Antibacterial Activity of Cell Suspension Cultures of Castor (Ricinus communis L. cv. Roktima).

Aims: The study was conducted to develop the protocol for callus culture, cell suspension culture and to determine antibacterial activity of Ricinus communis L. cv. Roktima in cell extract. Study Design: Hypocotyl segments used as explants in callus culture and agar disk diffusion method used for antibacterial activity test. Place and Duration of Study: Institute of Biological Sciences, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi, Bangladesh during the period of 2010-2012. Methodology: MS medium supplemented with different growth regulators were used for callus induction and cell culture and paper disc diffusion method was used for the determination of antibacterial activities. Growth inhibition was determined against five gram positive bacteria viz., Sarcina lutea, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtillus, Bacillus halodurans, six gram negative bacteria viz., Shigella sonnei, Klebsiella species, Proteus species, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi by using disc diffusion and micro broth dilution techniques. Results: Auxins NAA, 2,4-D and IAA played a great role in callus induction but 2.0 mg/L BAP + 0.5 mg/L NAA and 2.0 mg/L BAP + 0.8 mg/L NAA concentrations proved to be most suitable combinations for induction of callus in R. communis L.cv. Roktima. Cells were cultured on the MS medium having 2.0 mg/L BAP + 0.2 mg/L NAA in which the rate of cell growth found highest and the cell continued to grow until 14 days. The peak period of cell growth was observed from 4th d to 6th d. Antimicrobial test with eleven bacteria demonstrated that the extracts of cell suspension culture of R. communis L .cv. Roktima holds the merit of antimicrobial activity and it was considered to be the potent source of antibacterial compounds and a possible source for obtaining the toxin ricin. Conclusion: In summary, the results obtained in the present investigation demonstrated that the extracts of cell suspension culture of R. communis L. cv. Roktima had the antibacterial activity and considered to be the potent source of antibacterial compounds.

FVC, FEV1 and FEV1% in Male Tobacco Industry Workers.

Background: Tobacco industry workers are exposed to tobacco dust and smoke in their work places. Usually they have varying degree of impaired pulmonary functions, but the level of awareness about this occupational hazard among the tobacco industry workers and authorities are limited. Objective: The present study was conducted to observe the effects of exposure to tobacco dust and smoking on FVC, FEV1 and FEV1%. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Rangpur Medical College, Rangpur, from July 2008 to June 2009 on 50 apparently healthy male smoker (Group B) and 40 non-smoker (Group C) tobacco industry workers with age range 20 to 45 years. For comparison,50 age and body surface area matched apparently healthy male non-smoker non-tobacco workers were also studied as Control(group A). The study groups were selected from different tobacco industries of Rangpur district and control group were selected from the surrounding community who belonged to lower socioeconomic condition. Pulmonary function parameters were measured by digital spirometer. Statistical analysis was done by unpaired‘t’ test . Results: Smoker tobacco workers had significantly lower percentage of predicted values of FVC, FEV1 and FEV1% than control subjects (p <0.001). In addition, they had significantly lower values of FEV1 and FEV1% than non-smoker tobacco workers (p <0.01). Conclusion: Pulmonary functions may be impaired in smoker tobacco workers.

Mitral stenosis in a girl of five years.

Mitral stenosis(MS) detected below the age of 20 years is called juvenile mitral stenosis (JMS). JMS constitute 25-40 % of all cases of isolated mitral stenosis, though overall incidence of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) within mixed population is 7.5- 7.8 per thousand. The patient was 5 years old girl hailing from Modhupur, Tangail got herself admitted into CCU Mymensingh Medical College Hospital with the complaints of low grade fever, shortness of breath and also associated with failure to thrive. She was ill looking, mildly anaemic. Precordial examination revealed apex beat was in the left 5th intercostals space, tapping in nature, palpable P(2). There was left parasternal heave. 1st heart sound loud, pulmonary component of the 2nd heart sound was accentuated, opening snap with mid diastolic murmur with pre systolic accentuation. Routine blood examination reveals leucocytosis with raised ESR. C-reactive protein (CRP) and ASO titre were significantly raised. X-ray chest P/A view showing the features of mitral stenosis. Echocardiography showing MS (moderate) with pulmonary hypertension. She was treated with antibiotics and other relevant drugs and discharge with an advice for follow up and take preparation for cardiac intervention.

Combined occurrence of hyperthyroid Graves' and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

A 40 years old, married Govt. servant from Sadar upazila, Mymensingh was admitted in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital on 9(th) February, 2005 with the complaints of excessive sweating for 1 year, gradual loss of weight for 6 months, swelling in front of the neck for 1(1/2) months, and hoarseness of voice for 1 month. He was nervous, irritable, emotionally labile. Thyroid gland was symmetrically enlarged, firm in consistency with scalloped surface. Palms were warm and sweaty with fine tremor in outstretched hands. Lid lag, lid retraction and proptosis were the occular manifestations. All the reflexes were exaggerated. Radioactive iodine uptake showed enlarged gland with homogenously increased radiotracer concentration, ultrasonogram findings were enlarged gland with hypoechoic parenchyma with fibrous septa, T(3), T(4), TSH values were 6.56 nmol/L, 241.09 nmol/L and 0.14 mIU/L respectively. Thyroid microsomal antibody level was 32.87%. Thyroid FNAC findings were sheets of regular follicular cells, some large cells with granular basophilic cytoplasm, macrophages, a few inflammatory cells and giant cells. All the above findings were in favour of a diagnosis of hyperthyroid Graves' with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Lutembacher's Syndrome.

A 56 years old farmer from Churkhai, Mymensingh was admitted in Cardiology unit of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital 24 October, 2004 with the complaints of progressive breathlessness on exertion with the repeated respiratory tract infection. He had 3 episodes of multiple large joints swelling involving knee, ankle, wrist, during his childhood with spontaneous recovery without any residual deformity. At the age of 45 years, he was incidentally diagnosed as enlarged heart by a medical board, when applied for Foreign Service. In cardiology unit he was diagnosed as a case of Lutembacher's syndrome on the basis of history, physical examination and it was confirmed by X-Ray, ECG and Echocardiography study. As the patient developed pulmonary hypertension with calcified mitral valve leaflet so percutaneous transseptal mitral commissurotomy and or surgery is not indicated. So the patient was managed by medical therapy alone.

Comparison and outcome of commissurotomy by metallic valvotome and balloon commissurotomy.

The purpose of this study was to compare the echocardiographic outcome of percutaneous transvenous metallic mitral commissurotomy (PMMC) and Percutaneous transvenous balloon mitral commissurotomy (PTMC). This prospective comparative study was carried out during the period of January 1999 to June 2000 in the department of Cardiology, National Institute of cardiovascular diseases (NICVD) and national heart foundation hospital, Dhaka Bangladesh. Two dimension, M-mode, spectral and colour Doppler studies were done to all patient of mitral stenosis both before and after PMMC and PTMC. The increased in mitral valve area in PMMC was statistically significant than PTMC. (P<0.047).

Angiographic severity and extent of coronary artery disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Coronary angiographic characteristics of fifty patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease (CAD) were compared with fifty non diabetic patients with CAD. Type 2 diabetic patients undergoing clinically indicated elective coronary angiography were individually matched with fifty non diabetic coronary artery disease patients for age, sex and major risk factors. No significant difference was present between the mean age, presenting complains and other coronary risk factors between the two groups. Severity and extent of coronary artery involvement was assessed by a coronary artery score (CAS) using the segmental distribution method for coronary artery lesions and morphometric analysis of atherosclerotic lesion was done. Type 2 diabetic patients had a higher CAS (11.74+/-5.04 vs 8.72+/-4.87; P<0.001) as compared to the non-diabetic patients. Multivessel disease were more prevalent in both the groups (82% vs 68%; P>0.05) but diabetic patients had significantly higher number of triple vessel disease (58% vs. 38%; P<0.001). Normal coronary arteries and single vessel disease were more prevalent in non-diabetic patients (32% vs. 18%; P<0.05). As compared to non-diabetic group diabetic patients had a higher total number of diseased vessels (78.66% vs. 68%; P<0.01), a higher lesion per patient ratio (3.94+/-1.80 vs 3+/-1.67:P<0.001) and more proximal lesions (40.83% vs. 34.70%; P>.05) though not statistically significant. Morphometric analysis of coronary artery lesions revealed that diabetic patients had significantly higher number of multiple irregularity lesions (24.37% vs. 15.33%; P<0.01) and lesions were more obstructive (lesion involving 70-90% of coronary lumen: 70.53.% vs. 57.33%; P<0.05). Though there was no significant difference between the systolic left ventricular function between the two groups but significant higher regional wall motion abnormality was found more in diabetic patients (76%vs 62%; P<0.01). So type 2 diabetic patients had more severe and extensive atherosclerotic lesion in their coronary arteries than the matched non diabetic control on coronary angiography suggesting an independent effect of diabetic mellitus on atherosclerotic process specially in our population.

Effects of age, parity and length of pregnancy on the morphology and histology of human placenta.

A great majority of death-in-utero in this country may be due to placental insufficiency. This problem may have some correlation between parity, maternal age and weight of placenta. The present work has been attempted towards determination of the morphological and histological aspect of human full-term placentae and their relation with different parity and age group of mothers. The weight, size and number of cotyledons of placentae were found to be directly proportional to the maternal age and parity. No definite change in histology was observed except for the increase in fibrinoid degenerations in the stem villi and calcium deposition on the septal region of the placentae. These changes may have some important bearing on the placental insufficiency in higher age group and parity of mother.

Effect of a single maximal and low multiple doses of testosterone propionate (TP) on male reproductive organs in Long Evans rats.

Testosterone as a male contraceptive agent was tried on two age groups of rats of Long-Evans strain and with two dosage schedule. A general increase in accessory organs weights like seminal vesicle and ventral prostate was observed in all groups of animals with all dosage schedule. The testicular weight was reduced particularly in low multiple dosage group. Gross atrophy with marked irregularity in germ cell pattern and population, suppression of spermatogenesis and atrophy of Leydig cells in the testis of low multiple dosage group were evident without affecting the potentiality to sex drive. A further study is suggested to examine the time period needed for testicular recovery and return of normal spermatogenesis before its possible trial on male volunteers in Bangladesh.

Study of the effects of a long acting injectable-progesterone on the ovarian and uterine histomorphology of the androgenised female rats of Long-Evans strain.

The study was aimed at determining the possible role of long acting progesterone-DMPA in effecting reversal of the effect of TP on neonatally treated female Long-Evans rats. Five day-old female litters injected with 1.25 mg. TP went into persistent estrous on attaining maturity. DMPA when given in proper dosage and time reverted the condition.

Effect of anabolic steroid on the development and treatment of rickets in rats.

The influence of anabolic steroid on the process of production of rickets in vitamin-D deficient animals as well as its influence on healing of rickets with vitamin-D therapy was studied. Long-Evans strains of female rats of two age groups (6 weeks and 4 weeks) were given rachitogenic diet and were divided into five sub-groups-(I) control receiving vitamin-D from the 1st day, (II) rachitic group, (III) receiving vitamin-D from 36th day, (IV) receiving anabolic hormone from the beginning of the experiment and (V) receiving both vitamin-D and anabolic hormone from 36th day of treatment. It was observed grossly as well as histologically and radiographically that: (1) the anabolic steroid minimizes the rachitic changes in the bones of vitamin-D deficient rats, (2) in rachitic animals, a combination therapy of anabolic hormone and vitamin-D results in comparatively greater calcification of osteoid matrix and better healing and remodelling of bone than with vitamin-D alone.

Effects of long-acting steroid contraceptives on ovarian and uterine histology of rats.

Subcutaneous injection of single doses (5 to 20 mg/kg) of DMPA or NE in virgin female rats caused reduction in number and diameter of CL, and increase in number of atretic and cystic follicles in the ovary. Histological examination of the endometrium of these animals showed low cubiodal cells with sparse distribution of low columnar cells, glands with atrophic changes and compact uterine stroma with or without patches of oedema. The results suggest regressive and atrophic changes in the ovary and endometrium.