ABSTRACT
Context: Liquid-based cytology. Aims: Utility of liquid-based cytology (LBC) was compared to conventional smear cytology in ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirates of abdominal masses. Settings and Design: This was a prospective comparative study conducted in collaboration with surgery and pediatrics surgery departments of our institute. Subjects and Methods: Thirty patients presenting with evidence of abdominal mass were enrolled for the study and underwent fine-needle aspiration cytology. The material was processed for the preparation of conventional smears and residual material was rinsed into cytolyt for LBC by Thin Prep method and into cell block fluid. The smears prepared from both the methods were compared by two independent and experienced pathologists for adequacy, cellularity, architectural pattern, cytoplasmic preservation, nuclear preservation, and background. Results: Cellularity was frequently higher in the conventional smears than on Thin Prep slides (P value = 0.025). Recognition of architecture was better on the conventional smears (P value = 0.001). Cytoplasm was better preserved on the conventional smears (P value = 0.001) but difference in the preservation of nuclear details was not statistically significant on slides prepared from both the techniques. The background of Thin Prep slides is significantly cleaner than direct smears (P value = 0.001). Non epithelial elements such as mucin and neurofibrillary tangles were better preserved on direct smears (P value = 0.001) but diagnostic accuracy of both the methodologies showed no statistically significant difference (P value = 0.226). Conclusions: The Thin Prep technique utilizes expensive equipment and reagents. It also generates certain morphological artefacts in slides with which a cytologist needs to get familiar. When used in isolation, it may not consistently provide any added advantage in the diagnosis of such lesions and should be used as an adjunct to conventional smears. It may be preferred in situations where material has to be transported for processing or is required for ancillary tests.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: To study the prevalence, determine the magnitude, and cause of amblyopia among the children aged 6 months to 16 years in Kamrup district, Assam, India. Methods: Among a total of 39,651 children between 6 months and 16 years of age, door-to-door screening was conducted by trained workers. For children above 5 years of age who failed to read the 6/9 line, camps were conducted in the nearby schools. Children below 5 years of age were directly referred to the tertiary eye care institute. After visual acuity assessment at the institute, cycloplegic refraction and complete ophthalmic examination were done to rule out other causes of diminution of vision. Axial length measurement and corneal topography were performed in children with high refractive errors. Results: Of the total 39,651 children screened, 469 were diagnosed to have amblyopia at the camp and 223 were diagnosed at the institute. The prevalence of amblyopia was 1.75%. Amblyopia was more common among the males (52.50%) as compared to females. Maximum number of patients were found in the age group of 11–16 (63.58%). Refractive amblyopia was found to be the most common cause of amblyopia (45.29%). In children below 5 years, deprivation amblyopia and strabismic amblyopia were more common. Conclusion: Awareness of amblyopia among the parents is essential for early detection and treatment of the disease, which will, in turn, reduce the burden of childhood visual impairment.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: The evaluation of visual impairment requires the measurement of visual acuity with a validated and standard logMAR visual acuity chart. We aimed to construct and validate new logMAR visual acuity chart in Indian languages (Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Urdu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Assamese). Methods: The commonly used font in each language was chosen as the reference and designed to fit the 5 � 5 grid (Adobe Photoshop). Ten letters (easiest to difficult) around median legibility score calculated for each language based on the results of legibility experiment and differing by 10% were selected. The chart was constructed based on the standard recommendations. The repeatability of charts was tested and also compared with a standard English Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) logMAR chart for validation. Results: A total of 14 rows (1.0 to -0.3 logMAR) with five letters in each line were designed with the range of row legibility between 4.7 and 5.3 for all the language charts. Each chart showed good repeatability, and a maximum difference of four letters was noted. The median difference in visual acuity was 0.16 logMAR for Urdu and Assamese chart compared to ETDRS English chart. Hindi and Malayalam chart had a median difference of 0.12 logMAR. When compared to the English chart a median difference of 0.14 logMAR was noted in Telugu, Kannada, and Bengali chart. Conclusion: The newly developed Indian language visual acuity charts are designed based on the standard recommendations and will help to assess visual impairment in people of these languages across the country.
ABSTRACT
Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the leading opportunistic pathogen and its ability to acquire resistance against series of antimicrobial agents confi ne treatment option for nosocomial infections. Increasing resistance to fl uroquinolone (FQ) agents has further worsened the scenario. The major mechanism of resistance to FQs includes mutation in FQs target genes in bacteria (DNA gyrase and/or topoisomerases) and overexpression of antibiotic effl ux pumps. Objective: We have investigated the role of effl ux pump mediated FQ resistance in nosocomial isolates of P. aeruginosa from a tertiary referral hospital in north eastern part of India. Materials and Methods: A total of 234 non-duplicate, consecutive clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa were obtained from a tertiary referral hospital of north-east India. An effl ux pump inhibitor (EPI), carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) based method was used for determination of effl ux pump activity and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for molecular characterisation of effl ux pump. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) reduction assay was also performed for all the isolates. Results and Conclusion: A total number of 56 (23%) have shown effl ux mediated FQ resistance. MexAB-OprM effl ux system was predominant type. This is the fi rst report of effl ux pump mediated FQ resistance from this part of the world and the continued emergence of these mutants with such high MIC range from this part of the world demands serious awareness, diagnostic intervention, and proper therapeutic option.
ABSTRACT
Background: Provisional restorations are fabricated to protect the prepared tooth structure during period between the preparation and the final restoration, and the techniques applied are direct, indirect and indirect direct. Various materials are used to fabricate provisional restoration, such as, preformed crown, acrylic, metal shell, composite, etc. Objectives: The study was designed to evaluate the advantages of fabrication of provisional restorations by indirect technique over direct technique. Methods: This prospective comparative study carried out in the Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, from January 2006 to December 2007, included 20 patients each for insertion of provisional restorations fabricated by indirect (group A) and direct (group B) technique. Outcome was evaluated on the basis of marginal adaptation, biocompatibility and aesthetic status. Results: On day 7 of provisional restoration, grade I marginal adaptation were observed in 75% and 40% of group A and group B patients, respectively, and on day 15 were 75% and 20%, respectively. Grade I biocompatibility on day 7 of group A patients were 100% and group B 30%, and on day 15 was 95% and 35%, respectively. Grade I aesthetic status on day 7 were in 100% of both group A and group B patients, and on day 15 was 95% and 85%, respectively. None of the patients was in grade III, either in marginal adaptation, biocompatibility or aesthetic status. Conclusion: Indirect provisional restoration is better and safer in relation to marginal adaptation, biocompatibility and aesthetic status.
ABSTRACT
Auricularia is the genus of the order Auriculariales with more than 10 species. It is also called ear fungus due to its morphological similarities with human ear and has considerable mythological importance. Auricularia auricula is the type species of the order Auriculariales. Different species of Auricularia are edible and some have medicinal importance and still investigations are going on other species to find out their medicinal properties. Extensive woodland of Nameri National Park provides ideal condition for the growth of different species of Auricularia. In this context the present study has been undertaken to study the taxonomy and diversity of different species of Auricularia and bring together information of its ethenomycological uses. As a result of field and laboratory study four different species of Auricularia were collected of which 3 species were identified and one species remain unidentified.
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of fasting for a period of one month during Ramadan on the lipid profile of Bangladeshi female volunteers who fasted during the Arabic month of Ramadan, when there occurs a change, both in the pattern and timing of dietary intake. Findings of the study showed that Ramadan fast significantly reduced serum Total cholesterol (TC) (p=0.030) and Low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) (p=0.011). A statistically nonsignificant elevation of triglyceride (TG)) was observed (p=0.598). High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) also found to be raised significantly at the end of fasting (p = 0.037). Findings of the study revealed that fasting during the month of Ramadan changes lipid profile pattern in an aniatherogenic direction and may be beneficial to health.
ABSTRACT
Different species of mushrooms are being used increasingly for their nutritional and medicinal values. They are used in traditional medical practice in the treatment and prevention of diabetes, obesity, heart diesaes, hyperacidity, cancer and hypertension. This study was designed to see the effects of Pleurotus ostreatus on blood pressure and glycemic status of hypertensive diabetic male volunteers. The study was carried out in the National Mushroom development and Extension Center (NAMDEC) laboratory, Savar, Dhaka in collaboration with the Department of Pharmacy along with the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jahangirnagar University. A total of 27 hypertensive male volunteers suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus with age range of 32 to 68 years, who were free from renal impairment and other known acute or chronic diseases were included in the study. Blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c and serum creatinine were measured before and after 3 months of regular intake of 3 grams mushroom powder capsule daily in in 3 divided doses. However they were allowed to continue the drugs they were taking already. The study showed that after 3 months of regular intake of Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly (p<0.001). It was also observed that, Pleurotus ostreatus decreased fasting plasma glucose level significantly (p<0.001). Reduction of HbA1c % observed after 3 months of mushroom intake was found to be significant (p<0.001). But there was no significant change of plasma creatinine level (p>0.05) indicating Pleurotus ostreatus has no detrimental effect on renal system. From the study, it can be said that, Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom intake improves glycemic status and blood pressure control in diabetic hypertensive subjects.
ABSTRACT
Medicinal mushrooms have an established history of use in traditional oriental therapies. Contemporary research has validated and documented much of the ancient knowledge. Over the last three decades, the interdisciplinary fields of science that study medicinal mushrooms has sprung up and has increasingly demonstrated the potent and unique properties of compounds extracted from a range of species. Currently, the field is being developed into a very fruitful area. Modern clinical practice in Japan, China, Korea and other Asian countries rely on mushroom-derived preparations. Mushrooms have been studied for nutritional and medical purposes for its various potential anti-tumoral and immunomodulatory componests like polysaccharides that have been identified. For medical purposes, mushrooms have been consumed to prevent cancer and cardiac diseases, to improve blood circulation and to reduce blood cholesterol level. Some of these mushrooms have also been used for the treatment of physical and emotional stress, osteoporosis, gastric ulcers and chronic hepatitis, for the improvement of the quality of life of patients with diabetes and especially for the stimulation of immunity. Shiitake has a history of medicinal uses. The mushroom is used as anticarcinogenic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral as well as antithrombotic in cardiovascular disorders. This article has been written to throw some light on Shiitake mushroom which has many nutritional values. Many Shiitake preparations came in market containing the active ingredients which can replace many other marketed synthetic medicines and may prove to have promising results with fewer side effects.
ABSTRACT
The hydroethanolic extract of the flowering tops of Anthocephalus cadamba (Roxb.) Miq., Rubiaceae, a Bangladeshi medicinal plant, was studied for its potential hypoglycemic effect and antioxidant property in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The extract induced significant reduction in serum glucose, and transaminases, e.g. aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatases (ALP), activities. Significant changes in the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), peroxidase and catalase levels during the experimental period were also observed. The results established that the hydroethanolic extract of the flowering tops of A. cadamba possesses hypoglycemic property and is able to protect liver and brain from oxidative damages caused by diabetes.
ABSTRACT
Pleuropulmonary blastoma is a rare childhood neoplasm accounting for less than one percent of all primary malignant lung tumors of children less than six years of age. Metastasis to CNS, orbit and iris, bone, contralateral lung and rarely adrenal glands, liver, kidney and pancreas has been described. This report presents a rare case of pleuropulmonary blastoma with cervical lymph node metastasis at the time of presentation.
ABSTRACT
Trans-isoferulic acid was isolated from the carbon tetrachloride soluble fraction of a methanol extract of the rhizomes of Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae). The structure of the isolated compound was elucidated by comprehensive analysis of spectroscopic data. This is the first report of its occurrence from this plant.
El ácido trans-isoferulico fue aislado de la fracción soluble en tetracloruro de carbono del extracto metanólico de los rizomas de Curcuma Longa (Zingeraceae). La estructura del compuesto aislado fue elucidada por análisis de los datos espectroscópicos. Este es el primer reporte de su presencia en esta planta.
Subject(s)
Cinnamates/isolation & purification , Curcuma/chemistry , Cinnamates/analysis , Spectrum AnalysisABSTRACT
Magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) are the major intracellular cations whose presence in the serum are low, but minor changes of those may show a remarkable change in the various body functions specially in the heart. The study was designed to find out the correlation between serum Mg and K in acute myocardial infarction (AMI), chronic ischemic heart disease (CIHD) and normal healthy volunteers. It was carried out over a period of 18 months in the Department of Biochemistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in collaboration with Department of Cardiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital (SSMC & MH) and Atomic Energy Center, Dhaka. A total of 101 subjects were included in which 32 subjects were AMI, 34 CIHD and 35 normal healthy volunteers. Serum glucose and serum creatinine were estimated to exclude diabetes and renal dystrophies. Estimation of serum CK-MB and ECG tracing were done as diagnostic tools of AMI and to categories the subjects into various groups. Serum Mg was estimated by Atomic absorption spectrophotometer and serum K by Ion sensitive electrode. The present study shows that there is a strong positive correlation of serum Mg and K in AMI, CIHD and healthy control subjects (r = 0.566, p<0.01 level). So it is suggested to estimate and supplement both Mg and K in IHD patients for their better management.
ABSTRACT
Mushroom possesses a vital portion of fungal kingdom creating a huge diversity. As a food major portion of these are unfit but as a whole these play an important role to maintain a sound health. Among them some are used as food and some as medicine. Many unknown mysterious components, very much needed for homeostasis of human body, are present in mushroom, which are now recognized as important area for biomedical researches. Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) is such a mushroom which is used both as food and medicine to ensure the fitness of body. It contains protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, water, different kinds of vitamins and minerals as well as secondary metabolites. Its statins are outstanding in decreasing the harmful plasma lipids and in reducing blood pressure thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The beta-glucan component of oyster stimulates the immune system of the body. This mushroom is also found to be effective and beneficial in diabetes, cancer, microbial infections and so on. However, there are many other life saving components in oyster mushroom whose nature, effectiveness and mode of actions are yet to be characterized and defined.These valuable unknown informations are now subjects of researches. Bangladesh, like other countries of the world is conducting such type of researches but still has to go a long way in this field. At this very moment, it can be said beyond any doubt that oyster mushroom is very good as an alternative food and as a medicine.
ABSTRACT
This cross-sectional study was carried out in 80 serologically diagnosed cases of acute viral hepatitis to assess and compare the serum hepatic enzymes & plasma proteins between four different types (A,B,C,E), 20 in each group. Hepatitis E, hepatitis B and hepatitis C were more prevalent in males than that in females. The study showed that geometric mean of S.AST of all the four types differed significantly (F= 274.94, p<0.001). Geometric mean of S.ALT, S.AST and S.ALP in cases of HCV were significantly lower than others (p<0.001). Geometric mean of S.ALT & S.AST in cases of HEV were significantly increased than others (p<0.001). But the geometric mean of S.ALP of HBV was significantly higher than others (p<0.001). On the other hand though S.ALP of HAV and HEV was lower than HBV but significantly higher than HCV (p<0.001). The mean±SD of serum albumin of HCV was decreased significantly in contrast to those of HAV and HBV (p<0.001). A:G ratio of HCV was also significantly lower than other three (p<0.001). It was revealed through the study that hepatic enzymes were most affected in cases of HEV but least affected in cases of HCV.
Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/drug therapy , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Cisplatin/therapeutic use , Diagnosis, Differential , Fatal Outcome , Female , Humans , Mesonephroma/drug therapy , Middle Aged , Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy , Staining and Labeling , Taxoids/therapeutic useABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of magnesium hydroxide (MH) on disintegration time (DT) and dissolution profile of diclofenac sodium (DS) plain tablet. The tablets of DS were formulated with conventionally used excipients and investigational agent Mg [OH] 2. Different parameters of tablets like hardness, thickness, friability, and disintegration time and dissolution rate were determined to assess the effects of MH on these parameters. The physical resistance against abrasion or shock of DS-MH tablets had been noticed by the results of hardness and friability test which were within the limits of standard specification. The disintegration times of tablets of the experimental batches except one, found 2.0 to 25 minutes were also within the limits of standard specification. The release rates of DS in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) at 30 minutes were inspiring about batches FO3: 84.78% and FO4: 90.38%. A positive correlation of coefficient determined between quantity of Mg(OH)2 in different batches of tablets and their effects on dissolution rate was found statistically significant (r = 0.66). The tmax of DS was not affected by the presence or increment of MH as evident in r tmax= 0.50. The overall study indicated that Magnesium hydroxide didn’t affect the different physical parameters of plain tablet rather it in certain quantity while present in some batches assisted rapid disintegration and release profile of active content Diclofenac sodium. The DS-MH plain tablet to provide rapid disintegration, dissolution and absorption hence fastest antiinflammatory action with acid neutralizing benefits by MH, might be considered sincerely