Impacts of Biosynthesized Manganese Dioxide Nanoparticles on Antioxidant Capacity, Hematological Parameters, and Antioxidant Protein Docking in Broilers.

Using green tomato extract, a green approach was used to synthesize manganese oxide nanoparticles (MnO2NPs). The synthesis of MnO2NPs was (20.93-36.85 nm) confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) analyses. One hundred fifty-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly divided into five groups. The control group received a diet containing 60 mg Mn/kg (100% NRC broiler recommendation). The other four groups received different levels of Mn from both bulk MnO2 and green synthesized MnO2NPs, ranging from 66 to 72 mg/kg (110% and 120% of the standard level). Each group comprised 30 birds, in three replicates of 10 birds each. Generally, the study's results indicate that incorporating MnO2NPs as a feed additive had no negative effects on broiler chick growth, antioxidant status, and overall physiological responses. The addition of MnO2NPs, whether at 66 or 72 mg/kg, led to enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in both serum and liver tissues of the broiler chicks. Notably, the 72 mg MnO2NPs group displayed significantly higher SOD activity compared to the other groups. The study was further justified through docking. High throughput targeted docking was performed for proteins GHS, GST, and SOD with MnO2. SOD showed an effective binding affinity of -2.3 kcal/mol. This research sheds light on the potential of MnO2NPs as a safe and effective feed additive for broiler chicks. Further studies are required to explore the underlying mechanisms and long-term effects of incorporating MnO2NPs into broiler feed, to optimize broiler production and promote its welfare.

Error-Aware Data Clustering for In-Network Data Reduction in Wireless Sensor Networks.

A wireless sensor network (WSN) deploys hundreds or thousands of nodes that may introduce large-scale data over time. Dealing with such an amount of collected data is a real challenge for energy-constraint sensor nodes. Therefore, numerous research works have been carried out to design efficient data clustering techniques in WSNs to eliminate the amount of redundant data before transmitting them to the sink while preserving their fundamental properties. This paper develops a new error-aware data clustering (EDC) technique at the cluster-heads (CHs) for in-network data reduction. The proposed EDC consists of three adaptive modules that allow users to choose the module that suits their requirements and the quality of the data. The histogram-based data clustering (HDC) module groups temporal correlated data into clusters and eliminates correlated data from each cluster. Recursive outlier detection and smoothing (RODS) with HDC module provides error-aware data clustering, which detects random outliers using temporal correlation of data to maintain data reduction errors within a predefined threshold. Verification of RODS (V-RODS) with HDC module detects not only random outliers but also frequent outliers simultaneously based on both the temporal and spatial correlations of the data. The simulation results show that the proposed EDC is computationally cheap, able to reduce a significant amount of redundant data with minimum error, and provides efficient error-aware data clustering solutions for remote monitoring environmental applications.

Peak expiratory flow rate of normal school going children in Mymensingh municipality.

This cross sectional study was conducted to measure the PEFR values of normal school going children of Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Peak expiatory flow rate (PEFR) is a lung function test which is easily measurable and reproducible but the base line values of PEFR have not been studied in large scale among Bangladeshi children. In Mymensingh municipality out of 79 schools 4 schools were selected purposively. A total of 984 (499 boys and 485 girls, nearly equal in ratio) normal children (6-15 years), were selected randomly by using lottery technic in classroom. To obtain peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) mini Wright peak flow meter was used. The highest of three readings was taken as the correct value. Anthropometric parameters including body weight and height were recorded by bathroom scale and stadiometer respectively and body surface area was calculated. According to age interval (10 months) in boys and girls the mean difference of PEFR values showed that among age categories of 6, 7 & 8 years had no significant (p were <0.18, <0.73 and <0.70 accordingly) and all other age categories the mean difference of PEFR between boys and girls had significant (p<0.01). The correlation coefficient (r values) and the level of significance between different anthropometric parameters and PEFR in case of boys and girls were significant (p<0.001). Correlation of height (boys r=0.961 & girls r=0.954) with PEFR was the highest in comparison to other anthropometric parameters (age, sex and body weight). Boys had significantly higher values of PEFR than the girls at any height.

Feeding practices and nutritional status of children under two years of age.

A descriptive cross sectional study was done in the department of Pediatrics Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. The purpose of the study was to assess breast feeding pattern, complementary feeding pattern, types of complementary foods and also to assess the nutritional status and to detect any relationship with the nutritional status and the feeding practices. Mothers with their children aged less than 2 years were included and very sick children, mother less children, handicapped children were excluded. Four hundred (400) consecutive children were enrolled from eight upazillas of Mymensingh district who were selected randomly. Out of 400 children, 214 children (53.5%) were male and 186 children (47.5%) were female and M:F was 1.2:1. Exclusive breastfeeding rate was 41.5%. Pre-lacteal feeding rate were 30.7% and most common pre-lacteal foods were honey and sugar water. Colostrum was given in 69.3% children. Breast feeding continued at the time of interview was 58.1%. Complementary feeding started in time in 35.8%, early weaning in 44.5% children. Type of complementary food was mainly luta (rice powder mixed with boiled water and sugar only) in 38.8% and khichuri (rice, pulses, soybean oil) in 19.5%. Bottle feeding rate was 31.30%. Around 43% children were underweight and 10.25% children were severely underweight and common in between 12 to 23 months of age group. Around 29% children were stunted among 11.25% were severely stunted. About 13.5% children were wasted and among them 2.5% were severely wasted. Stunting prevalent over the age of 9 months and wasting started after 6 months of age. Malnutrition was common in partially breast fed and early weaning with carbohydrate rich food.

Nonspirometric aspects of pulmonary function in subjects with dust industries.

Bangladesh is a developing country. Many workers are involved in different industries which are polluted with dust e.g. saw mill, rice mill, jarda factory etc. The present study may give a preliminary idea about the lung function status of those workers. The study has been designed to analyze the lung function status of those workers by measuring TCO2 aiming to recommend necessary steps to improved the quality of life of workers of dust industry in our socioeconomic context. This study was to evaluate pulmonary functional status of those workers who are exposed to dust in industries like saw mill 26.00 mmol/l, rice mill 31.10 mmol/l and jarda factory 22.11 mmol/l. In all groups p values were >0.1 which was not significant except jarda factory worker in which p value was <0.001 and it was highly significant. This study was carried out to increase the awareness of the workers and to reduce the cost of employment.

Drop-out and admission cancel rate among the students in a selected medical college.

A record based descriptive type of study was carried out among the under-graduate students of Mymensingh Medical College from the session 1966-67 to 2006-07. The academic years were divided into four decades and admission was followed into three categories such as retained, cancellation and drop-out. Total number of the students was 5892. Among them 3848(65.30%) were male and 2044(34.69%) were female. Out of 5892 students drop-out was 282(4.78%) and admission cancel was 304(5.15%). It was also found that drop-out in male was 232(6.02%) and in female was 50(2.44%) and admission cancel in male was 266(5.87%) and in female was 78(3.81%). The difference was found statistically significant (p<0.001). It was observed that gradually the drop-out and admission cancel rate is decreasing from the very beginning to till now. It was also observed that all drop-out and admission cancellation were in first & second year students. There was no continuation of their class roll numbers in third year registration.

Analysis of arsenic concentrations and correlation in water, soil and aurum by neutron activation analysis technique: a case study in Bagerhat, Bangladesh.

Arsenic concentrations were measured in water, soil and arum (vegetables) samples using the Neutron Activation Analysis method and a correlation between arsenic concentrations in the samples was investigated. The case study at Bagerhat, Bangladesh revealed that almost all the water samples were contaminated by a hazardous level of arsenic that exceeding the World Health Organization recommended value of 0.05 mg/L for Bangladesh. Arsenic concentration of all the water samples ranged from 0.09 to 0.87 mg/L. The concentrations in soil and aurum samples were found to be in the range of 2.22-35.21 and 0.07-0.73 mg/kg, respectively. A positive correlation between arsenic concentrations in soil and water samples was observed. Aurum sample was found to be contaminated by arsenic to a harmful level if the corresponding water sample was also highly contaminated.

Studies on serum LDL-cholesterol in second and third trimester of pregnancy.

The present study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh during the period of July 2006 to June 2007 to evaluate the effect of pregnancy on serum LDL-cholesterol. The serum concentrations of LDL-cholesterol was measured in 100cases during their 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy and in a control group of 100 cases of non pregnant women which was matched on reproductive age. Data were analyzed by computer with SPSS program using unpaired student 't' test. The result showed that the pregnant women had significantly higher concentrations of serum LDL-cholesterol. Higher concentrations of serum LDL-cholesterol was more common in pregnant than control and reaching maximum at 3rd trimester of pregnancy. This may be a purely physiological response to pregnancy or it may be indicative of pathology in some women. These results warrant a follow up study to investigative whether the LDL hypercholesterolemia persists after parturition.

Gestational anemia.

Gestational anemia is a common public health problem in our country. Most anemia during pregnancy results from an increased need for iron as her body is making more blood. Often dietary supplementation does not provide enough iron to meet the extra needs. Also the growing baby takes all the iron it needs from mother, regardless of how much iron is stored in mother's blood. Gestational Anemia contributed significantly to maternal morbidity and mortality, IUGR, preterm delivery and perinatal morbidity and mortality. A high proportion of women in both industrialized and developing countries become anemic during pregnancy. The most important cause of gestational anemia due to iron deficiency, because high iron requirements during pregnancy are not easily fulfilled by dietary intake. Adequate iron stores can help a pregnant women replace lost red blood cells. So, iron supplementation is strongly recommended for all pregnant women in developing countries. Oral iron intake is the treatment of choice and almost all pregnant women can be treated effectively with oral iron preparation during their pregnancy period.

Retirement and relevant contemplation.

Retirement literally means withdrawing from the service. The retirement age varies from country to country, generally between 55 and 70 years. There are many effects of retirement upon retirees. The physical and mental health may be disrupted or decline or may remain unaffected. Early retirement have an increased mortality than those who retired lately. Mandatory retirement is applicable to certain occupation like military personnel and airline pilot. Life after retirement from service may have many options like retired community, charities, tourism, and care for grand children or devote to a hobby or sports. The responsibilities of the Government, family and society are the key for the betterment of retired persons. Staying healthy, maintaining social support, spiritual life, good finance and making daily routine prevent stress after retirement.

Anthropometric assessment in retired geriatric population.

Bangladesh is one of the twenty countries in the world with the largest elderly populations, and by 2025, along with four other Asian countries, will account for 44% of world's total elderly population. This rapidly increasing population is a new and important group in terms of social and health policy in the country. As retired geriatric population is increasing day by day and there is a striking increase in their life expectancy and as malnutrition, overweight, obesity is commonly accompanying the elderly and all these leads to many functional impairment and diseases. So, evaluations of anthropometric measurements of retired Geriatric population are essential. This study was done for the evaluation the anthropometric measurement of retired geriatric people. This was a cross-sectional study. A total number of 70 retired subjects 57 years to 90 years were included in this study. All the subjects were evidently healthy both physically and mentally and without known hypertension, diabetes, renal diseases. Another 70 normal adult aged 18 to 55 years were taken as control group. All were obtained from different areas of greater Mymensingh districts of Bangladesh. Height, weight were measured and then Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. In the present study the result were interpreted as a mean of measured values with standard deviation (SD). The data were statistically analyzed by a computer with the statistical package for social science (SPSS) program (version 12.0). Both the descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated using the above programme. The mean+/-SD of BMI of study group was 24.49+/-1.11 and of control group was 23.43+/-1.46, which is a bit higher than the control group and is statistically highly significant. The mean BMI of study group was a bit higher than the control group, yet all the values were within physiological limits. So the retired geriatric population having normal anthropometric measurements in our setting.

Iodized salt induced thyrotoxicosis: Bangladesh perspective.

The effects of iodized and non-iodized salt on the thyroid gland and its hormones T3, T4 and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were studied in 200 individuals who were the residents of plain areas of greater Mymensingh district. The subjects were collected from the Center for Nuclear Medicine and Ultrasound, Mymensingh. Out of 200 individuals 150 were using iodized salt and 50 were using non-iodized salt. The iodized and non-iodized salt users were marked as study and control groups respectively. Blood samples were taken from both the groups and T3 and T4 in blood serum were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) while TSH was determined by immunoradiometricassay (IRMA). The mean concentration of T3 were 2.633 nmol/L and 2.223 nmol/L and T4 concentration were 122.444 nmol/L and 110.355 nmol/L in study and control group respectively. The mean TSH concentration was 5.044 mIU/L and 9.622 mIU/L in study and control group respectively. The data indicated that continuous and long term use of iodized salt increased both T3 and T4 and decreased TSH in study group. The results were significant (p<0.05) when compared to that of the control. The results suggested that mandatory mass consumption of iodized table salt without T3, T4 and TSH screening of blood may produce iodinated salt induced thyrotoxicosis (ISIT) in peoples living in plain areas of Bangladesh. We suggest close regular monitoring of T3, T4 and TSH and urinary excretion of iodine of individuals who are using iodized salt for better management of iodinated salt program in our setting.

Is affluent society aware of their health status?

Our study was done on 111 participants of different government institutions who were involved in the highest most responsibilities in their respective jobs. Their higher educational level, job stress, type1 personality affect a lot on their health status. Therefore, it was our concern to investigate the various health risk factors and their impacts on the health status of this study group. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, physical activity level and smoking status among the subjects. This cross-sectional study was done from July 2006 to June 2007. 2.7% of the subjects were newly diagnosed as hypertensive as well as urinary sugar was present in 3.6% of the subjects. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 24.32% and diabetes was 11.71%. Subjects who adopted regular physical exercise were less likely to develop hypertension. No significant association was found between BMI and hypertension as well as diabetes mellitus. In spite of their higher educational level, 30% of the subjects were smokers. So, regular check up of health status even in a year is necessary.

Angiogenesis-a novel therapeutic approach for ischemic heart disease.

Angiogenesis is the biologic process of forming new blood vessels. Undoubtedly, blood vessels growth regulation is a vital aspect in health and disease. Under physiological conditions, angiogenesis is regulated by local balance between endogenous stimulators and inhibitors of this process. In many diseases state body loses control over angiogenesis. Angiogenesis-dependent diseases result when new blood vessels either grow excessively or insufficiently. Insufficient angiogenesis occurs in diseases such as coronary artery disease, stroke and chronic wounds. Myocardial ischemia both acute and chronic has been clearly shown to stimulate angiogenesis in many experimental models. Therapeutic angiogenesis is the biological agents or bioactive material to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels. Traditional coronary revascularization therapies such as coronary angioplasty or bypass graft surgery, act by restoring blood flow through the preexisting coronary vessels. One limitation of these approaches, however, may be the failure to normalize myocardial perfusion, due to the concomitant presence or small of resistance vessel disease. In contrast, therapeutic angiogenesis is based on the concept that coronary collateral development may be stimulated by pharmacological or molecular means and can limit myocardial ischemia. Studies, both in human and animal models support the notion that, various angiogenic growth factors and progenitor cells can enhance new blood vessels. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), recombinant proteins and bone marrow stem cells are currently used therapeutic stimulators for angiogenesis. As coronary artery disease is the major cause of death in the developed societies and also an emerging health problem in developing countries like Bangladesh therapeutic angiogenesis may provide hope as a new treatment modality for ischemic heart disease with or in place of current therapies.

What is known to us about renal function of our retired peoples?

BACKGROUND: Bangladesh is one of the twenty countries in the world with the largest elderly populations, and by 2025, along with four other Asian countries, will account for 44% of world's total elderly population. This rapidly increasing population is a new and important group in terms of social and health policy in the country. As retired geriatric population is increasing day by day and there is a striking increase in their life expectancy and a decrease kidney function recognized as risk factor for morbidity and mortality in the elderly so evaluation of the renal function of retired persons are essential. OBJECTIVE: To assess the renal function of retired geriatric population by estimation of creatinine clearance by Cockcroft-Gault formula. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANT: Retired persons aged 57 years and above without known hypertension, diabetes, renal diseases as study group and healthy adult aged 18-55 years as control group were included in this study. All were obtained from different areas of greater Mymensingh districts. INTERVENTION: Under strict aseptic precaution, venous blood was collected and serum creatinine of all were measured by deproteinization method and then calculation of creatinine clearance was done by using Cock-croft Gault formula. OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum Creatinine, Creatinine clearance. RESULT: Significant decrease of creatinine clearance was found in the study group (57 years and above) in comparison to control group (p<0.001). There is progressive decrease of creatinine clearance values by age. LIMITATION: Calculation of Creatinine clearance by Cock-croft formula is not unambiguous and still not accepted unanimously globally. The other tests of renal function were not done. CONCLUSION: Though the mean creatinine clearance values were significantly decreased in 57 years and above which was progressively decreased by age, yet values were within normal physiological limits. So the retired geriatric population has good renal function in our setting.

Histomorphological study of lymphoid follicle of vermiform appendix.

The study was done to find out the number of lymphoid follicle of vermiform appendix in Bangladeshi people and to increase the knowledge regarding variational anatomy in our population. Total 40 fresh appendixes were collected for histological study of different age and sex during postmortem examination in the autopsy laboratory of Forensic department of Mymensingh Medical College. This cross sectional descriptive study was done by convenient sampling technique. For convenience of differentiating the number of lymphoid follicle of vermiform appendix in relation to age and sex, findings were classified in four groups, up to 20 years, 21 to 35 years, 36 to 55 years and 56 to 70 years. In the present study the number of lymphoid follicle were highest in group A, mean were (5.40+/-1.30) and lowest in group D where mean were (1.05+/-0.35). In male mean were 3.16 and in female mean were 2.86. Diameter of the lymphoid follicle in group A was highest (40.14+/-2.66) and lowest in group D (0.24+/-1.35). Number of germinal centre are highest in group B (2.20 +/- 0.45) and lowest in group D (0.00 +/- 0.00).

Anticholesterol antibody: the way for reduction of hypercholesterolemia.

Antibodies specific to cholesterol was first reported in 1925. It may develop in the body naturally and it is believed that this antibody has a protective role against harmful forms of cholesterol, such as LDL & VLDL. An immunoglobulin protein, anticholesterol may be found in both circulation as well as digestive tract. Many studies have been done on anticholesterol antibody. Our immune system may produce anticholesterol antibodies in response to elevated levels of cholesterol rich particles, such as LDL & VLDL. It can be induced in animals by conjugating or incorporating the cholesterol antigen into a variety of structures. Immunization markedly decreases the risk of developing atherosclerosis. In comparison to non-tumorous normal subject, the antibody is found to be significantly higher in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Elevated anti-cholesterol antibodies might be applicable for the serodiagnosis of NSCLC. Some studies showed that LDL immunization induces T-cell dependent antibody formation that protects atherosclerosis. Origo Biosciences scientists had identified a dietary antibody to cholesterol. This protein, when ingested, binds to cholesterol in the human digestive tract and blocks its absorption into the bloodstream. These studies may lead to us to realize the importance of anticholesterol and to find the way for reduction of hypercholesterolemia and thereby reduction of morbidity and mortality.

Drug abuse and addiction.

Among the social and medical ills of the twentieth century, substance abuse ranks as on one of the most devastating and costly. The drug problem today is a major global concern including Bangladesh. Almost all addictive drugs over stimulate the reward system of the brain, flooding it with the neurotransmitter dopamine. That produces euphoria and that heightened pleasure can be so compelling that the brain wants that feeling back again and again. However repetitive exposure induces widespread adaptive changes in the brain. As a consequence drug use may become compulsive. An estimated 4.7% of the global population aged 15 to 64 or 184 million people, consume illicit drug annually. Heroin use alone is responsible for the epidemic number of new cases of HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis and drug addicted infant born each year. Department of narcotic control (DNC) in Bangladesh reported in June 2008 that about 5 million drug addicts in the country & addicts spend at least 17 (Seventeen) billion on drugs per year. Among these drug addicts, 91% are young and adolescents population. Heroin is the most widely abused drugs in Bangladesh. For geographical reason like India, Pakistan and Myanmar; Bangladesh is also an important transit root for internationally trafficking of illicit drug. Drug abuse is responsible for decreased job productivity and attendance increased health care costs, and escalations of domestic violence and violent crimes. Drug addiction is a preventable disease. Through scientific advances we now know much more about how exactly drugs work in the brain, and we also know that drug addiction can be successfully treated to help people stop abusing drugs and resume their productive lives. Most countries have legislation designed to criminalize some drugs. To decrease the prevalence of this problem in our setting; increase awareness, promoting additional research on abused and addictive drugs, and exact implementation of existing laws are strongly recommended. We should also deserve renewed attention on prescription drug abuse. It is imperative that as a nation we make ourselves aware of the consequences associated with drug abuse. Otherwise devastating effects of drug will destroy the manpower and economic growth of the country.

Not a NICE CT protocol for the acutely head injured child.

AIM: To assess the impact of the introduction of the Birmingham Children's Hospital (BCH) head injury computed tomography (CT) guidelines, when compared with the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines, on the number of children with head injuries referred from the Emergency Department (ED) undergoing a CT examination of the head. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All children attending BCH ED over a 6-month period with any severity of head injury were included in the study. ED case notes were reviewed and data were collected on a specifically designed proforma. Indications for a CT examination according to both NICE and BCH head injury guidelines and whether or not CT examinations were performed were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 1428 children attended the BCH ED following a head injury in the 6-month period. The median age was 4 years (range 6 days to 15 years) and 65% were boys. Four percent of children were referred for a CT using BCH guidelines and were appropriately examined. If the NICE guidelines had been strictly adhered to a further 8% of children would have undergone a CT examination of the head. All of these children were discharged without complication. The remaining 88% had no indication for CT examination by either BCH or NICE and appropriately did not undergo CT. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to the NICE head injury guidelines would have resulted in a three-fold increase in the total number of CT examinations of the head. The BCH head injury guidelines are both safe and appropriate in the setting of a large children's hospital experienced in the management of children with head injuries.