Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles from Sophora flavescens extract and their antibacterial effect against some pathogenic bacteria

Aims@#The current study was aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of biogenic synthesized golden nanoparticles from Sophora flavescens Aiton roots aqueous extract against multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical bacterial isolates.@*Methodology and results@#The green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was accomplished using S. flavescens roots aqueous extract and examined using many accepted techniques. The antibacterial activity of S. flavescens extract and the aqueous AuNPs at concentrations (7% and 9%) ppm were investigated against two clinical MDR bacteria, including Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The findings demonstrate inhibitory activity against the selected MDR bacterial isolates for the aqueous extract of S. flavescens and the aqueous AuNPs noted by the significant decrease in the number of bacteria after treatment with highly significant differences (P≤0.01) compared to the untreated control.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Sophora flavescens root extracts and their biosynthesized AuNPs with antibacterial activity may find broad applications in fighting MDR pathogenic bacteria and therapeutic manufacturing.

A Comparative Study To Diffrentiate The Back Extensor Endurance Between Smokers And Non-Smokers With And Without Low Back Pain Using Sorenson Test

Background: The two major public health concerns that have enormous socio-economic as well as public health impact are smoking and LBP. Aim: To compare the effects of smoking on back extensor endurance. Methodology: 200, 100 smokers and 100 non-smokers, all males were taken within the age group of 30-50 years, and who have been smoking for the last 10 years or more. People with mechanical LBP and spinal pathology were excluded. These 200 subjects were included and divided into two groups. A(n=100 smokers)B (n=100 non-smokers).With adequate explanation and demonstration Seronson test was carried out to see the back extensor endurance time in two groups of subject. Data was obtained and smoking- index was correlated subsequently. BMI,VAS, SORENSON TEST. Were the outcome measures used. Results: 67 smokers and 31 non-smokers had low backache. The Sorenson time was significantly reduced in smokers with a mean endurance time of 44.89 and 96.39 in non-smokers. BMI is negatively related to Sorenson time and prolonged cough is a risk factor for low backache and also a dose- response relationship is found between the number of cigarettes / day and pain intensity. Conclusion: The back extensor endurance is reduced in smokers irrespective of backache. Increased BMI and cough is also associated with disabling low backache. Smoking index is positively related to back pain.

Role of adiponectin in patients with inflammatory bowel disease unclassified / Papel da adiponectina em pacientes com doença intestinal inflamatória não classificada

ABSTRACT Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a lifestyle idiopathic, chronic, and inflammatory intestinal disorders that required long-term medications and care. Aim of the study: Assess the level of adiponectin in IBDU and its relation with different parameters like lipid profile and Body Mass Index (BMI). Type of the study: A case-controlled study. Patients and methods: The total number of study groups was sixty individuals, forty of them were patients with inflammatory bowel disease unclassified and the rest were control healthy subjects. Serums were examined for lipid profile (cholesterol, triglyceride, HDLP, LDLP (Human-Germany), adiponectin (Human-Germany). Results: Adiponectin, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and LDL/HDL were significantly higher in patient group. The results showed that there was a negative correlation between adiponectin and height (r = -0.071), waist to hip ratio (r = -0.174), cholesterol (r = -0.417), HDL (r = -0.039), LDL (r = -0.451) while other parameters there are positive correlation. Conclusions: IBDU is associated with increased level of adiponectin which is positively associated with BMI and triglyceride. It is negatively correlation with height, waist to hip ratio, cholesterol, HDL and LDL.

RESUMO Fundamento: A doença intestinal inflamatória é um distúrbio intestinal idiopático, crônico e inflamatório devido ao estilo de vida que requer medicamentos de longo prazo e cuidados. Objetivo do estudo: Avaliar o nível de adiponectina na doença intestinal inflamatória não classificada e sua relação com diferentes parâmetros, como o perfil lipídico e o índice de massa corporal. Tipo de estudo: Estudo de caso controle. Pacientes e métodos: O número total de grupos de estudos foi de 60 indivíduos, quarenta deles eram pacientes com doença intestinal inflamatória não classificada e o restante era de indivíduos saudáveis controle. Os soros foram examinados para detecção de perfil lipídico (colesterol, triglicerídeos, HDLP, LDLP (Humano-Alemanha), adiponectina (Humano-Alemanha). Resultados: Adiponectina, colesterol, triglicerídeos, LDL e LDL/HDL foram significativamente maiores no grupo de pacientes. Os resultados mostraram que havia uma correlação negativa entre adiponectina e altura (r = -0.071), relação cintura-quadril (r =-0.174), colesterol (r = -0.417), HDL (r = -0.039), LDL (r = -0.451) enquanto que para outros parâmetros há uma correlação positiva. Conclusões: Doença intestinal inflamatória não classificada apresenta um nível aumentado de adiponectina que está positivamente associado a índice de massa corporal e triglicerídeos. Está negativamente correlacionada com altura, relação cintura-quadril, colesterol, HDL e LDL.

Sequence analysis of the VSXI and SODl genes in families with Keratoconus and a review of the literature

Objective: Keratoconus [KC] is a non-inflammatory disorder of the cornea in which the cornea becomes thin and conical, inducing myopia and irregular astigmatism and resulting in mild to marked impairment of vision. The present study was designed to screen two candidate KC genes to identify pathogenic sequence variants responsible for KC in Saudi families

Methods: Peripheral blood samples from members of five Saudi families with KC from the Northern region were collected. Genomic DNA was isolated, and bidirectional sequencing was performed of all coding exons of VSX1 and SOD1 genes using Sanger sequencing

Results: All five of the KC families showed a pattern of autosomal recessive inheritance. Phenotyping of these families was performed by a senior ophthalmologist. Sequence analysis of the VSX1 and SOD1 genes failed to reveal any pathogenic sequence variant that could account for KC in the affected individuals

Conclusion: Our failure to detect sequence variants in two of the known KC associated genes triggers an interest in other known KC candidate genes, including miR-184, DOCK9, IL1RN and SLC4A11. Future genotyping with dense SNP arrays followed by exome sequencing in these families will be a useful approach to identify the gene[s] underlying KC in this Saudi cohort, which may be different from those reported elsewhere.

Factors Affecting the Surgical Outcome of Primary Exotropia in Children.

Objective: The objective of current study to evaluate the outcome results of the surgical correction and as well as the effects of some factors on the outcome and surgical response of primary exotropia. Study Design: Retrospective Clinical Study. Place and Duration of Study: Hamad Medical Corporation –Tertiary Hospital in Qatar, study done over six months. Methods: Medical records of patients who underwent surgical correction of primary exotropia procedures between the years 2008 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients less than 15 years of age were included in the study and the following data were collected: onset age of squint, age at surgery, type of exotropia, visual acuity, presence of amblyopia, anisometropia, refractive error (spherical equivalent), preoperative deviation, AV pattern, stereopsis, type of surgery and analysis using descriptive statistics, unpaired t- and chi-square statistical tests. Results: Of 74 patients we studied, 30 Male (40.5%), 44 Female (59.5%), 46 patients (62.2%) had successful surgical outcome, and 28 patients (37.8%) had unsuccessful outcome (all under correction). The response to surgery correlated mainly to with the preoperative angle. A higher response resulted from larger preoperative deviation and it this was better with lateral plus medial rectus muscle recessions than with bilateral lateral rectus recession. Conclusions: Preoperative deviation was the most important factor in determining better response to surgical correction of primary exotropia, and accurate measurement of the angle of deviation can improve the outcome and response to surgery.

Personality traits, depression and anxiety among cerebro-vascular stroke patients: An egyptian study.

Background: Over the past several decades, the relationship between personality traits, depression, anxiety and stroke has interested to clinicians and researchers. Objective: Evaluation of personality traits, depression and anxiety among patients with stroke. Methods: Thirty patients with stroke recruited from neurology department inpatients unit in Assiut university hospital. Another 50 subjects matched with respect to age, sex, and socioeconomic status formed the control group. For each participant, a complete medical history was obtained. Clinical examination, brain CT or MRI, and psychometric evaluation was performed for patients. Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, Hamilton anxiety and Beck Depression Inventory were used in assessment the psychometric state of patients. Results: Patients with stroke reported significant higher scores in depression and anxiety. Psychoticism, lying and crime personality traits were significant higher among stroke patients compared with controls. Depression, anxiety were significant correlated with some of the personality traits subscales. Conclusion: In our study stroke is associated with depression, anxiety and some abnormal personality traits.

Assessment of cognitive functions, psychomotor performance and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders among students with dyslexia.

Aim: The present study presented as a comparison of the cognitive functions, psychomotor performance and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders between dyslexic and control students. Method: This was a randomized study. The participants were 33 dyslexic students and 34 age, gender, and IQ-matched control students. The major evaluation tools included were Stanford Binet fourth edition for cognitive function, Quick neurological screening scale for learning disabilities, Behavioral Characteristics Rating Scales for Learning Disabilities, three Arabic standardized scales for reading and comprehension and two scales for attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). Results: Comparisons of the 2 groups of students revealed that significantly impairment of some cognitive functions as verbal reasoning, abstract visual reasoning, short term memory and intelligent quotient. Also, impairment of psychomotor performance and higher scores of ADHD were detected among dyslexic group than control group. Conclusion: Association between dyslexia and ADHD are accompanied with more deterioration in some cognitive functions and psychomotor performance. THIS WORK ADDED • Impairment of cognitive functions and psychomotor performance among dyslexic group. • Higher scores of ADHD among dyslexic group than control group. • Dyslexia leaded to more deterioration in cognitive functions, psychomotor performance and ADHD.

impact of dietary intake and sun exposure on vitamin D deficiency among couples

The main sources of vitamin D are sun exposure and diet. There is a gap in our knowledge about the contribution of these factors to vitamin D level among couples in Bahrain. To determine vitamin D dietary intake and sun exposure and their impact on vitamin D level. Cross-sectional study. Maternity hospitals. Data were collected using an adapted pre-validated food frequency questionnaire. It was adjusted to reflect the local food items. Vitamin D intake below 600 IU was considered low. The level was assayed as 25[OH]D using chemiluminescence method. SPSS-20 was used for data analysis. P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Three hundred and twenty five couples were included in the study. The mean dietary intake of vitamin D was low, but not significantly different between men and women. Vitamin D level was <50 nmol/L in 209 [64.3%] men and 292 [89.8%] women. The mean 25[OH]D level in males [46.06 +/- 12.97 nmol/L] was significantly higher than females [33.12 +/- 13.48 nmol/L]. There was a significant association between dietary intake and 25[OH]D levels in both men and women. Sun exposure was also found to be significantly associated with 25[OH]D level in males but not in females which is attributed to the use of veil. Low vitamin D intake and inadequate sun exposure lead to hypovitaminosis D. There is a need to increase awareness and mandate the fortification of milk, dairy products and to supplement veiled women and those at risk of deficiency with vitamin D

Effect of nicotine on the structure of cochlea of guinea pigs / 대한해부학회지

Smoking has been positively associated with hearing loss in human. However, its effect on the cochlea has not been previously evaluated. Aim of work is to investigate the effect of nicotine, which is the primary pharmacological component of tobacco, on the structure of the cochlea of adult male guinea pigs. Fifteen male guinea pigs were classified into two groups: group I (control) and group II (nicotine treated group). Group II was further subdivided into two subgroups; IIA and IIB according to the dose of nicotine (3 mg/kg and 6 mg/kg, respectively). The cochlea was harvested and processed for light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Nicotine administration induced damage of outer hair cells which were distorted in shape with vacuolated cytoplasm and heterochromatic nuclei. Topography revealed damage of the stereocilia which included disorganization, bent and limp or complete loss and expansion of the surrounding supporting cells. These changes were more pronounced in the basal turn of the cochlea and mainly involved the outer hair cells. High dose induced more damage and resulted in protrusion of the apical poles of hair cells (blebing), particularly the outer two rows. Nicotine is proved to be harmful to the cells of the cochlea, particularly the outer hair cells of the basal turn. High doses induce blebing of hair cells.

Prevalence and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency among mothers in labor and their newborns

Vitamin D deficiency is recognized as a global public health problem. Studies of vitamin D levels in mothers in labor and their newborns in Bahrain are lacking. The aim of this study is to identify the prevalence of vitamin D [25[OH]D] deficiency among mothers in labor and their newborns in Bahrain. A cross-sectional multicenter study. Four Public and Four Private Maternity Hospitals in Bahrain. The study was conducted in April 2012. It included mothers in labor and their newborns. Differences between the subgroups were analyzed using Chi-Square or Student's t-test as appropriate. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate independent predictors of 25[OH]D level. The study included 403 mothers and 403 newborns. Overall prevalence of 25[OH]D deficiency [<50 nmol] was 358 [88.8%] of the mothers and 364 [90.3%] of the newborns. The mean maternal alkaline phosphatase level was significantly higher than the neonatal level and the maternal mean calcium was significantly lower than the neonatal level. Significant association with vitamin D deficiency was found among Bahraini and non-Bahraini Arab mothers, delivering in public rather than private hospital, living in flats, low education, the use of veil, gravida >/= 4, not using multivitamins, vitamin D or calcium supplements. Vitamin D deficiency among mothers and their newborns is high. This mandates increasing awareness, vitamin D supplementation among mothers in labor and their infants; in addition to the introduction of vitamin D fortification of dairy products and flour at the national level

Prevalence and risk factors of vitamin D deficiency among men

Vitamin D is vital for human health but its deficiency is worldwide. There is a gap in our knowledge about vitamin D status in Bahrain. To identify vitamin D status and associated risk factors among men in Bahrain. A cross-sectional study. Four public and four private maternity hospitals in Bahrain. The study was carried out in the second and third weeks of April 2012. Three hundred sixty-four men [husbands of mothers who presented in labor] participated in the study. A questionnaire was administered and vitamin D level was measured in the blood. Bivariate and multiple linear regression analysis were used to evaluate differences between variables. P-value <0.05 was considered significant. The mean age +/- SD was 34.40 +/- 7.27 years. Vitamin D mean level +/- SD was 46.14 +/- 12.80 nmol/L. Vitamin D level was <50 nmol/L in 233 [64%] men. The following variables showed significant association with vitamin D deficiency: high income [P-value 0.020], smoking [P-value 0.021], lack of sun exposure [P-value 0.001] and high body mass index [P-value 0.022]. Vitamin D deficiency is common among men in Bahrain. High income, lack of sun exposure and high BMI were significant and independent predictors of low vitamin D level. There is a need for population-based study in a randomly selected sample which includes all age groups and both genders

Association of Postpartum Maternal Morbidities with Children’s Mental, Psychomotor and Language Development in Rural Bangladesh.

Little is known from developing countries about the effects of maternal morbidities diagnosed in the postpartum period on children’s development. The study aimed to document the relationships of such morbidities with care-giving practices by mothers, children’s developmental milestones and their language, mental and psychomotor development. Maternal morbidities were identified through physical examination at 6-9 weeks postpartum (n=488). Maternal care-giving practices and postnatal depression were assessed also at 6-9 weeks postpartum. Children’s milestones of development were measured at six months, and their mental (MDI) and psychomotor (PDI) development, language comprehension and expression, and quality of psychosocial stimulation at home were assessed at 12 months. Several approaches were used for identifying the relationships among different maternal morbidities, diagnosed by physicians, with children’s development. After controlling for the potential confounders, maternal anaemia diagnosed postpartum showed a small but significantly negative effect on children’s language expression while the effects on language comprehension did not reach the significance level (p=0.085). Children’s development at 12 months was related to psychosocial stimulation at home, nutritional status, education of parents, socioeconomic status, and care-giving practices of mothers at six weeks of age. Only a few mothers experienced each specific morbidity, and with the exception of anaemia, the sample-size was insufficient to make a conclusion regarding each specific morbidity. Further research with a sufficient sample-size of individual morbidities is required to determine the association of postpartum maternal morbidities with children’s development.

Indicators of renal glomerular and tubular functions in patients with beta-thalassaemia major

There are limited data concerning the assessment of renal function in beta-thalassaemia major, with no study of such involvement in Omani patients. The objective of this study was to establish the pattern of renal glomerular and tubular function using traditional and specific laboratory tests in patients with beta-thalassaemia major. This cross-sectional study, from January-July 2008, included 30 patients of the Thalassaemia Clinic at the Royal Hospital, Oman, with transfusion-dependent homozygous beta-thalassaemia major. They included 15 males and 15 females, aged 16-32 years with mean +/- standard deviation of 21.23 +/- 3.42 years. The medical records were reviewed and renal function states assessed as follows: serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]; urea; phosphate, fractional excretion of filtered sodium [FENa]; urine albumin: creatinine index; urine beta2-microglobulin:creatinine index; tubular reabsorption of phosphate [TRP], and tubular maximum phosphate reabsorption [TmP]/GFR. All patients had eGFR >90 ml/min/1.73m2; serum creatinine <90 micro mol/L; serum urea <6.0 mmol/L, and urine albumin: creatinine <2.5 mg/mmol. Only 2 [6.7%] patients had FENa >1% and 3 [10.0%] patients had urine s2-microglobulin: creatinine >22 micro g/mmol. All patients had TRP >0.85, of whom seven [23.3%] patients had values within the range of 0.85-0.95 and 23 [76.7%] had values >0.95. Also, all patients had TmP/GFR >1.0 mmol/L, of whom only one [3.3%] patient had TmP/GFR of 1.0-1.5, and 29 [96.7%] patients had TmP/GFR >1.5 mmol/L. Finally, 24 [80%] patients had serum phosphate >1.4 mmol/L. Linear regression revealed a highly significant correlation between serum phosphate and TmP/GFR [r = 0.904, P < 0.001]. Renal function, glomerular and tubular, appears to be well preserved in beta-thalassaemia major. Almost all renal function indicators were within the recommended ranges. Raised TmP/GFR and TRP were noted in the majority of patients, reflecting an up-trend in serum phosphate and therefore increasing renal phosphate reabsorption

Serum myoglobin in patients with thyroid dysfunction

To assess the pattern of change in serum myoglobin concentration in subjects with thyroid dysfunction. Serum samples were selected from 150 subjects with suspected thyroid disorder who were referred to the Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman. The subjects were 35 males and 115 females, aged 14-56 years with mean +/- SD of 34.3 +/- 12.7 years. They were classified on the basis of thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH] and free thyroxine [FT4] into 3 groups, each consisting of 50 subjects: hypothyroid, hyperthyroid, and euthyroid subjects. The mean serum myoglobin concentration was higher in hypothyroid patients compared to hyperthyroid and euthyroid subjects [mean +/- SD was 38.5 +/- 23.1 micro g/L in hypothyroid; 18.1 +/- 7.0microg/L in hyperthyroid; 17.4 +/- 5.7microg/L in euthyroid]. There was a significant difference in myoglobin concentration between hypothyroid and euthyroid groups [F = 36.1, p< 0.001], however, there was no significant difference between the hyperthyroid and euthyroid groups. When the mean +/- 2SD for myoglobin in euthyroid subjects was calculated, the reference range was 6-29 micro g/L. Of the hypothyroid subjects, 29 [58%] had high myoglobin and 21 [42%] had normal myoglobin level. No significant correlation was noticed between TSH or FT4 and myoglobin in all studied subjects. Raised serum myoglobin may be observed in patients with hypothyroidism. Hence hypothyroidism should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with raised serum myoglobin concentration

A comparative clinical trial of artemether and quinine in children with severe malaria.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of artemether and quinine in the treatment of severe malaria in hospitalized children. STUDY DESIGN: Open randomized trial. SETTING: Pediatric ward of a tertiary care center. METHODS: All children admitted with clinical manifestations of severe malaria (as per WHO criteria) and asexual forms of Plasmodium falciparum demonstrated on peripheral smear were randomized to receive either artemether or quinine. Their clinical status and smears for parasite count were assessed every 12 hours until two successive blood films were negative. The primary end point of the study was death in the hospital and residual damage to the organ involved. The secondary end points were clearance of parasites and fever, length of time of recovery from coma and normal functions of the involved system. RESULTS: Forty-six cases completed the study protocol, 23 assigned to each drug group. Cerebral malaria was the commonest manifestation (76.1%). Mean age in artemether versus quinine group (6.6 +/- 3.5 and 5.8 +/- 2.4 years) as well as degree of parasitemia at admission (55,800 and 60,300 per microlitre) were comparable. The overall mortality rate was 23.9% with no significant difference between the two groups. Twenty six cases (56.5%) presented with more than one manifestations of severe malaria. The mortality rate was 100% with four coexisting manifestations of severe malaria. Fever clearance time in artemether and quinine group was 44.5 and 45.9 hours respectively (P >0.05). Parasite clearance time was significantly shorter in artemether group (40.9 vs. 51.9 hours; P<0.001). Recovery from coma was shorter in artemether group (34.8 vs. 38.1 hours; P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Cerebral malaria is the most common manifestation of severe malaria in children. Artemether is a good alternative drug to quinine for P. falciparum malaria. Mortality rate is directly proportional to the number of coexisting manifestations of severe malaria.

Improving the diagnosis of hypertension and assessment of vascular risk factors through a clinica; audit in Kuwait family practice

To determine whether family practitioners are aware of the criteria for diagnosis of hypertensive patients. To investigate, if it is possible to change their behaviour in the diagnosis of hypertension and to see, if they could adhere to the new guideline of Kuwait protocol. Design: Review of medical records in general practices to identify hypertensive patients followed up by assessment of the pre- and post-educational management of interventions. Setting: Two family practices [Hadiya and Yarmouk] in Kuwait were included from two major health areas. Subjects: Two hundred hypertensive patients managed by ten family practitioners were included in the study. Main Outcome Measures: Improved level of diagnosis and care in terms of having at least three blood pressure readings before the start of drug treatment; better level of recording of Ali A Al-Yahya1, Huda S Al-Duwaisan2, Amal M Al-Mehza3 Primary Health Care, Jaber Al Ali Clinic1, Yarmouk Clinic2, and Hadiya Clinic3, Kuwait risk factors of hypertension including: age, gender, smoking history, family history of premature ischaemic heart disease, measurements of total serum cholesterol and glucose levels, and better control of blood pressure. Improvement was noted in the recordings of age, gender, total serum cholesterol and glucose levels in both family practices and family history of premature ischaemic heart disease and good control in one, [Yarmouk] although improvement in these parameters in addition to recording of smoking history was also noted in the second [Hadiya]. No improvement was noted in the correct diagnosis in either of the two. Clinical behaviour of family practitioners can be changed by peer review in terms of a better registration system. More complex behavioural changes, which require the cooperation of patients and cognitive actions by family practitioners need further investigation

Assessment of target organ damage in hypertension through a clinical audit in Kuwait family practice

To review our progress for delivering effective health care against standard targets. A great amount of work has already been done to change doctor's a w a reness to adhere to the new guidelines for the diagnosis and management of hypertension according to the Kuwait protocol. In this study we were looking at the doctor's awareness of the importance of checking and recording target organ damage and associated clinical conditions to improve the diagnosis and management of hypertension. Design: Review of medical records in general practices to identify hypertensive patients, followed up by assessment of the pre- and post-educational management of interventions. Setting: One family practice centre from Hadiya and another one from Yarmouk, in Kuwait. Subjects: Two hundred hypertensive patients managed by ten family practitioners were included in the study. Main Outcome Measured: I m p roved level of management and care in terms of: 1] better level of recording of history of associated clinical conditions with hypertension including cerebrovascular disease, cardiovascular disease, renovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease and retinopathy; 2] better level of recording of target org a n damage including left ventricular hypertrophy by chest Xray or ECG or echo, urine protein, serum creatinine, fundoscopy and evidence of peripheral atherosclerotic plaque by ultrasound or X-ray and, 3] better follow-up care by the availability of hypertension flow chart. Improvement [either by reaching the standard target or by showing significant increase] was noted in both clinics in the recording of cerebral, cardiac, renal and retinal diseases as well as recording of left ventricular hypertrophy, serum creatinine, fundoscopy and availability of hypertension flow chart. Urine protein recording was improved in the Yarmouk clinic but not in the Hadiya and vice versa for recording of peripheral vascular diseases. No improvement was noted with regard to recording of evidence of peripheral atherosclerotic plaque in either of the two clinics. Clinical behaviour of family practitioners can be changed by peer review in terms of a better registration system of simple investigations [such as ECG, urine for protein, etc]. Ordering special investigation for specific target organ involvement [such as Doppler study] needs further assessment to see whether it is practical

Nutritional status and birth outcomes of the diabetic and non-diabetic pregnant women.

This cross sectional study compares the nutritional status and birth outcomes of 357 diabetic and non-diabetic pregnant women (203 DM and 154 NDM as control). Uncomplicated diabetic and non-diabetic pregnant women of singleton pregnancies with age range of 19-35 years were enrolled at term in BIRDEM hospital. Maternal anthropometry and neonatal anthropometric measurements were taken following standard techniques. Educational level was significantly different between the groups. The diabetic mothers were found significantly less educated (p<0.0001) compared to non-diabetic mothers. Highly significant differences were observed between the groups on mean maternal age, weight at term, height, body mass index (BMI), mid arm circumference (MAC), and hemoglobin concentration (p values for all: <0.001) with higher values for the DM group. Most of the DM pregnant mothers were either overweight (BMI: 26.0-29.0) or obese (BMI: >29.0), on the other hand most of the NDM pregnant mothers were within normal range (BMI: 19.8-26.0). DM pregnant mothers were found more anemic (45.8% vs. 23.4%; p<0.001). Mean birth weight of the infants of DM & NDM groups were 3100g +/- .500g and 2850g +/- 360g respectively. The mean chest circumference of the infants of DM mothers was found significantly higher for diabetic group (p<0.01). DM mothers delivered most of the preterm babies (16.3% vs. 5.8%; p<0.002) and macrosomy babies were found only in this group (5.9%). Significant correlation was observed between birth weight and maternal MAC (p<0.001) in both the groups. Head circumference was found significantly correlated with maternal MAC and age in the DM group only. Diabetic pregnant women were significantly different compared to the non-diabetic group by nutritional status. The DM group experienced more anemia and preterm deliveries and macrosomic babies were born only in them.

Plasma level of antioxidant nutrients (retinol and alphatocopherol) in cases with different grades of cervical carcinoma.

A study was conducted on 23 patients on various grades of cervical cancer, selected purposely from Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Vitamin A and E level of this histologically proved cases showed mean serum level of vitamin A was 0.41 +/- 0.19 and that vitamin E was 4.21 +/- 2.15, and these low level was constant in all Histopathological grading of cervical cancer. Contraceptive user and smoker had very low level of vitamin A and E. Majority (51%) of the cases, were from lower middle class and 49% were from lower class, seventy seven percent were illiterate, 97% were married before 18 years, 57% had more than 6 children, 71% did not use contraceptive. The availability of vitamin A rich food were within reach of lower income group, than the food source of vitamin E which are usually of animal origin. It is concluded that in cervical cancer had low level of antioxidant vitamins A and E. Further study is indicated for understanding detail antioxidant nutrients role in aetiopathology of cervical cancer in Bangladesh.