Correlation between Umbilical Cord Diameter and Cross Sectional Area with Gestational Age and Foetal Anthropometric Parameters.

The objective of the study was to find out correlation between umbilical cord diameter, cross sectional area with gestational age and foetal anthropometric parameters. This cross sectional study was conducted among healthy women between the 24(th) and 40(th) completed weeks of a normal pregnancy in the Department of Radiology & Imaging, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh during the study period, from July 2009 to June 2011. A total of 230 consecutive normal pregnancy patients were included in the study. The diameter & cross-sectional area of the umbilical cord were measured on a plane adjacent to the junction of the umbilical cord and the fetal abdomen, in cross-section, with maximum magnification of the image. The cord was manually circled, and it's cross sectional areas was automatically calculated by the ultrasonograph. The mean±SD age was 24.3±4.7 years with range from 19 to 36 years. The mean gestational age was 32.1±4.5 weeks and more than a half (56.4%) of the pregnant women were nulliparas. A positive significant (p<0.001) correlation were found between umbilical cord diameter with bi-parietal diameter (r=0.548); head circumference (r=0.411); abdominal circumference (r=0.444); femur length (r=0.366) and gestational age gestation age (r=0.643). Similarly, a significant (p<0.001) positive week correlation were found between umbilical cross sectional area with bi-parietal diameter (r=0.3303); head circumference (r=0.3202); abdominal circumference (r=0.2651); femur length (r=0.3307) and gestation age (r=0.4051). A positive significant better correlation was found with umbilical cord diameter than cross sectional area with foetal anthropometric parameters.

Obstetric Outcome in Early and Late Onset Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Obstetric outcome in early onset and late onset GDM was compared in a prospective study conducted at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology in BIRDEM, Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total 120 pregnant women were recruited purposively for the study in which 60 were early onset GDM and 60 were late onset GDM during study period of January 2008 to December 2009. Patients were followed up in different periods of gestation, during delivery and early postpartum period & findings were compared between two groups. BMI & family history of diabetes were significantly higher in early GDM group (p<0.05). Evidence of increased glycaemia was observed in early GDM group & difference of glycaemic status was statistically significant (p<0.05). Insulin was needed in 85% of early onset GDM and 55% in late onset GDM. There was also significant difference (p<0.05). In this study, 23.3% of early onset GDM group developed pre-eclampsia while in late onset GDM it was 10% and was statistically significant (p<0.05). Regarding intrapartum & postpartum complications - perineal tear, PPH wound infection, puerperal sepsis were more in early onset than late onset GDM group with no significant difference. Regarding foetal outcome, 8.3% early GDM group delivered asphyxiated baby in comparison to 3.3% in late GDM group. Twenty percent (20%) of early onset GDM group had to admit their babies in neonatal unit while in late onset group it was 5%. There was significant difference between two groups (p<0.05). Neonatal hypoglycaemia was also statistically significantly (p<0.05) higher in early GDM group. Neonatal hyper-bilirubinaemia, RDS, perinatal death was more in early onset GDM subjects. Early onset GDM subjects are high risk subgroup & have significant deleterious effect on maternal and perinatal outcome than late GDM groups.

Primary Tuberculosis of Cervix Which Simulated Endocervical Polyp: A Case Study.

Tuberculosis has been described as the second great "Imitator" as it can imitate various other disease processes. The manifestations of genitourinary tuberculosis are protean in nature; still tuberculosis is a health concern in South-East Asia region. Tuberculosis of the cervix is rarely found and accounts for 5-10% among all types of genital tuberculosis. Despite meticulous history and clinical examination does not always lead to suspect this disease, the definitive diagnosis is based on the demonstration of the characteristic lesion on histopathology or on bacterial isolation. We are reporting a case of a 26-years-old woman who presented with secondary amenorrhea and a benign looking endocervical polyp. Diagnosis of cervical tuberculosis could be clinched after tissue biopsy which revealed caseous granuloma on histopathological examination along with other supportive laboratory investigation reports. Patient was subsequently started on antitubercular therapy (ATT) according to directly observed treatment schedule- category I, resulting in resumption of her menses after four months of starting of ATT. An awareness of the atypical clinical manifestations of tuberculosis is important, especially in regions where tuberculosis continues to be a major public health problem, such as Bangladesh. One should have high index of suspicion in order to diagnose tuberculosis of cervix in such cases, especially in high prevalence areas, so that patients can be managed appropriately with antitubercular therapy and complications can be prevented.

Monitoring the health and production of household Jinding ducks on Hatia Island of Bangladesh.

Duck rearing is an important component of sustainable living in poor rural communities, especially as a source of subsistence. A study was conducted on 118 households (N = 1,373 Jinding ducks, Anas platyrhynchus) from December 2002 to February 2004 on Hatia Island in Bangladesh with the aim of identifying the factors that limit the health and production of Jinding ducks. Overall duck mortality was 29.3%, with disease (19.7%) being a more significant factor than predation (9.6%; p = 0.001). Duck mortality also varied significantly among study zones (p < 0.001). Common diseases were duck plague (21.1%) and duck cholera (32.1%). Helminth infection was prevalent, with endemic trematode (Prosthogonimus spp., Trichobilharzia spp., Echinostoma spp.) and nematode (Cyathostoma bronchialis, Amidostomum anseris, Heterakis gallinarum, Capillaria spp., and Echinuria spp.) infections and epidemic cestode infections due to Hymenolepsis setigera. The median egg production rate per duck per household was 93 for a 6-month laying period. The odds of diminished egg production (average ≤ 93 eggs per duck per household for a 6-month laying period) was 25.4 times higher in ducks that were kept in traditional duck houses (p < 0.001) and 14.2 times higher in ducks that experienced delays in the onset of sexual maturity (days 191 and 280; p < 0.001). Ducks that were provided snails for a shorter period of time over the laying period were 18.2 times more likely to produce fewer eggs than their longer fed peers (p = 0.002). In conclusion, duck mortalities due to diseases and predation and parasitic infections appear to be common constraints on household duck production on Hatia Island. Additionally, improving duck housing and providing longer nutritional supplementation with snails increased the production capabilities of household-raised Jinding ducks on Hatia Island.

A critical role for the RelA subunit of nuclear factor kappaB in regulation of multiple immune-response genes and in Fas-induced cell death.

Binding sites for the nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB transcription factor have been identified within control regions of many genes involved in inflammatory and immune responses. Such kappaB sites are often found adjacent to those of interferon (IFN)-gamma-inducible transcription factors, suggesting a requirement for multiple signaling pathways for gene regulation. Using fibroblasts from RelA (p65)-deficient mice generated by gene targeting, we have investigated the role of this subunit of NF-kappaB in gene activation by microbial lipopolysaccharide, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and in possible synergism with the IFN-gamma-signaling pathway. Our results indicate not only that RelA is required for activation of key genes involved in adaptive (acquired) immune responses, including major histocompatibility complex class I, CD40, and the Fas death receptor, but also that both NF-kappaB-inducing signals and IFN-gamma are necessary for maximal activation. In contrast, neutrophil-specific chemokine genes KC and MIP-2, which can function as nonspecific mediators in innate immune responses, were strongly induced by RelA in the absence of IFN-gamma. Our results show that RelA plays a critical role in activation of immune system genes in response to nonspecific stimuli and demonstrate a novel proapoptotic function for this protein in Fas-induced cell death.

Factors limiting traditional household duck production in Bangladesh.

A cross sectional survey of duck production was carried out in 2002 on 771 traditional, semiscavenging household duck farms on the coastal Island of Hatia. We determined the socioeconomic characteristics of duck farmers and their management systems, identified the factors associated with egg production, and measured the level of selected duck diseases and current preventive strategies. Household family size varied from 1 to 14 individuals and women were the main caretakers of ducks. Around 34% of keepers were illiterate. Most duck products (eggs and meat; 85%) were sold at the local market. Duck houses were poorly ventilated and a variety of bedding materials were used. Feed was available in nearby scavenging areas; however, additional feed was frequently supplied by farmers. Almost all farmers (96%) ranked the rainy season as the best time for rearing ducks due to greater feed availability. The annual egg production was 79 eggs per layer with a weight of 48 g and a hatchability rate of 87%. Egg production varied by zone (p < 0.05). The odds of suboptimal egg production was 0.5 times lower in educated farmers (p = 0.001). The odds of suboptimal egg production was 2.5 times more likely in ducks that attained sexual maturity at >22 weeks (p<0.001). Most farmers ranked duck plague as the most important disease, followed by duck cholera, botulism, and duck viral hepatitis. Preventive vaccination was sporadic and used by few farmers (28%). There are significant opportunities for improved duck production on the Island of Hatia and in Bangladesh generally.

An essential role for NF-kappaB in preventing TNF-alpha-induced cell death.

Studies on mice deficient in nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) subunits have shown that this transcription factor is important for lymphocyte responses to antigens and cytokine-inducible gene expression. In particular, the RelA (p65) subunit is required for induction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-dependent genes. Treatment of RelA-deficient (RelA-/-) mouse fibroblasts and macrophages with TNF-alpha resulted in a significant reduction in viability, whereas RelA+/+ cells were unaffected. Cytotoxicity to both cell types was mediated by TNF receptor 1. Reintroduction of RelA into RelA-/- fibroblasts resulted in enhanced survival, demonstrating that the presence of RelA is required for protection from TNF-alpha. These results have implications for the treatment of inflammatory and proliferative diseases.

The impact of climate variability and change on the energy system: A systematic scoping review.

The energy system is a vital infrastructure which can be vulnerable to climate variability and change (CV&C) impacts. Understanding the impacts can prevent disruption and inform policy decision making. This study applied a scoping review in a systematic manner following the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines to identify consistent patterns of CV&C impacts on the energy system, map and locate research gaps in the literature. A total of 176 studies were identified as eligible for inclusion in the review. This study found evidence of consistent increase in energy demand for Africa, the Americas and Asian continent. Consistent decrease was found in Northern and Eastern Europe, while increase in residential demand was projected in Oceania. There was evidence of consistent decrease in thermal power plant output globally. Solar photovoltaic showed a robust consistent pattern of increase in the Caribbean and Central America, Northern and Southern Africa and Oceania. As the global climate is changing in a future that is highly uncertain, the energy system should also evolve in order to adapt to the changing climate. Future impact assessment must integrate the impact of CV&C on power demand and supply while consider socioeconomic dynamics, cross-sectoral linkages and back-loops in a complete energy system model.

NF-kappa B p100 (Lyt-10) is a component of H2TF1 and can function as an I kappa B-like molecule.

NF-kappa B is an important transcription factor regulating expression of genes involved in immune function, inflammation, and cellular growth control. NF-kappa B activity is induced by numerous stimuli, such as phorbol esters, B- and T-cell mitogens, the cytokines tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1, and serum growth factors. The standard model for the induction of NF-kappa B activity involves the release of the transcription factor from a cytoplasmic inhibitor termed I kappa B, allowing translocation of NF-kappa B to the nucleus. I kappa B contains multiple copies of the so-called ankyrin repeat, which are apparently necessary for its function. Subunits comprising NF-kappa B and related binding activities are members of the Rel multigene family. Two such subunits, p50 and p52 (also called p50B), are proteolytically processed from precursors of 105 kDa (also called p105 and NFKB1) and 100 kDa (also called p100, NFKB2, and Lyt-10), respectively. Both contain N-terminal Rel-homologous domains as well as multiple copies of C-terminal ankyrin repeats. We show here that NF-kappa B p100 is a component of the previously identified DNA-binding activity H2TF1. In addition, we show that p100 is localized in the cytoplasm in HeLa cells, where it is associated with c-Rel, p50, or p65 (RelA). In transient-transfection assays, p100 represses the ability of NF-kappa B p65 to activate a kappa B-containing reporter construct. Transfection of p100 also results in a loss of nuclear p65 DNA binding to a kappa B probe, as measured by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and a loss of nuclear p65 immunoreactivity, as measured by immunoblotting. This loss of nuclear p65 is paralleled by a gain of p65 DNA-binding activity and immunoreactivity in the cytoplasm. We interpret these data as demonstrating that p100 functions as an I kappa B-like molecule to sequester Rel family members in the cytoplasm. Proteolytic processing of p100 to the activator p52 is predicted to generate several new forms of Rel family heterodimers and therefore represents a form of regulation of NF-kappa B activity distinct from the classic I kappa B pathway.

Tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1 lead to phosphorylation and loss of I kappa B alpha: a mechanism for NF-kappa B activation.

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) is a critical regulator of several genes which are involved in immune and inflammation responses. NF-kappa B, consisting of a 50-kDa protein (p50) and a 65-kDa protein (p65), is bound to a cytoplasmic retention protein called I kappa B. Stimulation of cells with a variety of inducers, including cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1, leads to the activation and the translocation of p50/65 NF-kappa B into the nucleus. However, the in vivo mechanism of the activation process remains unknown. Here, we provide the first evidence that the in vivo mechanism of NF-kappa B activation is through the phosphorylation and subsequent loss of its inhibitor, I kappa B alpha. We also show that both I kappa B alpha loss and NF-kappa B activation are inhibited in the presence of antioxidants, demonstrating that the loss of I kappa B alpha is a prerequisite for NF-kappa B activation. Finally, we demonstrate that I kappa B alpha is rapidly resynthesized after loss, indicating that an autoregulatory mechanism is involved in the regulation of NF-kappa B function. We propose a mechanism for the activation of NF-kappa B through the modification and loss of I kappa B alpha, thereby establishing its role as a mediator of NF-kappa B activation.

Induction of NF-kappa B DNA-binding activity during the G0-to-G1 transition in mouse fibroblasts.

A DNA-binding factor with properties of NF-kappa B and another similar activity are rapidly induced when growth-arrested BALB/c 3T3 cells are stimulated with serum growth factors. Induction of these DNA-binding activities is not inhibited by pretreatment of quiescent cells with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. Interestingly, the major NF-kappa B-like activity is not detected in nuclear extracts of proliferating cells, and thus its expression appears to be limited to the G0-to-G1 transition in 3T3 cells. These DNA-binding activities bind many of the expected NF-kappa B target sequences, including elements in the class I major histocompatibility complex and human immunodeficiency virus enhancers, as well as a recently identified NF-kappa B binding site upstream of the c-myc gene. Furthermore, both the class I major histocompatibility complex and c-myc NF-kappa B binding sites confer inducibility on a minimal promoter in 3T3 cells stimulated with serum growth factors. The results demonstrate that NF-kappa B-like activities are immediate-early response proteins in 3T3 cells and suggest a role for these factors in the G0-to-G1 transition.

Differential association of STK11 and TP53 with KRAS mutation-associated gene expression, proliferation and immune surveillance in lung adenocarcinoma.

While mutations in the KRAS oncogene are among the most prevalent in human cancer, there are few successful treatments to target these tumors. It is also likely that heterogeneity in KRAS-mutant tumor biology significantly contributes to the response to therapy. We hypothesized that the presence of commonly co-occurring mutations in STK11 and TP53 tumor suppressors may represent a significant source of heterogeneity in KRAS-mutant tumors. To address this, we utilized a large cohort of resected tumors from 442 lung adenocarcinoma patients with data including annotation of prevalent driver mutations (KRAS and EGFR) and tumor suppressor mutations (STK11 and TP53), microarray-based gene expression and clinical covariates, including overall survival (OS). Specifically, we determined impact of STK11 and TP53 mutations on a new KRAS mutation-associated gene expression signature as well as previously defined signatures of tumor cell proliferation and immune surveillance responses. Interestingly, STK11, but not TP53 mutations, were associated with highly elevated expression of KRAS mutation-associated genes. Mutations in TP53 and STK11 also impacted tumor biology regardless of KRAS status, with TP53 strongly associated with enhanced proliferation and STK11 with suppression of immune surveillance. These findings illustrate the remarkably distinct ways through which tumor suppressor mutations may contribute to heterogeneity in KRAS-mutant tumor biology. In addition, these studies point to novel associations between gene mutations and immune surveillance that could impact the response to immunotherapy.

Activation of multiple NF-kappa B/Rel DNA-binding complexes by tumor necrosis factor.

NF-kappa B is an inducible transcription factor that regulates the expression of numerous genes involved in immune and inflammation responses and in cellular growth control. Typically, NF-kappa B is localized in the cytoplasm complexed with members of the I kappa B family. The most well characterized form of NF-kappa B is comprised of a heterodimer of a 50 kD (p50/NFKB1) and a 65 kD (p65/RelA) protein. This heterodimeric protein was thought to be primarily responsible for transcriptional regulation of target genes. However, recent studies have led to the identification of other kappa B binding proteins such as c-Rel, RelB and p52 (NFKB2/lyt-10) although their role in gene regulation has been less clear. Here, using gel mobility shift assays as well as a highly sensitive DNA-protein crosslinking assay, we provide evidence for the existence of multiple tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- inducible kappa B binding complexes containing various members of the NF-kappa B/Rel family, namely p50 and p65 as well as the c-Rel and p52 oncoproteins. Dimeric complexes containing various combinations of these proteins appear rapidly in nuclei of TNF-alpha-stimulated cells and include, along with a p50-p65 heterodimer, p50-c-Rel, p65-c-Rel, p52-c-Rel and p52-p65 complexes. The presence of multiple inducible complexes containing distinct combinations of NF-kappa B/Rel family members indicate that specific kappa B responsive genes may be regulated in an NF-kappa B subunit-dependent manner.

Effect of chlorpromazine on human growth hormone.

The authors studied basal HGH levels and HGH response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia in 12 schizophrenic patients who had been treated with 200--450 mg/day of chlorpromazine for 6 months to 4 years compared with 12 schizophrenic patients who had received no drugs and 15 normal control subjects. They found no significant differences among the three groups in basal HGH levels or in maximum response HGH levels. No significant correlation was found between duration or dose of chlorpromazine therapy and HGH secretion. Longitudinal study in 5 previously untreated schizophrenic patients during 13 weeks of chlorpromazine administration showed a nonsignificant reduction in HGH response. Thus, the authors' findings fail to demonstrate any significant effect of chlorpromazine on growth hormone secretion in man.

Antimicrobial and phytochemical studies on 45 Indian medicinal plants against multi-drug resistant human pathogens.

Ethanolic extracts of 45 Indian medicinal plants traditionally used in medicine were studied for their antimicrobial activity against certain drug-resistant bacteria and a yeast Candida albicans of clinical origin. Of these, 40 plant extracts showed varied levels of antimicrobial activity against one or more test bacteria. Anticandidal activity was detected in 24 plant extracts. Overall, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity was observed in 12 plants (L. inermis, Eucalyptus sp., H. antidysentrica, H. indicus, C. equistifolia. T. belerica, T. chebula, E. officinalis, C. sinensis, S. aromaticum and P. granatum). No correlation was observed between susceptibility of test strains with plant extracts and antibiotic resistance behaviour of the microbial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella paratyphi, Shigella dysenteriae, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans). Qualitative phytochemical tests, thin layer chromatography and TLC-bioautography of certain active extracts demonstrated the presence of common phytocompounds in the plant extracts including phenols, tannins and flavonoids as major active constituents.

Determination of teicoplanin concentration in serum using a bioassay technique.

An accurate and sensitive bioassay for determining concentrations of teicoplanin in serum has been developed using modifications of procedures described for assaying vancomycin. A linear relationship (r = 0.9983) was obtained between the diameter of the zone of inhibition and log10 teicoplanin concentration over the range 0.25-32 micrograms/ml. The medium used was Antibiotic Medium No. 1 (Oxoid, UK) adjusted to pH 5.5-5.7 by the addition of hydrochloric acid and containing sodium chloride to a final concentration of 3%. The indicator organism used was a Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 (NCTC 10400). Teicoplanin was assayed: (i) in the presence of beta-lactams and cephalosporins, including ceftazidime, by prior treatment of serum with broad-spectrum beta-lactamase mixtures (Genzyme Laboratories, UK); (ii) in the presence of aminoglycosides by prior treatment of serum with cellu-ion phosphate (100 mg/ml) followed by centrifugation; (iii) in the presence of sulphamethoxazole and/or trimethoprim by the addition of p-aminobenzoic acid and/or thymidine to the assay medium. Teicoplanin was assayed in the presence of either rifampicin or erythromycin by using a rifampicin-resistant, erythromycin-resistant clinical isolate of Staphylococcus aureus as indicator organism. The lower limit of sensitivity of this assay was 1 microgram/ml. The presence of undeclared, broad-spectrum antimicrobials was detected by screening serum samples for antimicrobial activity using an assay plate seeded with Escherichia coli NCTC 10418.

Studies on the photostability of reserpine in parenteral solutions.

The photostability of reserpine in several parenteral formulations has been studied and the effects of some commonly used stabilizers have been evaluated. The kinetic data indicate that the photodegradation of reserpine follows zero order kinetics in all the formulations at pH = 2 and 3. The stability of reserpine appears to be higher at pH = 3 than at pH = 2. 3-dehydroreserpine, isoreserpine and lumireserpine were identified as the major photodegradation products by TLC, suggesting that the photodegradation in acidic solutions occurs initially via an oxidative mechanism. The combined effect of EDTA and PABA on the photostability of reserpine was more significant than their individual effect. The formulations in which benzyl alcohol was used as vehicle were found to be more stable than those having propylene glycol. Polyethylene glycol was found to be a better surfactant than Tween 80. The degree of stabilization in the presence of surface active agents has been explained in terms of micellar theory and the degree of hydration of micelles. A stable formula for parenteral solution of reserpine has been suggested.

A comparative study and behaviour of a series of cationic surfactants towards the degree of the basic hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl acetate.

The surfactant effect of cationic micelles of Dodecyl, tetradecyl and hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, Cetyl pyridinium bromide, Cetyl dimethyl ethyl ammonium bromide and benzalkonium chloride on the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl acetate (PNPA), was studied. The effect of cationic surfactants was within concentration range of 1 x 10(-6) M - 1 x 10(-1) M, with the exception of benzalkonium chloride, where the concentration effect was investigated between 1 x 10(-6) M - 3 x 10(-1) M. All cationic micelles increased the rate of hydrolysis of PNPA upto their concentration of 1 x 10(-2) M and then the rate decreased while benzalkonium chloride showed this maximum at 5 x 10(-2) M. Orientation and adsorption of substrate at the micelle surface are put forwarded to explain this catalytic behaviour. An attempt has also been made to interpret the influence of cationic micelles on the basis of ion exchange model.

An investigation into the behaviour of the electrolytes in presence of ionic urfactants.

The effect of various concentrations of Sodium Chloride and Lithium Sulphate in presence of Carbonate-bicarbonate buffer at pH 9.20 on the base-catalyzed hydrolysis of procaine was investigated. The whole study was done in the presence of different concentration of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and Sodium dodecyl Sulphate (SDS) at 60 degrees C. Addition of different electrolytes suppressed the maxima in the Surfactant Effect Ratio (SER). The presence of these additives increase the inhibitory effect with a corresponding in their concentrations SDS/SO4, appeared to be most effective inhibitory amongst SDS/Li2SO4, SDS/NaCl, CTAB/Li2SO4, and CTAB/NaCl systems.