). The zone of inhibition due to cinnamon (methanol) and carom seed (ethanol) extracts (500 to 250 μg/mL concentration) on E. coli bacteria was >19 mm, respectively. Turmeric, cinnamon and carom had the potency of inhibiting the pathogenic E. coli which maybe suggestive of its use in calf diets as prophylaxis against diarrhoea.

Evaluation of transfer factors of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K radionuclides from soil to grass and mango in the northern region of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a rapidly developing country, which is vulnerable to various types of pollution due to the large-scale industrial and associated human activities that might potentially affect the locally harvested foodstuffs. Therefore, the transfer factor is an essential tool to assess the safety of foodstuffs due to the presence of natural radioactivity in environmental matrix and/or strata. This is a first study of its kind conducted in a well-known region for mango farming in Bangladesh, measuring the uptake of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) by grass and mango from soil to assess the ingestion doses to humans. The HPGe gamma-ray detector was used to determine the concentrations of NORMs in samples of soil (20), grass (10), and mango (10), which were then used to calculate the transfer factors of soil to grass and soil to mango. Average activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K in associated soil samples (47.27 ± 4.10, 64.49 ± 4.32, 421.60 ± 28.85) of mango and ²²⁶Ra and ²³²Th in associated soil samples (45.07 ± 3.93, 52.17 ± 3.95) of grass were found to exceed the world average values. The average transfer factors (TFs) for mango were obtained in the order of ⁴⁰K(0.80) > ²²⁶Ra (0.61) > ²³²Th (0.31), and for grass, it shows the order of ⁴⁰K (0.78) > ²³²Th (0.64) > ²²⁶Ra (0.56). However, a few values (3 mango samples and 3 grass samples) of the estimated TFs exceeded the recommended limits. Moreover, Bangladesh lacks the transfer factors for most of the food crops; therefore, calculation of TFs in the major agricultural products is required all over Bangladesh, especially the foodstuffs produced near the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, which is scheduled to be commissioned in 2023.

Optimum Temperature and Salinity Conditions for Growth, Lipid Contents, and Fatty Acids Composition of Centric Diatoms Chaetoceros Calcitrans and Thaassiosira Weissflogii

Microalgae are very important organisms as primary producers and have a wide range of applications in areas such as aquaculture, pharmaceuticals, medicine, biofuels, and others. In this study, the effect of temperature and salinity on growth, biomass, proximate composition, and lipid production of Chaetoceros calcitrans (Paulsen) and Thalassiosira weissflogii (Grunow) were investigated. The best growth rate (SGR) and highest biomass production were observed at 30°C and 30 ppt for C. calcitrans and at 30°C and 25 ppt for T. weissflogii. At these optimum temperature and salinity combinations, the maximum cell density was accomplished by day 12 for C. calcitrans (6.74 × 106 cells ml˗1) and by day 10 for T. weissflogii (3.45 × 106 cells ml˗1). The proximate composition during this period was 38.25 ± 0.99% protein, 16.96 ± 0.90% lipid, and 9.39 ± 0.59% carbohydrate in C. calcitrans, compared to 13.49 ± 0.28% protein, 10.43% ± 0.25% lipid and 16.49 ± 0.47% carbohydrate in T. weissflogii. Furthermore, over 35% of lipids in C. calcitrans were palmitic acid (C16), while in T. weissflogii, over 24% of lipids were myristic acid (C14). Although C. calcitrans exhibited higher lipid content than T. weissflogii, both species displayed higher levels of saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated (MUFAs) fatty acids and low levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The findings illustrated that under their optimum temperature and salinity combinations, both species might produce significant sources of lipids, which can be utilised in various activities such as aquaculture, pharmaceuticals, medicine, biofuels and others.

Effect of long-term caloric restriction on DNA methylation measures of biological aging in healthy adults from the CALERIE trial

The geroscience hypothesis proposes that therapy to slow or reverse molecular changes that occur with aging can delay or prevent multiple chronic diseases and extend healthy lifespan1-3. Caloric restriction (CR), defined as lessening caloric intake without depriving essential nutrients4, results in changes in molecular processes that have been associated with aging, including DNA methylation (DNAm)5-7, and is established to increase healthy lifespan in multiple species8,9. Here we report the results of a post hoc analysis of the influence of CR on DNAm measures of aging in blood samples from the Comprehensive Assessment of Long-term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy (CALERIE) trial, a randomized controlled trial in which n = 220 adults without obesity were randomized to 25% CR or ad libitum control diet for 2 yr (ref. 10). We found that CALERIE intervention slowed the pace of aging, as measured by the DunedinPACE DNAm algorithm, but did not lead to significant changes in biological age estimates measured by various DNAm clocks including PhenoAge and GrimAge. Treatment effect sizes were small. Nevertheless, modest slowing of the pace of aging can have profound effects on population health11-13. The finding that CR modified DunedinPACE in a randomized controlled trial supports the geroscience hypothesis, building on evidence from small and uncontrolled studies14-16 and contrasting with reports that biological aging may not be modifiable17. Ultimately, a conclusive test of the geroscience hypothesis will require trials with long-term follow-up to establish effects of intervention on primary healthy-aging endpoints, including incidence of chronic disease and mortality18-20.

Cross Effects of Diets and Rearing Temperatures on Gastrointestinal Evacuation and Growth Performance in Adult Sabah Groupers (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × E. lanceolatus)

This study explores the gastrointestinal evacuation time (GET) and gastrointestinal evacuation rate (GER) of the popular Sabah grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × E. lanceolatus) adults using two established methods (X-radiography and serial slaughter) and square root modeling using different temperatures: 28 °C, 30 °C, 32 °C, and 34 °C and different diets: pellet (ash: 11.4 ± 0.08; moisture: 29.0 ± 0.01; protein 37.5 ± 0.80; lipid 15.0 ± 0.13) and trash fish: Sardinella sp. (ash: 2.3 ± 0.15; moisture: 78.5 ± 0.33; protein 55.4 ± 0.62; lipid 7.3 ± 0.25) and the impact on growth indices. The results indicate that the GET shortened as temperature increased from 28 °C to 30 °C; however, it was prolonged when it surged to 32 °C and 34 °C. The groupers fed with trash fish at a temperature of 30 °C had the shortest GER (0.41 ± 0.10 g hr^-1) whereas groupers fed with pellet at 34 °C had the longest GER (0.95 ± 0.02 g hr^-1). Likewise, the highest SGR (16.25 ± 2.11% day^-1) was observed at 30 °C for groupers fed with a trash fish diet. The condition (K) value was lowest at 34 °C for groupers fed with a pellet diet (1.01 ± 0.04) and highest at 30 °C for groupers fed with trash fish (1.45 ± 0.04). Our results suggest that temperature and diet influence growth indices and GE of adult Sabah groupers. Incorporation of this information will allow better management of this commercially important grouper species when reared in a controlled aquaculture environment.

Feeding ecology of Ellochelon vaigiensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825) living in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Ellochelon vaigiensis (squaretail mullet) adapts to a wide salt spectrum, grows quickly and is easy to raise with other species, so it is the object of attention in aquaculture. Information on the biology and ecology of the species, diet, in particular, is still scattered. Here, we explore the feeding habit, feeding intensity, and food composition of the squaretail mullet. A total of 942 fish (526 males and 416 females) were collected from November 2020 to October 2021 at four coastal sites in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. The squaretail mullet is an algi‐omnivorous fish, as their relative gut length (1.81) falls into the range 1–3, and the diet is mostly based on algae. The feeding intensity is high due to the high value of the fullness index (4.39 ± 0.08%). The fullness index did not vary by sampling site and month, while RGL and FI changed depending on sex. Bacillariophyta (49.13%), detritus derived from organic matter (30.37%), and Cyanophyta (18.39%) are the dominant food items in the diet composition of E. vaigiensis, in which detritus is the most important food with the highest IRI index. Besides, Euglenophyta (1.00%), Chlorophyta (0.95%), Paramecium (0.06%), Copepoda (0.04%), Rotatoria (0.03%), Polychaeta (0.02%), and Cladocera (0.01%) are also recorded and ranked based on their biovolume. Some differences in diet composition are observed between immature and mature at different seasons and their interactions. Our results increase the knowledge about the feeding ecology of squaretail mullet and can help the sustainable management of this commercially important fish species.

Pattern of Glomerular Disease in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh

Glomerular disease is one of the most important causes of chronic kidney disease in developing countries like Bangladesh as well as the whole world. The pattern of glomerular disease varies in different countries and can have different clinical presentations. The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical profile and to determine the histological pattern of glomerular diseases in a large tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. All kidney biopsies performed in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh from October 2018 to March 2020 were prospectively analyzed in the study. A total of 101 patients with kidney biopsy were examined by clinical and laboratory findings and by light and immuno-fluorescence microscopy. The mean age was 30.0±14.6 years and 50(49.5%) were male and 51(50.5%) were female with a male to female ratio of 1:1. The clinical syndromes namely nephrotic syndrome, nephritic syndrome, nephrito-nephrotic presentation, RPGN like presentation, macroscopic haematuria and asymptomatic urine abnormality were present in 31.7%, 34.5%, 22.8%, 11.9%, 19.8% and 10.9% patients respectively. The most common histological varieties found in the study were mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MesPGN) (18.8%) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) (18.8%). Other histopathological pattern among the studied subjects revealed minimal change disease (MCD) in 5.9%, membranous nephropathy (MN) in 7.9%, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) in 16.8%, IgA nephropathy in 5%, IgM nephropathy in 2%, IgG nephropathy in 2%, diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (DPGN) in 1%, focal proliferative glomerulo-nephritis (FPGN) in 3%, crescentic GN in 3%, lupus nephritis (LN) in 13.9%, amyloidosis in 1% and fibrillary glomerulopathy in 1% patient. The pattern of glomerular disease found in this study was similar to other studies performed in Bangladesh with a little variation. It may guide the future researchers to establish a national kidney biopsy registry in Bangladesh.

Do children in India grow well into adolescents? Longitudinal analysis of growth transitions from Young Lives panel survey in India

OBJECTIVES

Studies that examined the growth during late childhood and early adolescence beyond 8 years of age are very limited. Further, most studies have used dichotomized classification of stunting, thereby limiting the understanding of moderate stunting in childhood growth trajectory. We aimed to examine the course of stunting from childhood to adolescence by undertaking robust analyses of the Young Lives Survey (YLS) longitudinal data from India using multilevel categorization of stunting.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort analysis was undertaken from YLS in India among 1827 children from the younger cohort born in 2001-02 with complete follow-up data in all five rounds of YLS collected in 2002, 2006, 2009, 2013, and 2016.

METHODS

A three-state multistate Markov model (not stunted, moderate, severe) was performed to estimate annual transition probabilities, mean sojourn-time, and transition-specific risk factors.

RESULTS

Between Round-one and Round-five, cross-sectional prevalence of severe stunting decreased from 10.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.8%, 13.7%) to 5.3% (95% CI: 3.8%, 7.3%), while moderate stunting increased from 19.9% (95% CI: 16.3%,23.9%) to 21.7% (95% CI: 18.4%, 24.9%). Mean Sojourn time estimation indicated a relatively concise state for moderate stunting. The stunting trajectory had shown gender differential where more faltering to severe stunting and lower recovery to the normal state was observed among girls between 8 and 12 years and among boys between 12 and 15 years. Compared with boys, girls had 40% excess likelihood (Hazard Ratio: 1.40; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.95) for moderate-to-severe stunting transition and also had 19% excess likelihood (Hazard Ratio: 1.19; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.40) of favorable transition (moderate-to-non-stunted).

CONCLUSIONS

The transition trajectory highlights preadolescence, especially among girls, as an additional window of opportunity to ensure better nutrition in adolescent life. With a fifth of adolescents living in India, study findings call for coordinated, multisectoral, age-appropriate, and gender-responsive approach to take India closer to meeting SDG-2.

Seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton community and functional groups in a tropical river

Functional classification of phytoplankton could be a valuable tool in water quality monitoring in the eutrophic riverine ecosystems. This study is novel from the Bangladeshi perspective. In this study, phytoplankton cell density and diversity were studied with particular reference to the functional groups (FGs) approach during pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon at four sampling stations in Karatoya River, Bangladesh. A total of 54 phytoplankton species were recorded under four classes, viz. Chlorophyceae (21 species) Cyanophyceae (16 species), Bacillariophyceae (15 species), and Euglenophyceae (2 species). A significantly higher total cell density of phytoplankton was detected during the pre-monsoon season (24.20 × 10³ cells/l), while the lowest in monsoon (9.43 × 10³ cells/l). The Shannon-Wiener diversity index varied significantly (F = 16.109, P = 000), with the highest value recorded during the post-monsoon season. Analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) identified significant variations among the three seasons (P < 0.0001, R = 0.9518). The similarity percentage (SIMPER) analysis pinpointed Ulothrix spp. (Melosira granulate and Cymbella spp.) as the most contributory species are causing such a noticeable difference. Fifty-four phytoplankton species recorded during the study period were classified into 20 functional groups, whereas D/J/M/MP/X1 was considered the most abundant FG in the Karatoya River. FGs of the Karatoya River were influenced mainly by the nutrients (PO₄-P and NO₃-N) enrichments. As a novel investigation on FGs of phytoplankton in Bangladesh, this study recommends additional surveys in other rivers and floodplains to improve our understanding of phytoplankton diversity and functional groups.

Open Label Randomized Controlled Comparison of Three Alternative Regimes of Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin and Cefixime for Treatment of Uncomplicated Typhoid Fever in Bangladesh

Multi-drug resistant Typhoid fever (resistant to previously used chloramphenicol, ampicillin, amoxicillin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) has been commonly described in the South East Asia region and a recent report suggests that the salmonella typhi have reduced response to fluoroquinolones (nalidixic acid-resistant). The optimum treatment protocol for this type of serovar has not been established. This study compared different antimicrobial regimens for the treatment of uncomplicated typhoid fever which was conducted in the medicine ward of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and outdoor setting in private practice in Dhaka metropolitan city, Mymensingh and Sylhet town from January 2017 to December 2017. Bangladeshi adults with uncomplicated typhoid fever were included in this an open-label randomized controlled trial. Ciprofloxacin (20mg/kg of body weight/day for 14 days), azithromycin (20mg/kg/day for 14 days), and Cefixime (16mg/kg/day for 14 days) were compared. Of the 81 enrolled patients, 62 were eligible for analysis (61 S. enterica serovar Typhi, 1 Salmonella enterica serovar paratyphi A). Of the S enterica serovar Typhi isolates, 88.7% (55/62) were MDR and 93.5% (58/62) were nalidixic acid resistant (NAR). The clinical cure rate was 62% (13/21) with ciprofloxacin, 71% (15/21) with Cefixime, and 85% (17/20) with azithromycin (p=0.053). The mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) fever clearance time for patients treated with azithromycin (5.8 days [5.1 to 6.5 days]) was shorter than that for patients treated with cefixime (7.1 days [6.2 to 8.1 days]) and ciprofloxacin (8.2 days [7.2 to 9.2 days]) (p<0.001). All three antibiotics were well tolerated. A 7-day course of azithromycin can be successfully used in uncomplicated typhoid fever due to isolates of MDR S enterica serovar Typhi.

Seasonal Dynamics of Stomach Contents, Trophic Level, Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Mystus bleekeri (Day, 1877)

The Asian catfish Mystus bleekeri is a popular food fish along with favored as an ornamental fish in Bangladesh. Till now detailed report on stomach contents, trophic level, length-weight relationship and condition factor of this fish species in the agro-climatic context of Bangladesh is lacking. Hence, the aims of this study were to describe the stomach content, trophic level, length-weight relationship (LWR) and condition factors of Mystus bleekeri collected from Dekhar Haor, Sylhet, Bangladesh from July 2017 to June 2018. A total of 600 specimens ranging from 6.9-24.6 cm total length (TL) and 5.7-72.4 g body weight (BW) was analyzed in this study. Stomach content analysis showed that the fish fed mostly on Mollusca with a frequency of occurrence (fo: 25.36%) and worms (fo: 21.68%), followed by plant matters (fo: 3.32%), Cladocerana (fo: 1.18%), Copepoda (fo: 0.95%), and Teleostei (fo: 0.36%). The estimated mean trophic level (TROPH) ranged from 2.35±0.13 in December to 3.02±0.23 in August, indicating that they are opportunistic feeder. The LWR analysis showed negative allometric growth (b<3) throughout the year. The values of the exponent b in the LWR (W=aLb) vary between 1.474 and 2.490.The mean K value was significantly higher in October indicating the heavier weight and better condition of the fish (P<0.05). The data obtained from this study would be useful to introduce sustainable management of Mystus bleekeri not only in Dekhar Haor but also in other inland waters of Bangladesh.

Length-Weight Relationship, Condition Factor, and Age Estimation of Commercially Important Trawl Species from Mersing Coastal Waters, Johor, Malaysia

Trawl fishing contributes to majority of the total fishes’ landings, supporting the choice of using age, growth determination, and condition factors (K) as part of the monitoring method for the fishes in Malaysia waters. This research specifically examines the use of age, length-weight relationship (LWR), and K to monitor the status of the commercially important fishes in Malaysia waters. LWR, K, and age of 10 commercially important trawl species (Gerres erythrourus, Drepane punctata, Otolithes ruber, Anodontostoma chacunda, Drepane longimana, Dendrophysa russelii, Sillago parvisquamis, Cynoglossus bilineatus, Sardinella brachysoma,and Alepes kleinii) from Mersing coastal waters, Johor, Malaysia, were studied. LWR (W=aLb) indicated positive allometric growth (b > 3) for G. erythrourus and D. punctata but negative allometric growth (b < 3) for the other species. Results indicated that the species collected were in good conditions (average K, Kn > 1) in Mersing coastal waters, Johor, Malaysia. The daily growth rings of scale counts confirmed that the ages of the 10 species were typically less than 1 year (age range: 50-170 days; mean age: 95 days). The data obtained from this study will be useful for understanding the population growth pattern, age, and well-being of commercially important trawl species, which will facilitate better management techniques of these important fishery resources.

Seasonal variation in photosynthetic rates and satellite-based GPP estimation over mangrove forest

In view of increasing anthropogenic influences and global changes, quantification of carbon assimilation through photosynthesis has gained tremendous significance. Precise estimation of Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) is essential for several ecosystem models and is typically done using coarser scale satellite data. The mangrove ecosystem, which offers significant protection to the coastal environment, is one of the critical habitats from a global change point of view. Light use efficiency (LUE) was measured using diurnal in situ photosynthetic rate observations for 13 dominant mangrove species for 3 seasons at each of the three mangrove dominant test-sites situated along the east and west coast of India. Variations in photosynthetic rates among these species were studied for 3 seasons that indicated varying responses of mangrove ecosystem at each site. Among all species, Rhizophora mucronata and Sonneratia apetala indicated higher values at two of the test-sites. IRS Resourcesat-2 LISS-IV datasets were used for the estimation of GPP. Mean GPP for all the sites varied from 1.2 to 7.7 g C m^-2 day^-1 with maximum value of 14.4 g C m^-2 day^-1. Mean values of GPP varied across the sites, based on its maximum LUE values and available photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). The results provide GPP values at much better spatial resolution for a threatened habitat like mangroves that typically survive in a narrow habitat along the coasts.

Correlation of eGFR By MDRD and CKD-EPI Formula with Creatinine Clearance Estimation in CKD Patients and Healthy Subjects

This cross sectional comparative study was conducted in the Nephrology and Medicine outdoor and in-patients department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh from April 2014 to March 2015. A total of 100 patients with CKD and 100 healthy subjects were included in the study. Data were collected by interview of the patients, clinical examination and laboratory investigations using a semi-structured case record form. Among all subjects, 50.0% had no CKD and 50.0% patients had CKD: Stage 3 CKD were 8.5%, CKD Stage 4 CKD were 21.0%, CKD Stage 5 CKD were 20.5%. Serum creatinine was 4.32±3.08mg/dl in patients with CKD and 1.00±0.22mg/dl was in healthy subjects. Mean±SD of CCR/ml/min was found 17.67±11.63ml/min in patients with CKD and 79.31±13.31ml/min was found in healthy subjects. On the other hand, Mean±SD CCCR/ml/m/1.73m² was found 19.79±12.85 ml/m/1.73m² in patient with CKD and healthy subjects had 83.83±13.33 ml/m/1.73m². Urinary creatinine was 45.59±15.63 & 57.66±11.45mg/dl respectively. CKD-EPI eGFR was 22.10±15.02 & 90.61±23.27ml/m/1.73m²; MDRD eGFR was 22.15±14.18 & 89.35±26.19 ml/m/1.73m² respectively. Difference between all the variables between CKD group and healthy group was found statistically significant (p<0.001). CKD-EPIeGFR and MDRDeGFR were increased both in CKD patients and healthy subjects in respect to CCR and CCCR. There was a strong positive correlation between CCCR (ml/m/1.73m2) and CKD-EPI (ml/m/1.73m²) among all patients (r=0.934 and p<0.001) and also a positive correlation of CCCR with MDRD among all patients (r=0.913 and p<0.001). A positive correlation of CCCR was found with CKD-EPIeGFR among CKD patients (r=0.848 and p<0.001). A positive correlation of CCCR was also found with MDRDeGFR among CKD patients (r=0.841, p<0.001). There are positive correlations between CCCR and CKD/EPI among healthy subjects (r=0.616 and p<0.05) and between CCCR with MDRD among healthy subjects (r=0.568 and p<0.05). Various formulae were used to calculate GFR on the basis of serum creatinine levels. The Overall correlation of population (healthy and CKD patients) between CCCR and CKD EPI and MDRD formula was (r=0.93 and 0.91) respectively, among CKD patients it was (r=0.848 and r=0.841) in healthy subjects it was (r=0.616 and r=0.568) respectively. CKD EPI eGFR and MDRD eGFR formula had fairly good correlation with conventional 24 hours creatinine clearance in both CKD patient and healthy subjects, there was even more strong correlation especially in CKD patients. The performance of CKD-EPI equation is better than MDRD equation to estimate the eGFR in both CKD patients and healthy subjects.

Pathodynamics of Circulating Strains of Duck Enteritis Virus: A Step Forward to Understand Its Pathogenesis

Duck enteritis virus (DEV) causes an acute and contagious infection in duck. The present study was carried out to evaluate the pathogenicity and pathodynamics of DEV isolates from different natural outbreaks in the Assam Province of India. A total of six wild-type isolates of DEV were revived in ducklings to determine its biologic characterization. Postmortem examination of infected ducklings revealed DEV-specific gross lesions in different organs. The presence of DEV was confirmed by its genome amplification and the presence of viral antigens from collected tissue samples by indirect fluorescent antibody test. All the isolates revived in ducklings were further propagated in duck embryo fibroblast cells. Highly virulent and low virulent isolates of DEV were selected for further study based on median duck infectivity dose (DID₅₀) and median tissue culture infectivity dose (TCID₅₀). The highly virulent isolate of DEV had values of 10² DID₅₀/ml and 10^6.33 TCID₅₀/ml, whereas the low virulent strain had titers of 10 DID₅₀/ml and 10^4.83 TCID₅₀/ml in the cell culture. Our results showed replication of DEV in ducks with the highest and lowest viral titers in the thymus and bursa of Fabricius, respectively. In addition, microscopic analysis revealed necrosis and degeneration of submucosal esophageal glands and glandular epithelium. The study will be useful to understand the organ tropism and pathologic alteration among the virulent DEV isolates.

Prevalence of Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Hospitalized Pre-dialysis Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Among general population sub-clinical primary hypothyroidism is common. The cross sectional descriptive type of observational study was conducted in medicine and allied wards in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from January 2010 to December 2010; among 230 purposively selected hospitalized pre-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease. The purpose of the study was to find out the prevalence of sub-clinical hypothyroidism in hospitalized pre-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease. Data were collected from the patients using a case record form by face to face interview, clinical examination and laboratory investigations. The collected data were entered into SPSS version 20.0 and analyzed accordingly. Mean age of the patients was 47.2 years with a SD of ±2.05 years. Maximum patients were male with a male female ratio of 5:1. A significant number of patients were smoker- 11.8% of sub-clinical hypothyroidism group and 13.6% of euthyroid group. Among the patients 40 (17.40%) had sub-clinical hypothyroidism while the majority 190 (82.60%) did not have it. Estimated prevalence of sub-clinical hypothyroidism in hospitalized pre-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease was 17.40%. Co-morbidities found in the patients were hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic glomerulonephritis and obstructive uropathy. All the patients (40, 100.0%) with sub-clinical hypothyroidism were hypertensive. On the other hand, 184 (97.1%) patients without sub-clinical hypothyroidism were hypertensive. Presence of co-morbidities in patients with sub-clinical hypothyroidism did not differ significantly (p>0.05) from patients without sub-clinical hypothyroidism. Patients in group with sub-clinical hypothyroidism were more over weight in comparison to patients without sub-clinical hypothyroidism (p<0.05). Biochemical parameters of patients with sub-clinical hypothyroidism differed significantly (p<0.05) from those of patients without sub-clinical hypothyroidism. There was no significant difference between urinary albumin of two groups of patients (p>0.05). Stage 4 CKD patients were more in sub-clinical hypothyroidism group in comparison to euthyroid group. As this study may not reflect the actual picture, further large scale multi-centric study is recommended to explore the real situation of sub-clinical hypothyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Comparison of Serum Amylase and Lipase Levels between Predialysis and Maintenance Haemodialysis CKD Patients

This cross sectional study was done to compare serum levels of amylase and lipase between predialysis and maintenance haemodialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and also to find out their relationship between degrees of renal impairment in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital and National Institute of Kidney Diseases and Urology, Dhaka, Bangladesh from May 2016 to April 2017. A total of 80 patients were included purposively as study subjects and made into two groups namely predialysis CKD group comprising 50 patients and other as maintenance haemodialysis group comprising of 30 patients. Among the predialysis group majority of the CKD was caused by glomerulonephritis (48%) followed by diabetes (26%), HTN (2%) and large portion undiagnosed (24%) whereas in the haemodialysis group ESRD was caused by diabetes (46%) followed by glomerulonephritis (16%), HTN (13%) and undiagnosed (23%). This study showed that mean serum amylase (158±718U/L vs. 111±41U/L) did not significantly differ between study groups except being above reference level but serum lipase (739±888U/L vs. 434±214U/L) was significantly higher in the predialysis group. There was a correlation between rising serum creatinine with serum amylase and lipase.

Electrophoretic profile of seminal proteins and their correlation with in vitro sperm characters in Black Bengal buck semen

Aim:

This study aimed to study the electrophoretic properties of seminal plasma and sperm proteins of Black Bengal buck semen and their correlation with in vitro sperm characters and freezability.

Materials and Methods:

Semen ejaculates from nine Black Bengal bucks were collected by artificial vagina (n=20/buck). Ejaculates were evaluated for in vitro sperm characters and electrophoretic profile of seminal protein. In vitro sperm characters were evaluated immediately after collection, after completion of equilibration period, and after freeze-thawing. For seminal protein studies, seminal plasma proteins were precipitated by ice-cold ethanol method, and sperm proteins were extracted by Triton X detergent extraction method. Discontinuous sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was performed to assess the molecular weight of seminal proteins. Correlation between in vitro sperm characters and protein bands was determined by Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and two-way ANOVA was applied to find the individual buck differences.

Results:

Significant difference (p<0.01) among the bucks was noticed in the in vitro sperm characters evaluated at all the three stages of semen evaluation such as immediately after collection, after completion of equilibration period, and post-freeze thawing. Progressive loss of sperm motility, membrane integrity, and other in vitro sperm characters were noticed during cryopreservation. A total of ten protein bands in the molecular weight ranging from 17 to 180 kDa were found in the SDS-PAGE of seminal plasma proteins, while nine bands of 17-134 kDa were observed in sperm proteins. Seminal plasma proteins of molecular weight 75, 62-49, 20, and 17 kDa and sperm proteins of 75, 20, and 17 kDa were present in all the nine bucks (100%) screened, and variation among the bucks was noticed for the presence of other proteins. Seminal plasma protein of 180-134 kDa showed a negative correlation with individual motility (−0.716) and functional membrane integrity of sperm cells (−0.724) in post-freeze–thaw analysis and 48 kDa protein had a positive correlation with individual motility (0.649) and functional membrane integrity of sperm cells (0.664) in post-thaw analysis. Sperm proteins of 63 kDa had a negative correlation (−0.616) with sperm concentration in neat semen.

Conclusion:

Variation among the bucks was noticed in the in vitro sperm characters and semen freezability. Correlation between seminal proteins and in vitro sperm characters and semen freezability had been found which might be useful as a tool to select breeding bucks.

A Dose Ranging Study to Evaluate Dermatan Sulphate in Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis following Total Hip Arthroplasty

Dermatan sulphate catalyses thrombin inhibition by heparin cofactor II; it has a lower haemorrhagic to antithrombotic ratio than that of heparin in animal models. Consecutive patients aged forty years or more, electively undergoing total hip replacement under general anaesthesia, were randomly allocated to one of three dosage regimens of dermatan sulphate (MF701, Mediolanum Farmaceutici) given intramuscularly. These were 200 mg once daily (n = 50), 200 mg twice daily (n = 52) and 300 mg twice daily (n = 51), administered from twenty-four hours pre-operatively until the tenth postoperative day. The overall incidence of DVT assessed by bilateral venography was 53%, 51% and 34% respectively (Chi-square test for trend p = 0.06). The incidence of major proximal DVT was 10.6%, 8.5% and 2.1% respectively. Pulmonary embolism (PE) and bleeding were assessed in all 153 patients. There was one case of PE in each dose group. The incidence of bleeding episodes, volume of blood lost and blood transfusion requirements were low and showed no increase with increasing dose. The patients were followed up 4-8 weeks after discharge.

We conclude that the two lower doses were subtherapeutic in this population, however dermatan sulphate given 300 mg twice daily, proved to be efficacious with an incidence of proximal major DVT of 2.1% and a low incidence of bleeding complications. A trial of dermatan sulphate 300 mg twice daily compared to standard prophylactic agents is needed.

Prevalence of Microalbuminuria and Overt Proteinuria in Diabetes Mellitus and their Association with Renal Function

This cross sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Nephrology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from April 2009 to March 2010. Samples were collectedfrom rural area of Khalishaur union of Purbadhala upazilla in Netrakona District, 30km away from Mymensingh Town. The main objective of the study was to find out the prevalence of microalbuminuria as well as overt proteinuria in diabetes mellitus in a rural population and to observe their association with renal function. In this study 1048 adult participants of 18 to 65 years in a rural area of Netrakona were included purposively as study subjects. Among them 54% were male and 46% were female. Mean age of study subjects was 42.4±13.4 years. Prevalence of microalbuminuria among diabetic participants was 29.72% where as in non diabetic non hypertensive participants it was 6.62%. Diabetic persons 9.45% and 3.9% of non diabetic participants showed overt proteinuria by dipstick test. Prevalence of hypertension in diabetic and non diabetic participants was 45.94% and 16.52% respectively. The mean eCCr of the diabetic patients and non-microalbuminuric healthy persons was 78.4±25.4 ml/min/1.73m² and 94.67±24.8 ml/min/l.73m² respectively according to Cock Croft-Gault equation. The mean eCCr of diabetic participants with overt proteinuria was 57.44±28.33 ml/min/l.73m² but diabetic patients with microalbuminuria had better mean eCCr 80.62±21.17 ml/min/1.73m² which justifies the importance of detection of microalbuminuria for early intervention. By regression analysis it was found that degree of microalbuminuria had linear relation with renal function and random blood sugar level. Neither BMI nor duration of diabetes showed any correlation with urine microalbumin. There was no effect of sex on the prevalence of microalbuminuria in diabetes mellitus. Microalbuminuria is the first sign of renal involvement in diabetic patients which is a risk factor for overt nephropathy. Monitoring of this condition is important because early treatment of microalbuminuria can prevent or postpone overt nephropathy.

Virulence gene profiling of porcine Pasteurella multocida isolates of Assam

Aim:

The present study was conducted to detect and identify the virulence genes in Pasteurella multocida isolates of porcine origin from Assam.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 21 porcine P. multocida isolates were subjected to capsular typing and detection of virulence-associated genes (pfhA, tbpA, hgbB, toxA, oma87, ompH, and nanB) using various polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods reported elsewhere. Further, pathogenicity of the porcine isolates of P. multocida was studied in mice. For each strain of P. multocida selected for pathogenicity trial, the group of mice was injected intraperitoneally (i/p) with 0.1 ml of the inoculum prepared from respective field isolates, containing 10⁹ organisms per ml.

Results:

Capsular typing of the isolates by multiplex PCR showed two capsular types, type A (66.66%) and type D (33.33%). All the isolates were positive for outer membrane protein genes, oma87 and ompH genes. Iron acquisition genes, tbpA and hgbB, were detected in 14.28% and 19.04% of the isolates. The dermonecrotoxin encoding gene, toxA, was present in 23.80% of the isolates. Filamentous hemagglutinin encoding gene, pfhA, was detected in 28.57%. The virulence gene distribution pattern of the isolates indicates the important role of the genes in disease pathogenesis.

Conclusion:

From the present study, it can be concluded that toxA gene is an important marker gene for defining the pathogenic potential of P. multocida strains in swine.

Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Acute Viral Hepatitis: A Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital

This cross sectional observational study was done in the Department of Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Mymensingh, Bangladesh from May 2013 to April 2014 to find out the proportion of acute kidney injury among patients with acute viral hepatitis and to identify risk factors associated with development of acute kidney injury (AKI). A total of 100 patients with acute viral hepatitis were included purposively as study subjects. Among them 61 were male and 39 were female. They were divided into AKI group (n=6) and non-AKI group (n=94) on the basis of development of AKI. There was no significant difference in mean age (39.0±13.1 years vs. 32.2±10.8 years, p=0.335) and sex (67% vs. 61% & 33.0% vs. 39.0%) p=0.769) between AKI group and non-AKI group. There were 27% acute viral hepatitis A, 21% acute viral hepatitis B and 52% acute viral hepatitis E but no case of acute viral hepatitis C was found in this study. Acute kidney injury (AKI) developed in 6 of 27 patients with acute viral hepatitis A. This study showed that 22.2% patients with acute viral hepatitis A developed acute kidney injury but patients with acute viral hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis E (HEV) did not develop acute kidney injury. Majority of the patients with acute kidney injury were smokers and hypertensive with elevated mean arterial pressure (p=0.0001) at presentation and had higher total bilirubin (p=0.0001), alanine aminotranseferase values (p=0.040), prolonged prothrombin time (INR) {p=0.0001}, lower albumin (p=0.0001), lower haematocrit level (p=0.0001), high CRP concentration (p=0.0001), leucocytosis (p=0.0001) and thrombocytopenia (p=0.0001) at presentation than patients without acute kidney injury. It is evident from the study that acute kidney injury is not a rare complication in patients with acute viral hepatitis.

Incidence of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus in Asian elephants in India

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesviruses (EEHVs) are the cause of acute hemorrhagic disease in endangered Asian and African elephants. In the present study, we report the incidence of EEHV infection and associated mortality in the captive elephant of Assam, India. Our result showed the gross morphology and histopathological changes of EEHV infection in the elephant. Moreover, the phylogenetic analysis of the polymerase, helicase, and GPCR genes from the infected tissue samples suggested the presence of EEHV1A virus.

Outcome of Pregnancy Related Acute Kidney Injury Observed in a Tertiary Care Hospital

This prospective case control study was carried out in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) from April 2011 to March 2012. The main objective of the study was to determine the short term maternal outcome of pregnancy related Acute Kidney Injury and to identify aetiological factors and to observe clinical features of pregnancy related Acute Kidney Injury. Total 60 pregnant women with AKI were included in the study as sample and equal (60) number of pregnant women with normal renal function was taken as control. Mean ages (±SD) of study and control group were observed 31.6±6.9 years and 25.5±4.7 years respectively. It was observed that most patients were from rural area with low income group. Most women were multiparous and presented in third trimester and postpartum period. Majority of the study subjects did not receive antenatal care at any stage of pregnancy. Fifty (86.7%) of the study subjects were oligo-anuric, forty-nine (81.7%) were edematous and fifty one (85%) were anaemic. Twenty-five (41.7%) patients presented with abnormal vaginal bleeding. Sepsis (including septic abortion and puerperal sepsis) was responsible for of Pregnancy Related AKI (PR-AKI) in more than two fifths of cases. Haemorrhage (APH & PPH combined) was the next common cause of Pregnancy Related AKI (PR-AKI). Toxemia of Pregnancy was responsible in one fourth of cases. Dialysis (HD & IPD combined) was required for two fifths of the patients. Rest patients were treated conservatively with antibiotics, blood transfusion, maintenance of fluid and electrolytes balance etc. Maternal outcome of Pregnancy related acute kidney injury was considered for the period of patient's hospital staying. 56.6% patients recovered completely, 15.0% patients recovered partially, 6.7% did not recover at the time of hospital discharge; while 21.7% died. So it can be concluded that, pregnancy related acute kidney injury is a critical condition, associated with worse prognosis.

Radioactive ion beams of 111In using ECR plasma sputtering method

Radioactive ion beams of ¹¹¹In (indium-111, half-life 2.8 days) have been produced using the plasma sputtering method in an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source at the Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre RIB facility. Indium isotopes were first produced by bombarding a natural silver target with a 32 MeV, 40 μA alpha particle beam from the K-130 cyclotron. After radio-chemical separation, about 25 mCi In-chloride was deposited on an aluminum electrode and inserted in the plasma chamber of the ECR. Indium ions produced by ion induced sputtering in the plasma were extracted from the ion source, isotopically separated, and a pure ¹¹¹In beam was measured at the focal plane of the separator. The measured ¹¹¹In beam intensity was 2.67 × 10⁵ particles/s for a beam energy of 5 keV.

Separation of nuclear isomers for cancer therapeutic radionuclides based on nuclear decay after-effects

¹⁷⁷Lu has sprung as a promising radionuclide for targeted therapy. The low soft tissue penetration of its β^- emission results in very efficient energy deposition in small-size tumours. Because of this, ¹⁷⁷Lu is used in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumours and is also clinically approved for prostate cancer therapy. In this work, we report a separation method that achieves the challenging separation of the physically and chemically identical nuclear isomers, ^177mLu and ¹⁷⁷Lu. The separation method combines the nuclear after-effects of the nuclear decay, the use of a very stable chemical complex and a chromatographic separation. Based on this separation concept, a new type of radionuclide generator has been devised, in which the parent and the daughter radionuclides are the same elements. The ^177mLu/¹⁷⁷Lu radionuclide generator provides a new production route for the therapeutic radionuclide ¹⁷⁷Lu and can bring significant growth in the research and development of ¹⁷⁷Lu based pharmaceuticals.

Developing a new PI-RADS v2-based nomogram for forecasting high-grade prostate cancer

AIM

To establish a predictive nomogram for high-grade prostate cancer (HGPCa) in biopsy-naive patients based on the Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADS v2), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based prostate volume (PV), MRI-based PV-adjusted prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD), and other classical parameters.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between August 2014 and August 2015, 158 men who were eligible for analysis were included as the training cohort. A prediction model for HGPCa was built using backward logistic regression and was presented on a nomogram. The prediction model was evaluated by a validation cohort between September 2015 and March 2016 (n=89). Histology of all lesions was obtained with MRI-directed transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided targeted and sectoral biopsy.

RESULTS

The multivariate analysis revealed that patient age, PI-RADS v2 score, and adjusted PSAD were independent predictors for HGPCa. The most discriminative cut-off value for the logistic regression model was 0.33; the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 83.3%, 87.4%, 88.4%, and 81.2%, respectively. The diagnostic performance measures retained similar values in the validation cohort (AUC=0.83).

CONCLUSION

The nomogram for forecasting HGPCa is effective and potentially reducing harm from unnecessary prostate biopsy and over-diagnosis.

Comparative evaluation of hormonal protocol on the performance of crossbred cattle

A total of 60 animals (38 cows, 22 heifers) were selected and were divided into three groups of 20 animals each (containing both anoestrus and repeat breeder) in which treatment was performed for 60 days. Group I: control (farmer practice), T₁ group: group I + hormone (double synch), and T₂ group: group I + hormone (Estra double synch). The growth performances were measured in terms of body weight and average daily gain (ADG). Blood collection was done at the start and end of the experiment for assessment of blood biochemical, hematological, and reproductive status of the animals. Results revealed significant improvement in growth and reproductive performances in treatment group as compared to control group. Higher percentage of conception was achieved in group III (60%) followed by group II (55%). The least percentage was in group I (15%), i.e., in control group. So it was found that the effect of treating the reproductive-disordered animals with Estra double synch gave comparatively better result than double synch hormonal application.

Seroprevalence of Rotavirus infection in pig population of Arunachal Pradesh

AIM

This study was conducted to find out the seroprevalence of Rotavirus(RV) infection among the pig population of Arunachal Pradesh.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serums samples were collected from piglets of age ranging from 1 week to 6 months and the sows associated with the piglets that were reared under organized and unorganized system of management in six different districts of Arunachal Pradesh. The prevalence of RV specific antibodies was detected using a polyclonal antibody-based indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA).

RESULTS

The study revealed that out of 394 serum samples, 255 (64.72%) samples were found to be positive for RV-specific antibody in i-ELISA. Considering the samples from different districts, Papumpare district of Arunachal Pradesh showed highest numbers of seropositive animals (68.75%) followed by upper Subansiri (64.91%) while West Siang district showed lowest positivity rate (61.22%).

CONCLUSION

As considerable seropositivity was recorded among pig population of Arunachal Pradesh in this study, there is urgent need to establish high-impact and cost-effective public health intervention tools, key among them being the introduction of strict hygiene practice and RV vaccination program, to greatly reduce the number of deaths due to diarrheal diseases. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on the prevalence of RV infection from pigs of Arunachal Pradesh.

A Breast Lump in an Elderly Lady - Carcinoma or else ?

Breast tuberculosis (TB) is rare form of extra-pulmonary TB. It is most commonly seen in women of reproductive age group, especially in young, multiparous women who are breast feeding. In geriatric women, breast TB in some cases simulates with breast carcinoma due to common signs which include hard breast lump with nodular surface, ulceration, fixity to skin, discharging sinus, retraction of nipple, axillary lymphadenopathy etc. Hence, it is very difficult to differentiate breast TB from breast cancer, especially in elderly women on clinical ground only, and therefore, histopathological diagnosis is mandatory. Fine needle aspiration cytology is frequently inconclusive due to very small amount of tissue material, and open biopsy or lumpectomy followed by histopathological examination is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of breast TB. Six-month course of anti-tuberculous therapy - ATT (rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol) is adequate for complete resolution. Here, we report a case of breast TB in an elderly women presenting with left sided breast lump with ulceration of overlying skin and ipsilateral axillary lymphadenopathy. This case of tuberculous mastitis was suspected to be carcinoma due to presence of hard, tender, breast lump with irregular margin, nodular surface, ulceration, purulent discharge and ipsilateral axillary lymphadenopathy in absence of any constitutional symptoms of TB, and heterogenous, hypoechoic mass on USG, which was confirmed by histopathological examination of resected breast lump and responded fully to ATT.

Detecting Tumor Metastases: The Road to Therapy Starts Here

Metastasis is the complex process by which primary tumor cells migrate and establish secondary tumors in an adjacent or distant location in the body. Early detection of metastatic disease and effective therapeutic options for targeting these detected metastases remain impediments to effectively treating patients with advanced cancers. If metastatic lesions are identified early, patients might maximally benefit from effective early therapeutic interventions. Further, monitoring patients whose primary tumors are effectively treated for potential metastatic disease onset is also highly valuable. Finally, patients with metastatic disease can be monitored for efficacy of specific therapeutic interventions through effective metastatic detection techniques. Thus, being able to detect and visualize metastatic lesions is key and provides potential to greatly improve overall patient outcomes. In order to achieve these objectives, researchers have endeavored to mechanistically define the steps involved in the metastatic process as well as ways to effectively detect metastatic progression. We presently overview various preclinical and clinical in vitro and in vivo assays developed to more efficiently detect tumor metastases, which provides the foundation for developing more effective therapies for this invariably fatal component of the cancerous process.

Effects of temperature and diet on length-weight relationship and condition factor of the juvenile Malabar blood snapper (Lutjanus malabaricus Bloch & Schneider, 1801)

In this study we aimed to analyze the effects of water temperature and diet on the length-weight relationship and condition of juvenile Malabar blood snapper Lutjanus malabaricus over a 30-d experimental period. The experiment was conducted in the laboratory using a flow-through-sea-water system. The fish were subjected to four different temperatures (22, 26, 30, and 34 °C) and two diets (commercial pellet and natural shrimp). Fish were fed twice daily. L. malabaricus exhibited negative allometric growth (b<3) at the beginning of the experiment (Day 0) at all temperatures and both diets except for 22 °C fed with shrimp, which showed isometric growth (b=3). Conversely, at the end of the experiment (Day 30) fish showed isometric growth (b=3) at 30 °C fed with the pellet diet, indicating that the shape of the fish did not change with increasing weight and length, and a positive allometric growth (b>3) at 30 °C fed with shrimp diet, which indicated that fish weight increases faster than their length. The rest of the temperatures represented negative allometric growth (b<3) on both diet, meaning that fish became lighter with increasing size. The condition factors in the initial and final measurements were greater than 1, indicating the state of health of the fish, except for those fed on a pellet diet at 34 °C. However, the best condition was obtained at 30 °C on both diets. Nevertheless, diets did not have a significant effect on growth and condition of juvenile L. malabaricus. The data obtained from this study suggested culturing L. malabaricus at 30 °C and feeding on the pellet or shrimp diet, which will optimize the overall production and condition of this commercially important fish species.

Common peroneal nerve injury as a complication of short saphenous vein surgery

Objectives: To determine the incidence of common peroneal nerve (CPN) injury following short saphenous vein surgery (SSV) in a UK district general hospital, and establish possible risk factors, and preventative strategies to minimize the risk of nerve injury following this type of surgery.

Methods: Retrospective review of all cases of SSV surgery performed in a single institution during the period January 2002–October 2004.

Results: Sixty-four patients underwent SSV surgery during the review period. Three patients (4.7%) developed a CPN injury postoperatively. One patient recovered fully after 24 h, whereas the other two patients' symptoms recovered within six months. All three patients had a saphenopopliteal junction (SPJ) located high above the popliteal skin crease.

Conclusions: CPN injury during SSV surgery occurs with an appreciable frequency. In view of this, there is a need for a revised approach to the management of SSV disease, possibly incorporating less-invasive techniques such as endovenous closure.

AEG-1/MTDH/LYRIC: A Promiscuous Protein Partner Critical in Cancer, Obesity, and CNS Diseases

Since its original discovery in 2002, AEG-1/MTDH/LYRIC has emerged as a primary regulator of several diseases including cancer, inflammatory diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. AEG-1/MTDH/LYRIC has emerged as a key contributory molecule in almost every aspect of cancer progression, including uncontrolled cell growth, evasion of apoptosis, increased cell migration and invasion, angiogenesis, chemoresistance, and metastasis. Additionally, recent studies highlight a seminal role of AEG-1/MTDH/LYRIC in neurodegenerative diseases and obesity. By interacting with multiple protein partners, AEG-1/MTDH/LYRIC plays multifaceted roles in the pathogenesis of a wide variety of diseases. This review discusses the current state of understanding of AEG-1/MTDH/LYRIC regulation and function in cancer and other diseases with a focus on its association/interaction with several pivotal protein partners.

A Rare Case of Bilateral Aspergillomas in a Patient of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Pulmonary involvement by Aspergillus sp. mainly includes allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, aspergilloma, and invasive aspergillosis. Aspergilloma (Fungal ball) is the most common form of aspergillous pulmonary involvement, which occurs in preexisting pulmonary cavities, especially secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis. Ankylosing spondylitis is a rare cause of upper lobe fibro-cavitary lesions in pulmonary parenchyma. It may also lead to development of fungal balls in pulmonary cavities. Most common presentation is mild to massive hemoptysis; dyspnoea, chronic cough, expectoration may be other presentation; even the patient may remain asymptomatic. Intaracavitary mobile mass is a valuable sign for fungal ball, best detected by computed tomography (CT) scan of thorax. Lobectomy is the treatment of choice to stop the hemoptysis, if the general condition of the patient is fit; otherwise associated co-morbidities complicate the post-operative scenario. In this situation, bronchial artery embolization may be used as a temporary measure to control hemoptysis. Here, we report a case of bilateral aspergillomas within the cavities located in upper lobes of both lungs in a 74 years old male who was suffering from ankylosing spondylitis for last 42 years.

Mechanisms of uterine estrogen signaling during early pregnancy in mice: an update

Adherence of an embryo to the uterus represents the most critical step of the reproductive process. Implantation is a synchronized event between the blastocyst and the uterine luminal epithelium, leading to structural and functional changes for further embryonic growth and development. The milieu comprising the complex process of implantation is mediated by estrogen through diverse but interdependent signaling pathways. Mouse models have demonstrated the relevance of the expression of estrogen-modulated paracrine factors to uterine receptivity and implantation window. More importantly, some factors seem to serve as molecular links between different estrogen pathways, promoting cell growth, acting as molecular chaperones, or amplifying estrogenic effects. Abnormal expression of these factors can lead to implantation failure and infertility. This review provides an overview of several well-characterized signaling pathways that elucidates the molecular cross talk involved in the uterus during early pregnancy.