Potassium fractions in black soil mediated by integrated nutrient management modules under maize-chickpea cropping sequence.

A field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of the ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal (India) to study influence of different integrated nutrient management (INM) modules on soil potassium (K) fractions. The experiment comprised with twelve treatments laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications under maize-chickpea cropping sequence. The treatments included general recommended dose (GRD), soil test crop response (STCR) dose; combinations of inorganic and organic inputs and only organic modules. The soil samples were collected at crop harvest and analyzed for various K fractions viz., water soluble-K, available-K, exchangeable-K, HNO3-K, lattice-K and total-K. The results indicated that potassium fractions were significantly (p = 0.05) affected by different treatments. Different INM modules significantly enhanced significantly K availability in soil. Among various INM modules studied, treatment 11 (application of 20 t ha-1 FYM in maize with 5 t ha-1 FYM every year in chickpea) proved most beneficial for improving the soil K fractions. Findings of this type are important for K fertilizer management during crop production in areas with low soil fertility.

Soil bacterial community structure and functioning in a long-term conservation agriculture experiment under semi-arid rainfed production system.

Soil microbial communities are important drivers of biogeochemical cycling of nutrients, organic matter decomposition, soil organic carbon, and Greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs: CO2, N2O, and CH4) and are influenced by crop and soil management practices. The knowledge on the impact of conservation agriculture (CA) on soil bacterial diversity, nutrient availability, and GHG emissions in semi-arid regions under rainfed conditions is vital to develop sustainable agricultural practices, but such information has not been systemically documented. Hence, studies were conducted for 10 years in rainfed pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.)-castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) cropping system under semi-arid conditions to assess the effects of tillage and crop residue levels on the soil bacterial diversity, enzyme activity (Dehydrogenase, urease, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase), GHG emissions, and soil available nutrients (Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). Sequencing of soil DNA through Illumina HiSeq-based 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing technology has revealed that bacterial community responded to both tillage and residue levels. The relative abundance of Actinobacteria in terms of Operational Taxonomic Unit (OTUs) at phyla, class as well as genera level was higher in CA (NTR1: No Tillage + 10 cm anchored residue and NTR2 NT + 30 cm anchored residue) over CT (conventional tillage without crop residues). CA resulted in higher enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, urease, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase) and reduction in GHG emissions over CT. CA recorded 34% higher and 3% lower OC, as compared to CT, and CTR1, respectively. CA recorded 10, 34, and 26% higher available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium over CT and CTR1, respectively. NTR1 recorded 25 and 38% lower N2O emissions as compared to CTR1 and CTR2, respectively. Whereas only NT recorded 12% higher N2O emissions as compared to CT. Overall, the results of the study indicate that CA improves the relative abundance of soil bacterial communities, nutrient availability, and enzyme activities, and may help to contribute to the mitigation of climate change, and sustainability in rainfed areas.

Impact of sequential herbicides application on crop productivity, weed and nutrient dynamics in soybean under conservation agriculture in Vertisols of Central India.

Adoption of conservation agriculture (CA) is very slow due to weed infestations. The application of herbicides is the only viable option to deal with problem of weed management to adhere with basic principles of CA. A field experiment was carried out for three years to evaluate the expediency of different herbicides and their sequential applications under CA. In this study, seven treatments comprised of either alone or sequential application of pre-emergence (PE) and post-emergence (PoE) herbicides, hand weeding and weedy check were tested in soybean. Result indicated that sequential application of glyphosate at 1 kg ai ha-1 + pendimethalin at 1 kg ai ha-1as PE followed by PoE application of imazethapyr at 100 g ai ha-1 at 30 days after sowing (DAS) proved to be the best economical option in terms of plant growth parameters, crop biomass, seed yield, weed index and carbon and nutrient recycling. Pearson's correlation coefficients matrix revealed that grain yield was significantly (P<0.0001) related to weed density at harvest (r = -0.84), (WDH) (r = -0.63), weed dry biomass (WDB) (r = -0.52), weed nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) uptake (r = -0.56, r = -0.59 and r = -0.66), respectively and weed index (WI) (r = -0.96). The bivariate linear regression study of grain yield on weed control efficiency (WCI) biomass, N, P and K uptake by grain showed a clear significant (P<0.0001) dependence with R2 value of 0.53, 0.99, 0.95 and 0.98, respectively. The fitted stepwise multiple regression model also revealed that N and P uptake in grain, weed density at 20 DAS and K uptake in weed were actual predictor for grain yield. We concluded that, effective and economical weed control under CA in soybean can be achieved through sequential application of glyphosate along with pendimethalin at 1 kg ai ha-1 each PE followed by PoE use of imazethapyr at 100 g ai ha-1 at 30 DAS.

The food-energy-water-carbon nexus of the rice-wheat production system in the western Indo-Gangetic Plain of India: An impact of irrigation system, conservational tillage and residue management.

The conventional rice-wheat system in the western Indo-Gangetic plain of India is energy and water intensive with high carbon footprint. The transition towards resource-efficient eco-friendly production technologies with lower footprint is required for inclusive ecological sustenance. A five-year (2016-17 to 2020-21) field experiment was conducted in RWS with hypothesis that pressurized irrigation systems [drip (DRIP) and mini-sprinkler (MSIS)] in conservation tillage [reduced (RT)/zero (ZT)] and crop residue management [incorporation (RI)/mulch (RM)] might result in higher resource use efficiency with lesser carbon footprint compared to conventional system. Experiment consisted five treatments namely (1) puddled transplanted rice followed by conventionally tilled wheat (PTR/CTW), (2) DRIP irrigated reduced till direct seeded rice (RTDSR) followed by zero-till wheat with 100 % rice residue mulching (ZTW + RM) (DRIP-RTDSR/ZTW + RM), (3) surface irrigated RTDSR followed by ZTW + RM (SIS-RTDSR/ZTW + RM), (4) MSIS irrigated RTDSR followed by ZTW + RM (MSIS-RTDSR/ZTW + RM), and (5) MSIS irrigated RTDSR with 1/3rd wheat residue incorporation followed by ZTW + RM (MSIS-RTDSR + RI/ZTW + RM). The pressurized irrigation system in RWS established under conservational tillage and residue management (DRIP-RTDSR/ZTW + RM and MSIS-DSR + RI/ZTW + RM) produced at par system productivity compared to PTR/CTW. Substantial nitrogen (79-114 ka ha-1) and irrigation water (536-680 mm) savings under pressurized irrigation systems resulted in 41-64 % higher partial factor productivity of nitrogen with 48-61 % lower water footprint. These systems had lower energy consumption attaining 15-21 % higher net energy, 44-61 % higher energy use efficiency, and 31-38 % lower specific energy. Efficient utilization of farm inputs caused lower greenhouse gas emission (39-44 %) and enhanced carbon sequestration (35-62 %) resulting 63-76 % lower carbon footprint over PTR/CTW. The information generated here might useful in developing policies for resource and climate-smart food production system aiming livelihood security and ecological sustainability in the region. Further, trials are needed for wider adaptability under different climate, soil and agronomic practices to develop site-specific climate smart practices.

A Prospective Study of Deep Vein Thrombosis after Major Abdominal Surgery in a Tertiary Level Hospital.

This prospective study was conducted to find the rate of deep and risk factors associated with vein thrombosis following major abdominal surgery in Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital from 1st November 2017 to 30th April 2018. Total 103 patients aged above 20 years both male and female who got admitted in Department of Surgery, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, Sylhet for their disease requiring routine and emergency major abdominal operation during the study period and fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected in this study. Informed written consent was obtained from the patients after full explanation of the purpose of the study. After full investigations and proper preparation of each patient for operative procedure major abdominal surgery were done. Peroperative findings were noted and post-operative period were followed up routinely. Duplex scanning was done on 3rd POD in all cases. The age of the patients ranged from 25 to 74 years with the mean age of 49.5±13.8 years. There were 60(58.3%) male and 43(41.7%) female. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) developed in 5(4.9%) of cases and not developed in 98(95.1%) cases. All the five cases were confirmed by color duplex scan. DVT was detected in 2(3.3%) of the 60 males and 3(7.0%) of the 43 females undergoing major general surgical procedures. Among 63 patients in whom the duration of surgery was up to 2 hours, none developed DVT, while among the 40 patients in whom the duration of surgery lasted more than 2 hours, 5(12.5%) developed DVT. Among 23 patients in whom the surgery for malignancy was done, 4(17.4%) developed DVT, while among the 80 patients in whom surgery for non-malignancy, 1(1.2%) developed DVT. The Incidence of DVT in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery is 4.9%. Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery for malignancy and duration of operation greater than 2 hours have higher risk of developing DVT. But there is no significant increase in risk of development of DVT relation to age and sex; and also in patients on oral contraceptives, diabetes mellitus, obesity and smoking. Clinical findings alone cannot be relied upon for the diagnosis of DVT. The study has to be continued with larger sample size to get statistically significant results.

Comparison between 2D and 3D Echocardiographic Parameters used for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Purpose in Patients with Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis.

Rheumatic heart disease causes a substantial number of morbidity and mortality in South Asia. With the increasing urbanization & antibiotic availability, it is now in declining trends. The prevalence of Rheumatic Fever and Chronic Rheumatic Heart Disease in Bangladesh is 0.6 and 0.3 per thousand populations, respectively. Mitral valve is mostly involved in the rheumatic process, particularly in the form of mitral stenosis. Treatment options of mitral stenosis depend upon the severity of the disease. Echocardiography has a key role in determining the pattern, extent and severity of the involvement of the mitral valve apparatus. 2D and Doppler echocardiography are conventionally used. 3D echocardiography is more available nowadays. The heart being a complex three-dimensional structure, a 3D evaluation would definitely offer better visualization for accurate assessment of the severity of rheumatic mitral stenosis. There are many echocardiography based scoring systems are available for the assessment of the severity of rheumatic MS. Those are mostly 2DE based; among them, Wilkins is widely practiced. Real-time 3DE based score for mitral stenosis is developed recently. This cross-sectional observational study was done in the University Cardiac Centre, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from May 2012 to October 2012. Considering all ethical issues, data were collected from 50 subjects who underwent transthoracic 2D and 3D Echocardiography for the assessment of the extent and severity of mitral stenosis. Precise measurement of the mitral valvular area is of a pivotal role in the assessment of severity, which is found almost similar by both 2DE (0.98±0.24cm²) and 3DE (0.92±0.23cm²). But in identifying calcification and its extent specifically commissural involvement is better detected by 3DE (p=0.002). Detail assessment of subvalvular involvement particularly chordal adhesion can better be done by 3DE (p<0.001). All of these have important contributions in formulating the most favorable therapeutic roadmap in chronic rheumatic MS. To make an efficient management plan and also for the confident prediction of complications, three-dimensional echocardiography has promising prospects and should be considered as an important adjuvant to the conventional two-dimensional echocardiography.

Comparison between 2D and 3D Echocardiography in Efficient Detection of Commissural Calcification in Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis.

Rheumatic heart disease causes a substantial number of morbidity and mortality in Southeast Asia. In Bangladesh prevalence of Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic heart disease is still high, 0.6 and 0.3 per thousand populations, respectively. Mitral valve mostly involved in the form of mitral stenosis in the rheumatic process. Treatment selections and its success largely depend upon the severity of disease especially the extent and distribution of calcification. Echocardiography has got the key role in determining the pattern, extent and severity of mitral stenosis. Two dimensional and Doppler echocardiography are conventionally used. With the increasing availability of 3D echocardiography, better cardiac imaging is possible now. The heart being a complex three-dimensional structure, the 3D evaluation would definitely offer better imaging for accurate assessment of the severity of mitral stenosis, especially details of commissural involvements. Many scoring systems are available for the assessment of the severity of rheumatic Mintral Stenosis (MS), mostly 2DE based; among them, Wilkins is mostly practiced. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in University Cardiac Centre, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from May 2012 to October 2012. Data were collected from 50 subjects who underwent transthoracic 2D and 3D Echocardiography for the assessment of rheumatic mitral stenosis especially detection of calcification also it's severity, extent, and distribution, furthermore the presence of commissural calcification. Precise measurement of Mitral valvular area is essential in the assessment of severity, which is found similar by both 2DE (0.98±0.24cm²) and 3DE (0.92±0.23cm²). But in identifying calcification and its extent especially commissural involvement is better detected by 3DE (p=0.002). This has paramount importance in therapeutic decision making of chronic rheumatic MS. To make a well-organized management plan and also for the confident prediction of complications, three-dimensional echocardiography has promising prospects in detecting commissural calcification and should be considered as an essential adjuvant to the conventional two-dimensional echocardiography.

Catheter-related blood stream infections: prevalence, risk factors and antimicrobial resistance pattern.

BACKGROUND: Intravascular devices have significant potential for producing iatrogenic diseases resulting in catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSIs). A study was undertaken to find the prevalence of CRBSI among patients in acute wards and to analyze the associated risk factors, causative pathogens with their antibiotic susceptibility (ABST) patterns. METHODS: Randomly ten days per month were chosen, for a period of two years. All the acute wards patients who were on indwelling blood catheters were identified. Those fulfilling the CRBSI criteria were further worked up for confirmation of diagnosis by differential time to positivity. The catheter tip was cultured by Maki's semiquantitative method. ABST of the isolates obtained was performed by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. RESULTS: The prevalence of CRBSI was found to be 39.25% with the most common organism isolate being Serratia marcescens (23.81%). The immunocompromised status of the patients and catheterisation time were significant risk factors. Methicillin resistance was found to be 33.33% in coagulase-negative staphylococci. The resistance to vancomycin among the Entercoccus faecium isolates was found to be 33.33%. Among the gram negatives, resistance to aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins was high. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the importance of regular surveillance programs, an efficient infection control program, strict adherence to antiseptic measures and use of a rational antibiotic policy for the early diagnosis and better management of CRBSI.

3D Echocardiography Is More Efficient In Detail Assessment of Calcification in Chronic Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis.

Rheumatic heart disease is in the declining phase, with the increase of urbanization and increment of availability of healthcare facility. However still it causes a substantial number of morbidity and mortality in South Asia. The prevalence of Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic heart disease in Bangladesh is still high, 0.6 and 0.3 per thousand populations respectively. In the rheumatic process mitral is the frequently involved valve, mostly in the form of mitral stenosis. Choice of a treatment modality and its success largely depend on the accurate assessment of severity of disease especially the extent and distribution of calcification. Echocardiography has a key role in the determination of the severity of mitral stenosis as well as assessment of details calcification. Conventionally 2 dimensional and Doppler echocardiography is used. Now a days, 3D echocardiography offers better cardiac imaging for detail evaluation. The heart being a complex structure, the 3D evaluation would certainly offer better imaging for the accurate assessment of the mitral stenosis, especially details of presence & distribution calcification. This cross-sectional observational study was done from May 2012 to October 2012 in University Cardiac Centre, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were collected with informed written consent, from 50 subjects who underwent transthoracic 2D and 3D Echocardiography for the assessment of rheumatic mitral valve with special emphasis on accurate assessment of severity, extent and distribution of calcification. Precise measurement of MV area is essential in the assessment of severity, which is found comparable by both 2DE (0.98±0.24cm²) and 3DE (0.92±0.23cm²). But in identifying calcification and accurate assessment of severity, more importantly commissural involvement is better detected by 3DE (p=0.002). This has extreme importance in therapeutic decision making in the treatment of chronic rheumatic MS. So, to formulate an efficient management plan, three-dimensional echocardiography has promising prospects in detecting severity & extent of rheumatic calcification.

Hand Sewn versus Stapled Closure of Duodenal Stump after Gastric Resection.

This prospective comparative study was done to compare the outcome of stapled closure of the duodenal stump with hand-sewn closure during gastric resection in terms of total operating time, postoperative duodenal stump leakage, postoperative hospital stay, and surgical cost. This study was conducted from January 2013 to August 2014. Patients who were admitted to the Department of Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh with the indication of distal or total gastrectomy were included in the study. A total of 32 patients were enrolled in this study with 16 in each group, they were divided either into Group I (Hand Sewn) or Group II (stapling). Mean±SD age of Group I was 53.38±8.69 and Group II was 50.88±9.56 (p=0.445). Male patients were predominant than the female with a male: female ratio being 3.57:1. Mean±SD total operating time was 154.38±16.32 minutes and 136.88±17.40 minutes in Group I and Group II respectively (p=0.001). In Group I, 2(12.5%) patients and in Group II, 1(6.3%) patient had duodenal stump leakage which showed no statistically significant difference (p=0.999). Postoperative hospital stay had no statistically significant difference (p=0.923). The surgical cost had a significant difference (p=0.001) which is more in Group II. This study showed there was a significant reduction in total operating time but there was no significant difference in occurring of duodenal stump leakage or postoperative hospital stay. However, use of stapler hastens the surgeon's job and it relieves extra pressure of them.

Surgical Treatment of Hepatolithiasis: Our Experience in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University.

Recurrent cholangitis and sepsis are common complications after surgical treatment for hepatolithiasis as total clearance is not always possible. This retrospective study is designed to see the effect of our treatment for hepatolithiasis on stone clearance and post operative complications. We have treated 60 patients with hepatolithiasis surgically from September 2010 to September 2016 in the Department of Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Various operative procedures were applied on the basis of location of stone and status of biliary tree. Choledocoscopic examination was performed during surgery for checking and cleaning of intrahepatic duct. Regular follow up was given and outcome was assessed. The chronological changes of treatment methods for patients with hepatolithiasis were analyzed for appropriate treatments for particular type. There were 22 males and 38 females with age ranges from 15 to 60 years. The stone were located in left duct (56.6%), right duct (10%) and both duct (33.4%). The most commonly performed operation was extended choledocholithotomy and hepatolithotomy and it was performed in 28 patients (46.7%). Segmentectomy and lobectomy was performed in 17 patients (28.3%). Common bile duct (CBD) excision, hepatolithotomy and hepaticojejunostomy with or without segmentectomy, lobectomy and Houston access loop formation was performed in rest of the patients. Stones could be removed completely in all patients who underwent lobectomy or segmentectomy. In contrast stone clearance was possible only in 57.2% and 55.5% who underwent extended choledocholithotomy and hepatolithotomy, and excision of CBD, hepatolithiasis with hepaticojejunostomy for unilateral or bilateral hepatolithiasis respectively. Houston's access loop to stomach was made in 2 patients for future endoscopic removal of stone. There was no mortality in the present series but morbidity occurred in 18 patients; wound infection (n=15, 25%), bile leakage (n=1, 1.7%), and renal dysfunction (n=1, 1.7%), septicemia (n=1, 1.7%). Patients who underwent lobectomy or segmentectomy did not develop cholangitis or sepsis on 1 to 3 years follow up. In contrast who underwent extended choledocholithotomy and hepatolithotomy, 70.8% patients developed cholangitis and sepsis, and the patients who underwent excision of CBD, hepatolithotomy with hepaticojejunostomy 50% developed cholangitis and sepsis within 1 to 3 years of follow up, required re-operations or conservative treatment. The difference of developing postoperative cholangitis and sepsis is significant (p<0.05) between patient who underwent extended choledocolithotomy and hepatolithotomy, and who underwent excision of CBD, hepatolithotomy and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. In conclusion, lobectomy or segmentectomy is the best option for hepatolithiasis if the stones are limited to a lobe or segment. Excision of CBD, hepatolithotomy with hepaticojejunostomy is better than extended choledocholithotomy and hepatolithotomy for bilateral hepatolithiasis. Huston's access loop formation associated with other procedures may be considered for bilateral hepatolithiasis for future minimal invasive stone retrieval procedure as residual stones and recurrent stone formation is common.

Prediction of Un-erupted Canine and Premolar Tooth Size in Mixed Dentition among Bangladeshi Population.

Accurate prediction of the space available to accommodate the size of the un-erupted canines and premolars plays an important role in mixed dentition in Orthodontics. This Descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Orthodontics of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University from July 2014 to June 2015. Dental study models of 140 patients were taken as sample. The sample was consisted of 54 Bangladeshi males and 86 females aged between 12 to 17 years and without any previous orthodontic treatment fully erupted permanent teeth and with no dental anomalies were recruited. The study was done by measuring the mesio-distal dimensions of teeth over the dental cast. A pre-structured data collection form which includes the particulars of the patient and data was filled. All patients were having a serial number to maintain their confidentiality. The study protocol was approved by "Institutional Review Board" of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Un-paired t test were used to examine differences between genders, correlation coefficients and linear regression equations were used to carry out the analysis. Descriptive statistics including means, standard deviations, and minimum-maximum values were calculated. Unpaired sample 't' tests were carried out to compare tooth size between the sexes. Logistic regression for development of new prediction formula on the basis of study sample of our population. Pearson correlation coefficient test for found the correlation between mandibular incisors and mandibular and maxillary canine and premolars in each quadrant. The difference between the present study with that of Moyers and Tanaka and Johnston were statistically significant (p<0.001). The values from Moyers and Tanaka and Johnston methods exceed while comparing to Bangladeshi population. Therefore, Moyers and Tanaka and Johnston method of prediction are not applicable for our population.

Impact of feeding chromium supplemented flaxseed based diet on fatty acid profile, oxidative stability and other functional properties of broiler chicken meat.

A total of 240 broiler chicken of same hatch with uniform weight were used in a biological experiment with completely randomized design to investigate the effects of incorporating organic chromium (Cr) in flaxseed meal based diet on the fatty acid profile, oxidative stability and functional properties of broiler chicken meat. Five diets were formulated as per the recommendations of BIS (Nutrient requirements for poultry 13: 9863, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi, 1992) in which flaxseed meal was used to replace 10% of soyabean in basal diet and four levels of Cr (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg diet) as Cr-picolinate were used. The results revealed that flaxseed feeding significantly increased the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, including MUFA, PUFA, ω-3, ω-6 fatty acids and ω-3:ω-6 and PUFA:SFA ratios, whereas, significant decline was seen in saturated fatty acids and no effect of Cr was observed on the fatty acid profile of broiler chicken. Flaxseed feeding significantly reduced the cholesterol and fat percentage of meat, whereas, significant progressive reduction was observed with increasing Cr levels. The combination of 10% flaxseed with 1.0 mg Cr/kg diet increased the final pH of broiler meat. The addition of flaxseed significantly reduced water holding capacity, extract release volume and antioxidant potential of broiler meat, whereas, increasing Cr supplementation progressively increased them. Flaxseed feeding significantly increased the drip loss and lipid peroxidation of broiler meat, whereas, Cr supplementation decreased them. It was concluded that inclusion of 10% flaxseed and 1.5 mg Cr/kg diet results in desirable fatty acid profile, oxidative stability and functional properties of broiler chicken meat.

Non Infectious Complications Related to Blood Transfusion: An 11 year Retrospective Analysis in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

In India transmission of transfusion transmissible infections (TTI) has shown a relative decrease as a result of mandatory screening of donated blood for TTI's. However, reducing the incidence of non infectious complications poses a major challenge, mainly due to the fact that a number of adverse reactions go unreported. Blood transfusion reaction, can be categorized based on the time interval between transfusion of blood products and the presentation of adverse reactions as acute i.e. those presenting during or within 24 h and as delayed i.e. those presenting anytime after 24 h. Transfusion reactions can further be classified as immune and non immune or infectious and non infectious based on the pathophysiology. In this retrospective study which was undertaken with an aim to determine the type and frequency of non infectious complications due to transfusion of blood and blood products recorded the incidence of febrile non hemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTR) 51.40 %, allergic reactions 40.14 %, non immune hemolytic reactions 4.22 %, hypothermia 2.81 %, anaphylaxis 0.70 % and iron overload 0.70 %. FNHTR which was found to be the most common complication in this study can certainly be minimized, if not completely eliminated by adopting a policy of universal leucodepletion, the implementation of which solely depends on the financial and infrastructure resources available. This study also reiterates the importance of hemovigilance as a tool to improve the safety of blood transfusion.

To study the effects of gamma irradiation on single donor apheresis platelet units by measurement of cellular counts, functional indicators and a panel of biochemical parameters, in order to assess pre-transfusion platelet quantity and quality during the shelf life of the product.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of transfusion associated graft versus host disease can be prevented by gamma irradiation of blood components. This study was undertaken to assess the effects of gamma irradiation on single donor platelet (SDP) concentrate units. METHOD: SDPs were collected by a continuous flow apheresis technique (n = 400). The SDPs from each donor were divided into two parts, one gamma-irradiated with 25 Gy and the other used as a non-irradiated control. Swirling and morphological features, cellular counts, biochemical parameters including blood gas analysis, and platelet activation levels (CD62P: p-selectin) by flow cytometry were analyzed on Day 1 and on Day 5. RESULTS: Swirling and morphology were maintained in all products, in both the groups throughout the shelf life. No significant change was seen in both groups, on the first and fifth day, as far as pO2, pCO2, Na(+), K(+), HCO3 (-) & Ca(2+) were concerned. However, lactate increased and glucose decreased significantly in irradiated products over 5-day storage period. A small but significant decrease in pH and platelet count was found in the irradiated PCs after 5-day storage. The mean proportion of platelets expressing CD62P over 5-day storage increased significantly. CONCLUSION: After an overall assessment of all our in vitro parameter results and observations, a few of which were significant, while most were not significant, we concluded that a well-preserved quality of gamma irradiated apheresis platelets is maintained throughout the entire 5-day shelf life of the platelet product, with minimal difference compared to non-irradiated platelets.

Identification of different domains of calpain and calpastatin from chicken blood and their role in post-mortem aging of meat during holding at refrigeration temperatures.

The aim of this study was to develop a simple, specific and rapid analytical method for accurate identification of calpain and calpastatin from chicken blood and muscle samples. The method is based on liquid-liquid extraction technique followed by casein Zymography detection. The target compounds were extracted from blood and meat samples by tris buffer, and purified and separated on anion exchange chromatography. It has been observed that buffer (pH 6.7) containing 50 mM tris-base appears to be excellent extractant as activity of analytes was maximum for all samples. The concentrations of µ-, m-calpain and calpastatin detected in the extracts of blood, breast and thigh samples were 0.28-0.55, 1.91-2.05 and 1.38-1.52 Unit/g, respectively. For robustness, the analytical method was applied to determine the activity of calpains (µ and m) in eighty postmortem muscle samples. It has been observed that µ-calpain activity in breast and thigh muscles declined very rapidly at 48 h and 24 h, respectively while activity of m-calpain remained stable. Shear force values were also declined with the increase of post-mortem aging showing the presence of ample tenderness of breast and thigh muscles. Finally, it is concluded that the method standardized for the detection of calpain and calpastatin has the potential to be applied to identify post-mortem aging of chicken meat samples.

Parathyroid failure following thyroid surgery.

This cross-sectional study was done to see the association of post thyroidectomy parathyroid failure with thyroid disease and type of surgery. It was carried out in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka during the period of July 2008 to June 2010. Total 50 cases of thyroid malignancy and multinodular goiter who had undergone total or near total thyroidectomy with or without neck dissection were studied. In this study highest number of cases were found in 3rd decade of age (28%) and there was female predominance (M:F=1:3.54). Overall frequency of post operative hypocalcaemia was 30% (26% was temporary hypocalcaemia and 4% was permanent). Hypocalcaemia revealed clinically in 20% cases and remained subclinical in 10% cases. Hypocalcaemia developed in 42.30% cases of malignant thyroid disease and 16.66% cases of benign thyroid disease (p<0.05). It was found in 54.54% cases with neck dissection and 23.07% cases without neck dissection (p<0.05). Hypocalcaemia developed in 62.5% cases where parathyroid gland were not identified and 23.8% cases where parathyroid gland was identified. Hypocalcaemia developed most commonly on the 2nd post operative day (73.33%). There is a significance difference with development of parathyroid failure after thyroid surgery between benign and malignant thyroid disease and also between thyroid surgery with or without neck dissection.

Presentation of primary hyperparathyroidism due to adenoma.

This descriptive study was done to evaluate the clinical, biochemical and radiological findings of primary hyperthyroidism (pHPT) patients with parathyroid adenoma. This study was done in the department of Otolaryngology and Head-Neck surgery, BIRDEM, Dhaka from July 2000 to June 2007. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical presentation, biochemical and radiological features from the case records from the last 7 years of 32 patients at a tertiary care centre in Dhaka who had documented pHPT due to adenoma. Of them 18 were male and 14 were female. Mean age±SD of the patients was 42.16±11.64 years. Median preoperative serum calcium, serum phosphate and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were 11.42 mg/dL (range 8.4-14.0mg/dL), 3.11 mg/dL (range 2.5-4.5) and 293.22 pg/mL (range 65-700 pg/mL), respectively. Of all patients 75% had raised serum calcium level and 100.0% had raised serum PTH levels but all had normal serum phosphate level. Common radiological features were nephrocalcinosis, renal calculi, osteopenic changes in finger and toe, Brown tumour in forearm, 'Salt and pepper' appearance in skull, fracture of femur, fracture radius. pHPT due to adenoma in Bangladesh continues to be a symptomatic disorder with skeletal and renal manifestations.