Frequency of Hyponatremia in Adults with Acute Bacterial Meningitis.

Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening disease. Bacterial meningitis patients are prone to develop acute hyponatremia. In the central nervous system infection hyponatremia could be due to the Syndrome of Inappropriate Anti Diuretic Hormone secretion. The frequency of hyponatremia in adults with acute bacterial meningitis patients was seen in this study. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Internal Medicine Department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from February 2016 to July 2016. A total of 50 patients were enrolled in this study by purposive sampling. Among 50 acute bacterial meningitis patients, 33 (66%) were diagnosed as hyponatremic state. The mean serum sodium level of 33 hyponatremic bacterial meningitis cases was 130.66±2.95 mmol/L. Most of the cases (78.79%) were mild hyponatremic state (130 mmol/L-135 mmol/L) whereas 18.18% were revealed as moderate hyponatremia (125 mmol/L-129 mmol/L). Only 3.03% of cases were presented as severe cases (≤124 mmol/L). The result revealed that a large number of patients with acute bacterial meningitis were suffering from hyponatremia and in the majority of cases were mildly hyponatremic.

Atypical Presentations of Childhood Simple Partial Seizures: a Case Series.

Childhood epilepsy can masquerade as a variety of psychiatric disorders or behavioural abnormalities. Differentiating between simple partial seizure and psychiatric disorders remains a challenge. We report on three children with simple partial seizure, each presented atypically with migraine, tingling sensations, and/or crying spells. When dealing with atypical symptomatology, clinicians should utilise a multidirectional, rather than unidirectional, diagnostic approach when making their diagnosis.

Water quality assessment of the Ganges River during COVID-19 lockdown.

Ganges River water quality was assessed to record the changes due to the nation-wide pandemic lockdown. Satellite-based (Sentinel-2) water quality analysis before and during lockdown was performed for seven selected locations spread across the entire stretch of the Ganges (Rishikesh-Dimond Harbour). Results revealed that due to the lockdown, the water quality of the Ganges improved with reference to specific water quality parameters, but the improvements were region specific. Along the entire stretch of Ganges, only the Haridwar site showed improvement to an extent of being potable as per the threshold set by the Central Pollution Control Board, New Delhi, India. A 55% decline in turbidity at that site during the lockdown was attributed to the abrupt halt in pilgrimage activities. Absorption by chromophoric dissolved organic matter which is an indicator of organic pollution declined all along the Ganges stretch with a maximum decline at the downstream location of Diamond Harbour. Restricted discharge of industrial effluent, urban pollution, sewage from hotels, lodges, and spiritual dwellings along the Ganges are some of the reasons behind such declines. No significant change in the geographic trend of chlorophyll-a was observed. The findings of this study highlight the importance of regular monitoring of the changes in the Ganges water quality using Sentinel-2 data to further isolate the anthropogenic impact, as India continues the phase-wise opening amidst the pandemic.

The interplay between spatial and heliconical orientational order in twist-bend nematic materials.

The helical pitch formed by organic molecules, such as the α-helix of proteins, usually requires hydrogen bonding between chiral units and long-range positional order. It was recently found that certain liquid crystal oligomers can have a twist-bend nematic (NTB) phase with nanoscale heliconical structure without hydrogen bonding, molecular chirality or positional order. To understand the nature of this unique structure, here we present hard and resonant tender X-ray scattering studies of two novel sulfur containing dimer materials. We simultaneously measure the temperature dependences of the helical pitch and the correlation length of both the helical and positional order. In addition to an unexpected strong variation of the pitch with the length of the spacer connecting the monomer units, we find that at the transition to the NTB phase the positional correlation length drops. The helical structure was found not only in the NTB phase but observed even in the upper range of a smectic phase that forms just below the NTB state. The coexistence of smectic layering and the heliconical order indicates a layered (SmATB) phase wherein the rigid units of the dimers are tilted with respect to the smectic layer normal in order to accommodate the bent conformation of the dimers and the tilt direction rotates along the heliconical axis.

The Pattern of Lipid Profile in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Dyslipidemia is a common problem in chronic kidney disease patients. Dyslipidemia in chronic kidney disease patients has been known to be a major risk factor of their cardiovascular disease and may contribute to progressive renal dysfunction. The result of the study might be of interest in improving preventive strategies and in management of dyslipidemia in chronic kidney disease patients. This cross sectional study was conducted to evaluate changes in lipid profile in patients with chronic kidney disease stage-3 to stage-5 patients and to correlate the biochemical abnormalities with progression of the disease in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh from October, 2016 to April, 2017. In this study 200 patients were including and subjected to do complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, random blood sugar, routine examination of urine, serum creatinine and fasting lipid profile. Two hundred (200) patients (134 males, 66 females) with the mean age were 50.5±12.43 years. 44.5% patients were in CKD stage-5, 37.5% patients were in CKD stage-4, 18% patients were in CKD stage-3. Mean value of Triglyceride (TG) was 194±47.20. Eighty nine percent (89%) patient had hyper-triglyceridemia and 11% had normal triglyceride level. It was statistically significant increased in triglyceride level (p<0.05). Mean value of High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was 34±6.10. Low HDL-C had in 87.5% patients, normal in 12.5% patients and was statistically significant reduction in HDL-C level (p<0.05). Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) mean was 113±35.6. High level of LDL-C had optimal/or near optimal in 47% patients, 39% patients had borderline high and 14% patients had that was not statistically significant (p>0.10). Total cholesterol (TC) mean was 212±45.3. In 38% patients had within desirable level, 62% patients had high level of Total cholesterol (TC). It was not statistically significant change (p>0.01).

Heterogeneous precipitation mediated heterogeneous nanostructure enhances strength-ductility synergy in severely cryo-rolled and annealed CoCrFeNi2.1Nb0.2 high entropy alloy.

Possibilities of enhancing mechanical properties of brittle intermetallic containing high entropy alloys (HEAs) using novel processing and microstructural design strategies were investigated in the present work. For this purpose, homogenized CoCrFeNi2.1Nb0.2 HEA consisting of FCC matrix and complex Laves phase particles was successfully processed by severe cold- or cryo-rolling to 90% reduction in thickness followed by annealing (800 °C/1 hour(h)). As compared to cold-rolling, cryo-rolling resulted in a finer lamellar nanostructure and decidedly greater fragmentation of the Laves phase. Upon annealing, the cold-rolled HEA showed a recrystallized FCC matrix dispersed with D019 structured ε nano-precipitates. In contrast, the finer nanostructure and greater driving force for accelerated precipitation of profuse nano-precipitates at the early stages of annealing inhibited recrystallization in the cryo-rolled HEA and resulted in the formation of heterogeneous microstructure consisting of retained deformed and recrystallized regions. The novel heterogeneous microstructure of the cryo-rolled and annealed HEA resulted in a remarkable enhancement in strength-ductility synergy. The present results indicated that cryo-rolling could be used as an innovative processing strategy for tailoring heterogeneous microstructure and achieving novel mechanical properties.

Frequency and Risk Factors of Erectile Dysfunction among Bangladeshi Adult Men with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Various forms of sexual dysfunction occur in men with diabetes mellitus (DM) including disorders of libido, ejaculatory problems, and erectile dysfunction (ED). This cross sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital of Bangladesh from December 2017 to May 2018 to find out the frequency and risk factors of ED in subjects with type 2 DM (T2DM). One hundred fifty (150) consecutive male patients with T2DM attending the Endocrinology outpatient department (OPD) of the hospital during the study period were evaluated for the presence of ED by using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire; their socio-demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data were also recorded. Glycemic status was assessed by measurement of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c. Morning serum testosterone was measured in all. Among 150 subjects 68(45.3%) had ED; ED was mild in 14.7%, mild to moderate in 18.0%, moderate in 6.0% whereas severe ED was present in 6.7% of the subjects. The subjects with ED had higher mean age, longer duration of DM, higher body mass index (BMI), higher HbA1c, higher FPG, higher serum creatinine, and lower serum testosterone level than those without ED. Study subjects in the higher age group and higher duration of DM had higher frequencies of ED. IIEF-5 score showed significant negative correlation with age, duration of DM, HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, serum creatinine and significant positive correlation with serum testosterone. In logistic regression analysis, duration of DM and serum testosterone were found be independent predictors of ED. Frequency of ED among Bangladeshi type 2 diabetic males is high; duration of DM and serum testosterone are independent predictors of ED in them.

Impact of conventional retting of jute (Corchorus spp.) on the environmental quality of water: a case study.

Production of quality jute fibre primarily depends on the retting process of jute. However, the quality of retting water is of great concern because of the scarcity of available water bodies for retting. A study conducted on physico-chemical and microbiological changes in retting water (pre- and post-retting) from four intensively jute-growing districts namely Nadia, North 24 Parganas, Hooghly and South Dinajpur of West Bengal, India, during jute retting. The post-retting water samples recorded lower pH (6.22 to 7.08) and higher EC (electrical conductivity) (0.509 to 0.850 ds/m) compared with pre-retting water samples (pH 6.63 to 7.44; EC 0.197 to 0.330 ds/m) collected from all the four districts under study. The biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) increased several folds in the post-retting water samples indicating very high microbial growth and activities and depleted oxygen level compared with pre-retting water. The Ca + Mg (calcium + magnesium) content in pre-retting water was high (24.15 to 36.60 ppm) which raised further (61.30 to 103.67 ppm) in post-retting water, while the bicarbonate content also increased and ranged between 2.72 and 6.81 me/l in post-retting water compared with its status in pre-retting water (1.30 to 3.15 me/l). The post-retting water was found to be a rich source of nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) which increased substantially because of jute retting as compared with their status in pre-retting water. The population of pectinolytic, xylanolytic, cellulolytic and ligninolytic bacterial cfu (colony forming unit) increased by 1.5 times in post-retting water as compared with pre-retting water, because these specific bacterial population were involved in the degradation of pectin, xylan, cellulose and lignin during retting of jute. Thus, post-retting water can be judiciously used as a potent source of primary, secondary and micronutrients for succeeding crops besides having higher BOD and COD as a result of higher microbial growth related to jute retting.

Coenzyme Q10 ameliorates cadmium induced reproductive toxicity in male rats.

This study aimed at investigating the protective role of CoQ10 against cadmium (Cd)-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. Adult male Wistar rats were exposed to an acute dose of Cd (25 mg/kg bwt; Cd group), Cd+CoQ10 (25 mg/kg bwt Cd+10 mg CoQ10; Cd-Q10 group) and distilled water (control) in vivo for 15 consecutive days and semen quality was assessed. A significant reduction was noted in sperm concentration, progressive motility, morphology and DNA integrity in both Cd- and Cd-Q10 groups in comparison to control indicating Cd-induced testicular lipid per oxidation (LPO) and decline in indigenous antioxidant defense system as measured by total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (p<0.05). However, simultaneous co-administration of CoQ10 along with Cd (Cd-Q10 group) was able to improve sperm concentration, motility, progressive motility, morphology, DNA integrity, and testicular TAC as well as lower LPO compared to Cd group (p<0.05). Results indicate that used dose of CoQ10 is capable of moderately ameliorating reproductive toxicity of Cd by improving semen quality and reducing testicular oxidative stress.

Practical consensus recommendations on duration of adjuvant hormonal therapy in breast cancer.

Optimization of adjuvant systemic therapy in women with early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer includes the consideration of chemotherapy and duration of hormone therapy. Adjuvant hormonal therapy significantly improves long-term survival of breast cancer patients with hormone receptor-positive disease. Despite the proven clinical efficacy of tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, many breast cancer survivors either fail to take the correct dosage at the prescribed frequency (adherence) or discontinue therapy (persistence). Expert oncologist discussed on the duration of adjuvant hormonal therapy for improvement of OS and quality of life of breast cancer patients by providing reduction in recurrence and mortality. This expert group used data from published literature, practical experience and opinion of a large group of academic oncologists to arrive at this practical consensus recommendations for the benefit of community oncologists.

Thiophene Appended Dual Fluorescent Sensor for Detection of Hg2+ and Cysteamine.

An efficient and highly selective pyrene-thiophene conjugate has been reported as a dual sensor for Hg2+ and cysteamine (an important drug for genetic disorder). The sensor displays a turn-on fluorescence response towards Hg2+ in a 2:1 stoichiometric ratio via excimer formation with a detection limit as low as of 30.6 nM. The excimer emission upon binding with Hg2+ has been rationalized by experimental as well as theoritical studies. Moreover, the [probe-Hg2+] adduct functions as an efficient sensor for cysteamine. This sensing process happens via the extraction of Hg2+ from the adduct. In this paper, change in emission properties of the receptor with varying pH and water content has also been explained. The sensing abilities of the sensor were examined in real water sample analysis. Therefore, the sensor can be used as an efficient and reusable fluorescent sensor for recognition of Hg2+ in water.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of kordoi (Averrhoa carambola) fruit juice and bamboo (Bambusa polymorpha) shoot extract in pork nuggets.

Pork nuggets with 'very good' acceptability was processed by incorporating kordoi (Averrhoa carambola) fruit juice and bamboo (Bambusa polymorpha) shoot extract, and their physical, chemical, microbiological and sensorial characteristics were evaluated during 35 days storage under refrigeration. Addition of kordoi fruit juice (4%) and bamboo shoot extract (6%) had a significant effect on the pH, moisture, protein, fat, fiber, instrumental color values and texture profiles of nuggets. Nuggets with juice and extract had significantly lower TBARS values towards the end of the storage period compared to the control. Microbial and sensory qualities of nuggets were significantly improved by the addition of juice and extract. Incorporation of juice and extract at 4% and 6% levels, respectively, increased the storage life of pork nuggets by at least two weeks, i.e. from 21 days to 35 days at 4 ± 1 °C compared to the control.

Association of Amelogenin with High Caries Experience in Indian Children.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify alterations in amelogenin gene that are associated with dental caries susceptibility and to develop a non-invasive early screening test for caries risk. STUDY DESIGN: 60 individuals were selected for the study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were divided into two groups based on DMFT score. DMFT was scored according to World Health Organization guidelines. Saliva obtained from all participants was stored in Indogenix DNA Self-Collection kits at 4°C. DNA was extracted according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once the entire DNA was isolated from each sample it was put forward for PCR amplification. The amplified amelogenin gene was then run on 2% agarose gel stained with ethidium bromide. The amplified gene was processed by SSCP technique to find out the altered bands and then subjected to DNA sequencing for identification of alterations in the amino acid sequence of amelogenin gene. RESULTS: The sequencing data showed the presence of mutation. Samples showing mutation (43.3%) showed high correlation with caries (80.7%) experience which was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Understanding the genetics of dental caries susceptibility will provide new insights into the caries process in individuals and will facilitate the development of targeted preventive strategies.

Enantioselective Tissue Distribution of Ketorolac and its Enantiomers in Rats.

The difference in tissue distribution of Ketorolac and its enantiomers were investigated in wistar rats. Separate high performance liquid chromatographic method was developed and validated for determination of Ketorolac and its enantiomers. Oyster BDS (150 × 4.6 mm id., 5 µm particle size) column was used for determination of concentration of Ketorolac. Ketorolac enantiomers were determined using Chiral-AGP column (100 × 4.0 mm I.D., particle size 5 µ, Chrom tech Ltd, Sweden). Detection was done at wavelength of 322 nm using an ultraviolet detector in the analytical system. Ketorolac enantiomers exhibit difference in their disposition in Wistar rats. In kidney, there was a significant difference in pharmacokinetic parameters. The Cmax was nearly 4 times and AUC 0-∞ was found to be more than double for S (-) Ketorolac than that of R (+) Ketorolac. MRT, Ke and t1/2 differ significantly in kidney. In liver, Cmax was found to be approximately 69% higher for S (-) Ketorolac compared to R (+) Ketorolac. AUC 0-∞ did not differ significantly for the enantiomers in liver. In liver, S (-) Ketorolac eliminated very fast in comparison to R (+) Ketorolac having t1/2 (one third) in comparison to R (+) Ketorolac. In lungs, there was no difference observed for Cmax and other parameters but AUC 0-∞ was found to be marginally higher for S (-) ketorolac.

Burden Assessment, Psychiatric Morbidity, and Their Correlates in Caregivers of Patients with Intellectual Disability.

OBJECTIVE: Intellectual disability in a child places great stress on a family and caregiver and this leads to significant socio-occupational dysfunction and impaired quality of life for caregivers. This study aimed to assess socio-demographic characteristics, burden, and psychiatric morbidity of the caregivers of persons with intellectual disability, as well as to determine the variables that correlated with burden and psychiatric morbidity. METHODS: An observational study was carried out in an outpatient psychiatric unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital in India from October 2014 to April 2015. A total of 100 caregivers of intellectually impaired individuals were assessed for burden and psychiatric morbidity. RESULTS: In all, 39% of the caregivers had a high burden score, 46% perceived mild-to-moderate burden severity, and 15% perceived no to mild burden. Mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms were present in 23% and 16% had severe-to-extremely severe depressive symptoms. Mild-to-moderate anxiety symptoms were evident in 19% of caregivers and a further 19% had severe-to-extremely severe anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSION: Routine assessment of burden and psychiatric morbidity in the caregiver will help to reduce their burden and thus help them care for their children more appropriately and efficiently.

Risk Factor Analysis for Oral Precancer among Slum Dwellers in Delhi, India.

BACKGROUND: An outfall of urbanization in developing countries has been the mushrooming of slums where dwellers live in pitiable environmental conditions representing the lowest rung of social strata. This group is more vulnerable to practicing deleterious social habits, including tobacco and alcohol abuse. AIM: The present study was undertaken to understand the strength of association between risk factors suspected of causing oral precancer among slum dwellers in Delhi. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A house-to-house survey was conducted in an urban slum cluster situated in the heart of Delhi city by a single trained investigator who recorded oral mucosal lesions according to WHO criteria. Demographic details and history of suspected risk factors was recorded by personal interview of each subject. The obtained data was coded, cleaned, and analyzed manually. Chi-square test was applied and Odds' ratios were calculated to analyze the association of risk factors with oral precancer. A statistically significant difference was set at 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: A total of 479 subjects of both sexes were examined and 31 cases clinically diagnosed as having oral precancer, of which majority were leukoplakia. All cases except one reported practicing habits that are known risk factors for oral precancer, i.e., smoking/smokeless tobacco, chewing betel leaf/nut, and combination of these habits with alcohol. Association of oral precancer with smokeless tobacco was higher than that with smoking or chewing betel leaf/nut alone. CONCLUSION: Practicing combination of habits with alcohol was found to be the most strongly associated risk factor for oral precancer.