Personality and coping styles in medical internees: a cross-sectional study

Background and aims: Medical education is an elaborate course requiring knowledge assimilation, skill development, and academic perfection. Emerging out of the course successfully is a strenuous process which tests students’ psychological domains like personality, coping skills, and so on. The present study was planned with this primary objective of assessing the personality traits, psychoactive-substance use, and coping skills in the medical students and the secondary objective of finding the impact of personality and psychoactive-substance use on coping styles. Methods: The study was conducted on internees, recruited on individual approach over a period of one year. Ethical clearance was taken. Consenting candidates were administered sociodemographic proforma, the Eysenck Personality Inventory, and the coping checklist. Pearson’s correlation and independent t-test were used for analysis. Results: A total of 167 internees took part in study. On personality assessment, mean score of extraversion was 12.56 (±3.78) suggesting ambiversion and neuroticism was 9.36 (±4.89) suggesting mixed neurotic traits. Thirty four (20%) used psychoactive-substance. Problem-solving, distraction-positive, and acceptance-redefinition were frequently used coping styles. Extraversion correlated positively with distraction-negative (p<0.01) and negatively with acceptance-redefinition (p=0.03). Neuroticism had significant positive correlation with problem-solving (p=0.03), distraction-positive (p<0.01), distraction-negative (p<0.01), faith-religion coping (p<0.001), and blame-denial coping (p<0.001). On gender-wise assessment, males used more of distraction-negative (p=0.02) and females used more of faith-religion coping styles (p=0.02). Psychoactive-substance users elaborated more of distraction-negative and less of acceptance-redefinition coping. Conclusion: Internees had ambiversion and mixed neurotic personality traits. Their personality and substance use had significant influence on the types of coping styles used. There is need of training to effectively manage stress using appropriate coping strategies based on their personality.

Elective Cesarean Section In Scimitar Syndrome: Anaesthesia Management

Scimitar syndrome is a rare association of congenital cardiopulmonary anomalies consisting of a partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection of the right lung (part or the entire right lung) to the inferior vena cava, right lung hypoplasia, dextroposition of the heart, and anomalous systemic arterial supply to the right lung. Anaesthesia management of pregnant patients with Scimitar syndrome is challenging due to coexisting congenital heart disease. The literature on anaesthesia management of patients with Scimitar syndrome undergoing Elective cesarean section is rare and hence authors wish to share their experience of anaesthesia management of a case of Scimitar syndrome posted for elective cesarean in a rural area hospital.

Assessment of PEFR and FEF25-75 in Female SLE Patients and their Relationship with Duration of the Diseas.

Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder which affects multiple organs of human including lungs. Objectives: To assess PEFR and FEF25-75 in SLE patients and to correlate them with the duration of the disease. Method: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, BSMMU, Dhaka, from January 2010 to December 2010. A total number of 120 female subjects were selected, among which 30 were age and BMI matched apparently healthy subjects for comparison (control) and 90 were patients of SLE (study group). All the patients were matched for age, sex and BMI. Based on the duration of the disease, patients were subdivided into B1 (1-6 months), B2 (2-5 years) and B3 (6-10 years). Controls were selected from the community and the patients from the Out Patient Department (OPD) of SLE clinic, Department of Medicine, BSMMU, Dhaka. (PEFR) and FEF25-75 of all the subjects were measured by a Digital MicroDL spirometer. For statistical analysis Independent Sample ‘t’ test, One way ANOVA test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test were performed as applicable. Results: The mean percentage of predicted values of lung function parameters in healthy female subjects were within normal ranges. The mean percentage of predicted values of PEFR and FEF25-75 were significantly lower in all study groups when compared to control. Again, the mean percentage of predicted values of PEFR and FEF25-75 were significantly lower in the patients of Group B3 compared to Group B2. Moreover, these comparisons were significantly lower when compared to Group B1. The differences of the mean percentage of predicted value of PEFR, FEF25-75 were non-significantly lower in Group B2 when compare to Group B1. In addition, FEF25-75 were positively correlated with duration of SLE in group B2 but negatively correlated in B3. On the other hand PEFR was negatively correlated with duration of SLE in both B2 and B3. All these values were statistically non-significant. Conclusion: These pulmonary functions decrease in SLE female and the reduction is inconsistently associated with duration of the disease.

A rare case of primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of lung.

A 33-year-old male presented with repeated episodes of blood-streaked sputum for last one-and half-year. Chest radiograph showed consolidation in the right lower zone. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy revealed an endoluminal growth in the right lower lobe bronchus. Histopathological examination of bronchoscopic biopsy specimen confirmed adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Anthelmintic activity of methanolic extract of rhizomes of picrorrhiza kurroa royal ex. Benth.

The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the Anthelmintic activity of methanolic extract of Picrorrhiza kurroa Royle ex. Benth (Scrophhulariaceae). Picrorrhiza kurroaia a small perennial herb growing in the hilly parts of the North-western Himalayan region in India and Nepal. Earth worms were used for Anthelmintic activity. Piperazine citrate was used as standard drug. Time required for paralysis and death of the earth worms were noted for each sample.

Study on Time-related Changes in Aerobic Bacterial Pattern of Burn Wound Infection.

A prospective study was carried out in 50 burn patients admitted in Burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital over a period of one year from January 2005 to December 2005 to evaluate time-related changes in aerobic bacterial colonization and their sensitivity pattern. Periodic swabs were taken from the burn wound on Day 0, Day 7, Day 14 and Day 21 to see the changing pattern of organisms during hospital stay of patients. In the present study burn injury was highest in the age group 11-20 yrs (34%). Male to female ratio was 1.38:1. The mean percentage of burn was 35.79% of total body surface area (TBSA). Fire was the major cause of burn (38%) followed by electric burn (20%). Among the 200 samples, single organism was isolated in 71% samples and mixed organism in 13.5% and no growth in 14.5%. Among single isolates Pseudomonas aeruginosa was leading (28%) followed by Escherichia coli (17.5%), Staphylococcus aureus (16%), coagulse negative Staphylococcus (4.5%) and Klebsiella (2%). Among mixed growth Pseudomonas aeruginosa was still leading (11%) follow by E. coli (9.5%) Staphylococcus (5.5%), Proteus (1%) and Klebsiella (0.5%).There were time -related changes in bacterial isolation from burn wound during hospital stay of patients. On admission 42% of the isolated organisms were Staphylococcus aureus and only 6% each Pseudomonas aerunginosa and E. coli were isolated. No growth was found in 28%. samples. These findings were gradually changing with time and on day 21 Staphylococcus aureus were only 4% whereas Pseudomonas aeruginosa were 40% and E. coli 28%. Antimicrobial sensitivity test showed that pseudomonas aeruginosa was highly resistant to antimicrobial agents. It was most sensitive to Imipenem (98.72%) followed by Aztreonam (33.44%), Ceftazidime (38.32%) and Gentamicin (19.23%). E. coli was also found most sensitive to Imipenem (98.15%) followed by Gentamicin (38.95%), Chloramphenicol (37.1%), Ciprofloxacin (35.25%) and ceftraixone (29.70%). Staphylococcus aureus was 100% sensitive to Vancomycin followed by Amoxiclav and Oxacillin (53.43% each), Gentamicin (44.70%) and Cloxacillin (39.52%). It is crucial for every burn institution to determine the specific pattern of burn wound microbial colonization, the time-related changes in dominant flora, and the antimicrobial sensitivity profiles. This would enable early treatment of septic episodes with proper empirical systemic antibiotics without waiting for culture results, thus improving overall infection related morbidity and mortality.

Prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis among the PID Patients in Bangladesh.

A cross sectional study was conducted on patients attending at the outpatient department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka during the period of July, 2007 to December, 2007. Two hundred sexually active female in the age group of 15-45 years, with vaginal discharge and itching, were selected for the study. Among them 143 having only vaginal discharge and itching without PID (Pelvic inflammatory disease) and 57 patients having vaginal discharge and itching with PID. A detailed history and a thorough clinical examination of all the cases were done. After making the clinical diagnosis of BV (Bacterial vaginosis) by Amsels criteria, diagnosis also carried out with Acridine orange staining, Gram stain Nugent criteria. Out of 200 women, 48 (24%) cases were diagnosed as having bacterial vaginosis by applying Amsel's clinical criteria. The rate of detection of bacterial vaginosis was 23% by Gram stain Nugent criteria and 24.5% by acridine orange staining. In this study BV was diagnosed in 31(54.39) cases among the PID patients and 17(11.89) among the women having only vaginal discharge and itching. This study shows the increased association of BV in PID patients of Bangladesh.

Comparison of C-reactive protein among controlled, moderately controlled and uncontrolled diabetic subjects in a Bangladeshi population.

Poor glycemic control is significantly associated with the development of macrovascular complications of diabetes. C-reactive protein (CRP) is considered as a sensitive and independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to compare elevated CRP among controlled, moderately controlled and uncontrolled diabetic subjects in a Bangladeshi population. CRP and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were measured in 226 confirmed diabetic subjects purposively and randomly. Elevation of CRP in the moderately controlled (relative risk 1.64, P<0.01) and uncontrolled diabetic subjects (relative risk 1.8, P<0.001) were significantly higher than controlled diabetic subjects. HbA1c was significantly associated with the likelihood of elevated CRP in the moderately controlled diabetic subjects (OR:2.87, 95% CI: 1.41 to 5.87, P<0.01) and in the uncontrolled diabetic subjects (OR:3.83, 95% CI: 1.94 to 7.58, P<0.001). This study revealed that the likelihood of elevated CRP is associated with the increase of HbA1c in diabetic subjects.

FVC, FEV, and FEV, FVC% in Type 2 Diabetes and Their Relationships with Duration of the Disease.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic debilitating disease affecting various organs including lungs. The magnitude of the complications of this disease is related to its duration. Objective: To observe FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC% in type 2 diabetic patients and their relationship with duration of the disease. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, BSMMU, Dhaka, from July 2007 to June 2008 on 60 type 2 diabetic male patients of age 40-60 years (Group B). For comparison, 30 age and BMI matched apparently healthy non diabetic subjects (Group A) were also studied. Patients were selected from the out patient department of Bangladesh Institute of research on diabetes, endocrine and metabolic diseases. Based on duration of diabetes, diabetic patients were divided into B1 (5-10 years) and B2 (10-20 years). FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC% of all the subjects were measured by a digital microspirometer . Data were analyzed by One way ANOVA test, Unpaired Student’s ‘t’ test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test as applicable. Results: Mean of the percentage of the predicted values of FVC and FEV1, were significantly (p<0.001) lower in both those of Gr. B1and B2 than that in A and were also significantly (p<0.001) lower in Gr. B2 when compared with Gr. B1. Again, FEV1/FVC% was significantly (p<0.01)higher in Gr. B2 than those in Gr. B1 and A whereas this value was lower in Gr. B1than those of group A but it was not statistically significant. However, FVC and FEV1 showed negative and FEV1/FVC% showed positive correlations with duration of diabetes. All these correlations were statistically non significant. Conclusion: From the result of this study it can be concluded that the ventilatory function of lung may be reduced in type 2 diabetes which may be related to the duration of the disease.

Heart Rate Variability in Hyperthyroidism.

Background: Hyperthyroidism is associated with altered cardiac autonomic nervous activity (CANA). Heart Rate Variability (HRV) analysis is a promising technique to quantify CANA and therefore can be done in hyperthyroidism. Objective: To observe the HRV parameters in patients with hyperthyroidism to find out the influence of excess thyroid hormone on cardiac autonomic nervous activities. Method: The cross sectional study was carried out on 60 hyperthyroid patients (groupB)aged 30-50 years in the Department of Physiology, BSMMU, Dhaka from 1st July 2007 to 30th June 2008. Age and sex matched 20 apparently healthy euthyroids were also studied for comparison (group A). On the basis of treatment, they were further divided into group B1 consisting of 30 untreated newly diagnosed patients and group B2 consisting of 30 hyperthyroid patients treated with antithyroid drugs for at least 2 months. The patients were selected from the Out Patient Department of Endocrinology, BSMMU, Dhaka. To assess thyroid status, serum TSH and serum FT4 levels were measured by AxSym system and time domain measures of HRV such as mean R-R interval, mean heart rate, SDNN and RMSSD were assessed from 5minute(short term) ECG recording by a polygraph. For statistical analysis Mann-Whitney U test was done. Results: Mean R-R interval was significantly (P<0.001) lower but mean heart rate was significantly (P<0.001) higher in untreated patients than those of treated and euthyroids subjects. These values were found almost similar when compared between euthyroids and treated hyperthyroids. Similarly SDNN and RMSSD were significantly lower in untreated hyperthyroids than both euthyroids (P<0.001) and treated hyperthyroids (P<0.01). Conclusion: This study concluded that decreased vagal modulation on heart rate may occur in hyperthyroidism, which may be restored following adequate treatment of the disease.

Power Spectral Analysis of Heart Rate Variability in Adolescent Male Athletes.

Background: Cardiac autonomic nervous activities (CANA) deteriorate with age, obesity, sedentary life style and in various cardiac and noncardiac disease conditions. Regular physical exercise may improve CANA in health and diseases. Power spectral analysis (PSA) of Heart rate variability (HRV) is one of the most promising newer techniques to quantify CANA. Objective: To analyze HRV by Power Spectral method in order to find out the influence of regular physical exercise on CANA in male adolescent athletes. Method: This cross sectional study was carried out on 62 adolescent male athletes aged 12-18 years (group B), in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University from 1st July 2007 to 30th June 2008. For comparison, 30 age, sex, BMI and socioeconomic condition matched apparently healthy sedentary subjects (group A) were also studied. The study subjects were selected from the BKSP (Bangladesh Krira Shikka Prothistan, Savar, Dhaka) and the control from a residential school of Dhaka city.Power spectral measures of HRV including Total Power (TP), Very Low Frequency Power (VLF) Low Frequency(LF), High Frequency (HF) LF/HF were measured by a Polygraph . For statistical analysis, Idependent-Sample t-test was used. Results: Total power, HFnu power and the VLF,LF,HF were significantly (P<0.001) higher and LFnu power and the LF/HF ratio were significantly (P<0.001) lower in athletes than those of nonathletes which indicate higher cardiac parasympathetic and lower sympathetic activity in athletes. Conclusion: Cardiac Autonomic regulation with increased parasympathetic and decreased sympathetic modulation may occur with in athletes engaged with regular physical exercise.

Parasympathetic Nerve Function Status in Postmenopausal Women.

Background: In postmenopausal women, the risk of cardiovascular diseases gradually increases and alterations in autonomic nerve functions commonly affect cardiac vagal control. Objective: To observe some aspects of parasympathetic nerve function status in apparently healthy post menopausal women. Method: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. In this study, 30 postmenopausal women with age 45 to 60 years were included in group B (study group) and 30 premenopausal women aged 20 to 30 years were taken in group A (control group). They were further divided into group A1(menstrual),A2(follicular), A3(luteal) according to phases of menstrual cycle during which they were studied. Serum estrogen and progesterone levels were measured in postmenopausal women and also during follicular and luteal phases in premenopausal women and were estimated by MEIA technique. To assess parasympathetic nerve function status, three noninvasive cardiovascular reflex tests such as heart rate response to valsalva maneuver, heart rate response to deep breathing and heart rate response to standing were performed in all the subjects. Data were collected by recording ECG in resting conditions. For statistical analysis, unpaired t test and multiple regression analysis was used. Results: In postmenopausal women, serum estrogen and progesterone levels were significantly (p<0.001) lower compared to those of follicular and luteal phases of premenopausal women except progesterone level during follicular phase which was though lower but not statistically significant. Heart rate response to valsalva maneuver were almost similar in all the groups.Heart rate response to deep breathing and heart rate response to standing were significantly lower in group B than those of group A1, A2 and A3 respectively. On regression analysis parasympathetic nerve function in post postmenopausal women showed significant association with estrogen level. Conclusion: From this study it may be concluded that parasympathetic nerve function was lower in postmenopausal women, which may be related to decreased level of estrogen.

FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC%, In Postmenopausal Women and Their Relationship with Serum Progesterone and Estrogen Level.

Background: Exacerbation of asthma associated with worsening of lung function has been reported in women after menopause. The relationship between lung function and female sex hormones has been documented in postmenopausal women. Objective: To observe FVC, FEV1 , FEV1/FVC%, serum estrogen and progesterone levels in apparently healthy postmenopausal women to find out their interrelationships. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, from 1st January 17to 31st December 2007 in BSMMU, Dhaka. 30 postmenopausal women aged 45 to 60 years and 30 premenopausal women aged 20 to 30 years during different phases of menstrual cycle were studied. FVC, FEV1and FEV1/FVC%, were measured by RMS computer based Spirometer. Estrogen and progesterone levels were estimated by Micro particle Enzyme Immunoassay (MEIA) method. Data were analyzed by Pearson’s correlation coefficient test, one way ANOVA and unpaired‘t’ test. Results: The mean percentage of predicted values of FVC and FEV1 were significantly (p<.001) lower in postmenopausal women compared to those of follicular and luteal phases of premenopausal women. Mean serum estrogen and progesterone levels were significantly lower in postmenopausal women compared to any phases of menstrual cycle of premenopausal women. In postmenopausal women, FVC, FEV1 showed positive correlation with progesterone but negative with estrogen level.FEV1/ FVC% Showed negative correlation with both serum estrogen and progesterone level. All these correlations were statistically non significant. In premenopausal women FEV1 and FEV1/FVC% showed positive correlation and FVC showed negative correlation with serum estrogen level in follicular phase and FVC, FEV1 showed positive and FEV1/FVC% showed negative correlation with serum estrogen level in luteal phase. Again FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC% showed positive correlation with serum progesterone level in follicular and luteal phases of menustrual cycle. Conclusion: The out come of this study shows FVC, FEV1 may be reduced in postmenopausal women which in turn may be associated with low progesterone and estrogen levels.

Allergen Skin Test Reactivity and Serum Total IgE Level in Adult Bronchial Asthmatic Patients.

Background : Asthma affects more than 100 million people worldwide. Increased morbidity is multifactorial and may include increased exposure to indoor allergens and environmental pollutants, overuse of beta-2 agonist, underuse of anti-inflammatory mediators and limited education about health care. Allergy represents a specific alteration in biologic reactivity mediated by an immunologic mechanism and resulting in an adverse physiologic response. Objective : Some of the type of allergen’s sensitivity by skin prick test and serum total IgE level were studied in adult asthmatic patients to observe their relationships. Methods : This study was carried out in the department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheik Mujib Medical University, Dhaka and Asthma center,Mohakhali, Dhaka from January 2005 to December 2005. Allergen skin prick tests (SPT) were done by Pepy’s skin prick method and serum total IgE level by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay method on 30 asthmatic patients and 30 age and sex matched control subjects .Data were analyzed statistically by unpaired student’s ‘t’ test and Chi- squares test. Results: In this study, maximum numbers of asthmatic patients had positive SPT for dust mite which was followed by house dust and by cockroach. Frequency percentage for dust mite was significantly higher(P<0.05) than that of house dust and cockroach .It was also significantly higher in house dust than that of cockroach (P< 0.001). The mean serum total IgE level was significantly higher (P<0.001) in asthmatic adults compared to that of healthy subjects. . On the other hand, the association between the positive skin prick tests of all allergens used in this study and elevated serum total IgE were not statistically significant (P >0.05). Conclusion : Therefore , it can be concluded that different allergens like, house dust, dust mite and cockroach are responsible for bronchial asthma in our country which can be detected by SPT. Thus it can be used for identification of type of actual allergens responsible for bronchial asthma which may be a useful measure for earlier detection of allergens and for hyposensitization or desensitization of that patients accordingly with those allergens.

Association of pelvic tuberculosis with tubal factor infertility.

Tubal block is a common cause of infertility. Therefore Laparoscopy or Hysterosalphingoraphy or Hydrosonosalphingography are accepted methods for diagnosis of tubal block. Genital tuberculosis has a world wide distribution, more common in developing countries. Tubal block is the sequel of that disease. This prospective study by determination of Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) in the endometrium of infertility patients was carried out in 60 patients at the Infertility unit, department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) during January 2005 to December 2006. In this study AFB positive in endometrium was in 14(46.7%) cases and 4(13.3%) in control. Out of 30 cases 60% had primary sub-fertility and 40% had secondary sub fertility. Most common tubal pathology was adhesion in 11(36%) cases. Others were beaded and tortuous in 8(26.7%) and hydrosalphix in 6(20%) and tube was dilated in 2(6.7%) cases. There were bilateral tubal block in 18(60%) and unilateral tubal block in 12 (40%) cases.

Parasympathetic Nerve Functions in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Relation to Glycemic Status and Duration of Diabetes.

Background: Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction is associated with higher mortality and is a common health problem observed in diabetic patients. Early detection of autonomic dysfunction in diabetic patient is important for prevention of this complication. Objectives: The study has been designed to observe the parasympathetic nerve function status in type 2 diabetic subjects in order to assess the relationship between glycemic status and duration of diabetes and the parasympathetic nerve function. Study Design: This cross section study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Bangabhandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Forty seven type 2 diabetic subjects were included in two groups. Group B consisted of 25 recently diagnosed diabetic subjects aged 40-68 years and group C consisted of 22 subjects having duration of diabetes for 10 – 20 years. Twenty five (25) age and BMI matched healthy subjects were included in group A (non diabetic) for control. Methods: Parasympathetic nerve functions were assessed by three simple non invasive cardiovascular reflex tests. These were Valsalva maneuver, Heart rate variation (HRV) to deep breathing, HRV to standing up. Glycemic status was assessed by serum glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Data were analyzed by ‘t’ test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: Valsalva ratio was significantly lower in group C than that of group A but no significant difference was observed between group B & A and also between B and C. HRV in deep breathing and 30th:15th ratios were significantly lower in both the diabetic groups B and C than those of group A but these values were semilar in group B and C. Values of correlation of fasting plasma glucose with valsalva ratio, HRV in deep breathing and 30th:15th ratios in standing test in all three groups were not statistically significant. But correlation of duration of diabeties with valsalva ratio was stastically significant but with RHV in deep breathing and 30th:15th ratios were not significant. Conclusion: From this study it may be concluded that there was progressive deterioration of parasympathetic function with increase in duration of diabetes in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes.

Evaluation of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/ FVC % in Patients with Chronic Arsenicosis.

Background: Arsenic toxicity from ground water contamination is highly focused public health problem in Bangladesh. Consumption of arsenic contaminated water may be associated with respiratory symptoms and can decrease lung functions along with skin lesion. Proper investigation of this problem is crucial to prevent respiratory complications in these arsenic vulnerable populations. Objectives: FVC, FEV1, FEV1/ FVC % were studied in chronic arsenicosis patients with skin lesion from arsenic exposed area to observe their lung function status. In addition, correlations of these lung function parameters with arsenic concentration in drinking water and duration of consumption were also studied in this group of population. Study design: For this, total 80 subjects age ranged from 20-50 years of both sexes were included. Among them 40 were patients of chronic arsenicosis with skin lesion and were taken in study group and age and sex matched 40 apparently healthy subjects residing in the same arsenic contaminated area but without skin lesion, were designated as control group. Methods: This study was carried out in the department of Physiology, BSMMU from July 2005 to June 2006. FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC % were measured by Digital Spirometer. Arsenic level of the tubewell water was determined by Hybrid Generation Atomic Absorbance Spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed statistically by Chi- square test, Student’s unpaired “t” test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test as applicable. Results: The mean percentage of predicted values of FVC, FEV1 in exposed non-arsenicosis subjects were within normal ranges. Again they were significantly lower in chronic arsenicosis patients. There was no significant difference in FEV1/FVC% between the two groups. FVC and FEV1 were negatively correlated with arsenic concentration in tube well water in both groups. But FEV1/FVC% was negatively correlated in exposed nonarsenicosis subjects and positively correlated in arsenicosis patients. Again, with duration of consumption of arsenic contaminated tube well water, FVC was positively and FEV1/FVC% was negatively correlated in both exposed non arsenicosis and chronic arsenicosis patients. But FEV1 was negatively correlated in non arsenicosis and positively correlated in chronic arsenicosis patients. But all the relationships were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Therefore, the result of the present study reveals that arsenicosis patients are suffering from respiratory insufficiency. In addition, populations consuming higher arsenic concentration in drinking water are at the risk of lung function impairment and ultimately may lead to respiratory disorder.

Evaluation of Parasympathetic Nerve Function Status in Healthy Elderly Subjects.

Background: Autonomic control on cardiovascular activity is modified with age. Impaired autonomic nerve functions are common features of patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases particularly in old age. Objective: To observe the influence of aging process on parasympathetic nerve function. Study design: This observational study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, BSMMU, Dhaka during the period of July 2005 to June 2006. For this purpose, 60 apparently healthy elderly subjects of both sexes were selected as study group and divided into two groups-one group consisted of 30 elderly subjects with age ranged from 51-60 years and another group consisted of 30 elderly subjects with age ranged from 61-70 years. Thirty sex and BMI matched healthy adults with age ranged from 21-30 years were studied as control. Methods: Parasympathetic nerve function status of all the subjects were assessed by three simple non-invasive cardiovascular reflex tests. These were heart rate response to valsalva maneuver, heart rate response to deep breathing and heart rate response to standing (30th:15th ). For statistical analysis one way ANOVA (Post Hoc Test) and the Pearson’s correlation co-efficient tests were done. Results: Mean (± SD) of valsalva ratio were 1.50±0.23, 1.32±0.14 and 1.28±0.15; HR response to deep breathing test were 25.36±3.90, 18.82±3.35 and 15.96±3.54 beats/min; 30th:15th ratio in standing test were 1.100.06, 1.05±0.03 and 1.04±0.02 in 21- 30, 51-60 and 61-70 years age groups respectively. All the 3 parameters were significantly lower in both elderly groups compared to that of control adults (p<0.001) Again, HR response to deep breathing was significantly lower in 61-70 years age group compared to that of 51-60 years age group. Valsalva ratio and 30th:15th ratio were also lower in 61-70 years age group than that of 51-60 years group but the differences were not statistically significant. All the 3 parameters were negatively correlated with age which were statistically significant. Conclusion: From this study it may concluded that aging process substantially impaired cardiovascular parasympathetic nerve functions.

Total Count of White Blood Cells in Adult Male Smokers.

The present study was carried out to observe the changes in total count in WBC in cigarette smokers. The study population consisted of 105 adult male smokers and non-smokers, aged 20~40 years, from different socio-economic classes. Among them, 30 apparently healthy non-smokers were taken as control . 75 apparently healthy smokers, who had the history of smoking of one or more cigarette per day, regularly for at least last one year, were taken as the study group. Smokers were again subdivided into three categories according to the number of cigarettes they consumed per day. For statistical analysis unpaired “t” test was used for comparison. Mean ± SD of Total count of WBC in non smokers and smokers were 7501.66 ± 929.4 /mm3 and 9171.3 ± 1037.7/mm3 respectively. Smokers had significantly (P <0.001) higher WBC counts than non-smokers. In addition, WBC count was found increased with intensity of smoking. The smokers who were smoking e” 20 cigarettes per day had the higher total WBC count than those who were smoking lesser. The findings of the present study suggest that cigarette smoking may cause increased the total count of WBC, which may predict high risk for some fatal diseases.