A study on measuring the 222Rn in the Buriganga River and tap water of the megacity Dhaka.

Radon (222Rn), an inert gas, is considered a silent killer due to its carcinogenic characteristics. Dhaka city is situated on the banks of the Buriganga River, which is regarded as the lifeline of Dhaka city because it serves as a significant source of the city's water supply for domestic and industrial purposes. Thirty water samples (10 tap water from Dhaka city and 20 surface samples from the Buriganga River) were collected and analyzed using a RAD H2O accessory for 222Rn concentration. The average 222Rn concentration in tap and river water was 1.54 ± 0.38 Bq/L and 0.68 ± 0.29 Bq/L, respectively. All the values were found below the maximum contamination limit (MCL) of 11.1 Bq/L set by the USEPA, the WHO-recommended safe limit of 100 Bq/L, and the UNSCEAR suggested range of 4-40 Bq/L. The mean values of the total annual effective doses due to inhalation and ingestion were calculated to be 9.77 µSv/y and 4.29 µSv/y for tap water and river water, respectively. Although all these values were well below the permissible limit of 100 µSv/y proposed by WHO, they cannot be neglected because of the hazardous nature of 222Rn, especially considering their entry to the human body via inhalation and ingestion pathways. The obtained data may serve as a reference for future 222Rn-related works.

Anorectal Malformations and Associated Anomalies in Children.

Anorectal malformations (ARM) incorporate a broad spectrum of diseases, can affect both sexes, and involve the distal anus and rectum as well as the uro-genital tracts. Defects range from the minor which can be treated easily with an excellent outcome, to those are complex and often associated with other anomalies are difficult to manage with poor functional prognosis. This study was done to observe the hospital incidence of Anorectal malformations, frequency of types, sex distribution and spectrum of associations with ARM. The effects of presence of associated anomalies on morbidity and mortality also observed. Detailed history, clinical examinations and relevant investigations were performed for the primary and as well as the associated anomalies. A total of 80 patients were admitted in the department of pediatric surgery in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital during the period of June 2016 to May 2017. Age of the patients was ranging from 1-180 days with the mean age of 0.49±1.002 months. Male: Female ratio was 1.6: 1. Among them 48(60%) were high and 32(40%) were low variety of ARM. In male 37(46.2%) had high and 13(13.7%) were low variety whereas in female 11(13.7%) were high and 19(23.7%) had low ARM. Associated anomalies were seen in 25(31.2%) patient -18 in males and 7 in females; 20 in high and 5 in low ARM. Associated anomalies were uro-genital 11(13.8%), cardiovascular 10(12.5%), vertebral 4(5%), limb defects 3(3.5%) and others 2(2.5%). Four patients have more than one anomaly. Anorectal malformations occur more in boys than girls. Males were more likely to have high lesions and without fistula was the common defect. Low variety ARM were found more in females with Anovestibular fistula is the commonest defect. The most common associated anomalies were recto urinary fistula (13.8%). Associations were more in high than low ARM but not significant (p>0.05). Post operative complications were more in high ARM in both sexes with associated anomalies. The effects of types and associations on morbidity and mortality were significantly different (p<0.05).

Outcome of Single Stage Correction of High Variety of Anorectal Malformation.

The standard treatment of high variety anorectal malformation (ARM) is the staged approach. A growing interest in one stage correction of high variety ARM was noted recently. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility, safety and outcome of single stage correction of High variety ARM. This prospective study was carried out in the Department of Paediatric Surgery, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July 2012 to September 2013. It was conducted among 30 patients, all having high ARM. The type of ARM was diagnosed by clinical examinations and imaging studies like Invertogram and Transperineal USG. Other associated congenital anomalies were excluded. Out of 30 patients 11(36.67%) were male and 19(63.33%) were female. The age incidence ranges from 2 days to 5 months with the mean±SD age 1.70±1.63 months. The type of fistula present along with ARM in male varies from rectobulber urethral fistula, recto prostatic urethral fistula, recto vesical fistula and in one case without any fistula. Type of fistula was rectovestibular, rectovaginal and one cloacal malformation among the female patients. The treatment modalities in male patients vary in transabdominal pull through anorectoplasty and PSARP, in which the former was done more (72.73%). In case of female patients, treatment modalities vary in transabdominal pull through and anorectoplasty and transfistulous anorectoplasty, with the later done more (52.63%). Regarding post operative complications, there was 1(14.29%) wound infection in male and 1(33.33%) in female, partial wound disruption in 1(14.29%) male patient, mucosal prolapse 2(28.57%) in male and 1(33.33%) in female, anal stenosis 1(14.29%) in male and 1(33.33%) in female, perianal soiling in 1(14.29%) male patient. All the complications were treated by adopting various measures. One stage correction of High variety ARM in both male and female patients is technically feasible. The safeties of this approach depend on the adherence to strict inclusion criteria. The early post operative complications are acceptable and can be managed successfully.

Pattern of Changes in the Findings among the Patients Undergoing Diagnostic Esophagogastroduodenoscopy in Bangladesh.

This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Gastroenterology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, Holy family Red Crescent Medical College and Hospital and Popular Diagnostic Centre, Shantinagar branch, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2012 to July 2013. Study subjects were included in the study irrespective of age and sex having different upper GI tract. Complaints like dysphagia, heart burn, abdominal pain/dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, haematemesis and/or malena, anorexia, unexplained anemia, weight loss etc. All the findings of oesophagus, stomach and duodenal lesions were observed and data were recorded. The results were considered positive based on the macroscopic appearance using standard diagnostic criteria. During the study period endoscopy was performed in 5608 subjects. Among which 2968(52.92%) were male and 2640(47.07%) were female. The patients age range from 7 years to 108 years. The majority of the patients were from 40-50 years. Normal findings were observed among 3321(59.21%) cases. Gastroduodenal erosions were present among 684(12.19%) cases, Oesophageal varices in 444(7.91%) cases, duodenal ulcer diseases in 415(7.40%) cases and gastric ulcer in 184(3.28%) cases. Ca stomach was found among 165(2.94%) cases. A number of diseases were identified through this procedure. Current study observed a large proportion of patients (40.79%) had positive upper GI endoscopy.

Note: development of fast heating inert gas annealing apparatus operated at atmospheric pressure.

Here, we report the development of a simple, small, fast heating, and portable, homemade, inert gas (Ar) atmospheric annealing setup. Instead of using a conventional heating element, a commercial soldering rod having an encapsulated fast heating heater is used here. The sample holder is made of a block of stainless steel. It takes 200 s to reach 700 °C, and 10 min to cool down. The probability of oxidation or surface contamination has been examined by means of x ray photoelectron spectroscopy of virgin Cu sample after annealing at 600 °C. In addition, we compare the annealing of a hydrogenated carbon nitride film (HCN(x)) in both a conventional vacuum and our newly developed ambient Ar atmosphere setup.

A rare case of segmental small bowel pneumatosis intestinalis: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Pneumatosis intestinalis is a rare condition affecting 0.03% of the population. It has a myriad of aetiological causes and hence presentation can vary immensely. The management of symptomatic pneumatosis intestinalis in an acute and outpatient setting remains a challenge to both physicians and surgeons. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 79 year old who presented in a gastroenterology outpatients department with a history suggestive of intermittent small bowel obstruction associated with abdominal pain aggravated by eating and posture. He was found to have signs suggestive of Marfan's syndrome. Computed tomography demonstrated extensive pneumatosis intestinalis of the small bowel. Due to deterioration in symptoms, an exploratory laparotomy was performed demonstrating segmental small bowel pneumatosis intestinalis secondary to a hypermobile mesentery. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the importance of both surgical and gastroenterology expertise in successfully managing symptomatic pneumatosis intestinalis.

Early detection of prostate cancer: evaluating the diagnostic performance of prostate specific antigen by comparing with histological technique among africans.

This study was conducted to investigate the diagnostic performance characteristics of prostate specific antigen (PSA) by comparing serum PSA value with histological findings in patients suspevted of having prostate cancer in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. Nigeria. Clinical and Laboratory records were examined and collated for serum PSA values, together with histological findings of biopsy specimen, clinical diagnosis, age of patients, and mode of presentation. The serum PSA values were determined by ELECSYS 1010 autoanalysers Roche, Germany based on electrochemiluminescence immunoassay technique. The results show that serum PSA values increase with age in the assymptomatic non-cancer patients who came for medical check up but were within normal limit. In prostatic disease conditions PSA values were raised in benign prostatic hyperplasia 35.957± 4.0315ng/ml, in undifferentiated carcinoma 56.22±4.295ng/ml and adenocarcinoma >100ng/ml as compared to the normal range (0-4ng/ml). These cases were confirmed by histological diagnosis. It is concluded that PSA evaluations is a sensitive marker for prostate cancer but because of various other conditions that affect serum PSA concentration, other methods of investigations such as Digital Rectal examination, Trans Urethral Ultra-Sonography and histological examination should be combined to confirm diagnosis. Prognosis of patients will be better if early diagnosis is made.

Recovery and characterization of a chimeric rinderpest virus with the glycoproteins of peste-des-petits-ruminants virus: homologous F and H proteins are required for virus viability.

Rinderpest (RP) and peste-des-petits-ruminants (PPR) are two important diseases of domestic ruminants. To improve on currently available vaccines against PPR, we have created cDNA copies of the RP virus genome in which either the fusion (F) or hemagglutinin (H) gene, or both, was replaced with the corresponding gene from PPR virus. It was necessary to develop a modified rescue system in which the T7 RNA polymerase was provided by a recombinant fowlpox virus and the entire rescue procedure took place in Vero cells before we could obtain live virus from these chimeric constructs. No virus was recovered when only one of the glycoprotein genes was changed, but a chimeric virus containing both F and H genes from PPR virus was reproducibly rescued from cDNA, indicating that a virus-specific functional interaction takes place between the F and H proteins. The rescued virus expressing the PPR glycoproteins grew more slowly in tissue culture than either parental virus and formed abnormally large syncytia. Goats infected with the chimera showed no adverse reaction, as assessed by clinical signs, temperature, leukocyte count, virus isolation, and serology, and were protected from subsequent challenge with wild-type PPR virus.

Immunogenic activity of viral polypeptides of an Indian isolate of infectious bursal disease virus.

An Indian isolate of infectious bursal disease virus, i.e. IBDV-P/AD/81, was analysed for immunogenic activity of its structural polypeptides. Virus was purified from infected bursal homogenate by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. It showed five different structural polypeptides of 75.8, 45, 40.7, 33.1 and 27 kDa molecular weights in sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Anti infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) antibodies were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and neutralization test (NT). Polypeptide 40.7 kDa (VP2) was known to have neutralizing epitopes. However, polyclonal anti VP2 failed to neutralize the virus. It was interpreted that VP2 had labile neutralizing epitopes which get altered confirmationally by SDS. Surprisingly, polyclonal anti 33.1 kDa (VP3) had mild neutralizing activity.

Anticonceptive and estrogenic effects of a seed extract of Ricinus communis var. minor.

An ether-soluble fraction of a methanol extract of Ricinus communis var. minor seeds administered subcutaneously to adult female rats and rabbits at doses up to 1.2 g/kg and 600 mg/kg, respectively, in divided doses showed anti-implantation and anticonceptive activities. Laparotomy performed on Day 10 and Day 15 of pregnancy on mated female rats and rabbits treated with the extract did not reveal any uterine implantation sites. The animals were protected against pregnancy for over three gestation periods and among those that later delivered, there was no evidence of abnormality in the pups. In ovariectomized young female rats as well as in immature mice, the extract dose-dependently increased uterine wet weight. Furthermore, the extract induced premature opening of the vagina, increased the number of epithelial cells and cornified cells and decreased the leucocyte number in the vaginal smear. The estrogen-like activities exhibited by the extract were dose-dependent and the anticonceptive effect may be due at least in part to such estrogenic action.

Serum and thyroid tissue lipids in patients with thyroid tumors in euthyroidism.

Plasma lipids of 24 euthyroid subjects with thyroid adenoma and non-toxic primary differentiated thyroid carcinoma (papillary and follicular types) were assessed and compared with a similar investigation conducted on 20 normal subjects. A parallel study with thyroid tumor tissues examined the lipid changes which occurred in the same group of patients. These were compared with the picture seen in 5 normal thyroids. The investigations examined the changes in total lipids; total, free and esterified cholesterol; total phospholipids; lecithin; cephalin and sphingomyelin; triglycerides and free fatty acids in both serum and thyroid tissue. Compared with normal subjects, the serum lipids were almost identical except for the concentration of free fatty acids which showed significantly lower values in the group with neoplastic changes. Tissue analysis of the cancerous thyroid however revealed a marked rise in virtually all lipid fractions but the cholesterol seemed to dominate the picture. The differential studies of total phospholipids for thyroid tissue membrane lipids further revealed a significant increase in the lecithin and sphingomyelin components of total phospholipids as well as the esterified cholesterol fraction in thyroid carcinoma. The changes in thyrophospholipids were more marked in females normal thyroids than males. An attempt has been made through evaluation of the results derived from differential lipid studies to elucidate the role of some of the various fractions determined and the possible effect of the changes described on thyroid hormone metabolism.