Taxonomic, morphometric and limnological assessment of the commercially important ichthyofauna of Sakhakot Stream, Malakand, Pakistan / Avaliação taxonômica, morfométrica e limnológica da ictiofauna comercialmente importante do Riacho Sakhakot, Malakand, Paquistão

The present study was conducted for the taxonomic, morphometric and limnological assessment of the commercially important ichthyofauna of Sakhakot Stream, Malakand, Pakistan. The study area was divided into three sites along the water course namely Dargai Stream, Sakhakot Stream and Shergarh Stream. Fish samples were collected randomly during January to August 2017 with the help of fish gears. A taxonomic key was designed for the collected fish specimens. Ten fish species were identified belonging to 3 orders and 4 families. Family Cyprinidae was the dominant family with seven representative species while families Siluridae, Nemacheilidae and Mastacembelidae were represented by one species each. Lower mean total length and standard length was recorded in Puntius conchonius (Hamilton, 1822) as 9.2 ± 0.6 cm and 7.3 ± 0.6 cm respectively, while highest mean total length and standard length was recorded in Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede, 1800) as 28.1 ± 1.7 cm and 15.9 ± 2.4 cm respectively. Mean pH of the water ranged from 6.1 at Shergarh Stream in August to 8.7 at Sakhakot Stream in January. Average temperature range was recorded from 10.9 °C in January at Dargai Stream to 18.7 °C in August at Shergarh Stream. No statistically significant difference was found for temperature (p = 0.96) and pH (p = 0.14) in the three water streams. The present study will provide a baseline for the rearing and enhancement of wild stock of the commercially important ichthyofauna in the field of aquaculture and fisheries.

O presente estudo foi realizado para a avaliação taxonômica, morfométrica e limnológica da ictiofauna comercialmente importante do Riacho Sakhakot, Malakand, Paquistão. A área de estudo foi dividida em três locais ao longo do curso de água, nomeadamente Riacho Dargai, Riacho Sakhakot e Riacho Shergarh. As amostras de peixes foram coletadas aleatoriamente durante janeiro e agosto de 2017, com a ajuda de artes de peixes. Uma chave taxonômica foi projetada para os espécimes de peixes coletados. Foram identificadas dez espécies de peixes pertencentes a 3 ordens e 4 famílias. A família Cyprinidae foi a família dominante, com sete espécies representativas, enquanto as famílias Siluridae, Nemacheilidae e Mastacembelidae foram representadas por uma espécie cada. O comprimento total médio mais baixo e o comprimento padrão foram registrados em Puntius conchonius (Hamilton, 1822) como 9.2 ± 0.6 cm e 7.3 ± 0.6 cm, respectivamente, enquanto o comprimento total médio e o comprimento padrão mais altos foram registrados em Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede, 1800) como 28.1 ± 1.7 cm e 15.9 ± 2.4 cm, respectivamente. O pH médio da água variou de 6.1 no Riacho Shergarh em agosto a 8.7 no Riacho Sakhakot em janeiro. A faixa de temperatura média foi registrada de 10.9 °C em janeiro no Riacho Dargai a 18.7 °C em agosto no Riacho Shergarh. Não foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significativa para temperatura (p = 0,96) e pH (p = 0,14) nos três cursos de água. O presente estudo fornecerá uma linha de base para a criação e aprimoramento do estoque selvagem da ictiofauna comercialmente importante no campo da aquicultura e pesca.

Taxonomic, morphometric and limnological assessment of the commercially important ichthyofauna of Sakhakot Stream, Malakand, Pakistan

Abstract The present study was conducted for the taxonomic, morphometric and limnological assessment of the commercially important ichthyofauna of Sakhakot Stream, Malakand, Pakistan. The study area was divided into three sites along the water course namely Dargai Stream, Sakhakot Stream and Shergarh Stream. Fish samples were collected randomly during January to August 2017 with the help of fish gears. A taxonomic key was designed for the collected fish specimens. Ten fish species were identified belonging to 3 orders and 4 families. Family Cyprinidae was the dominant family with seven representative species while families Siluridae, Nemacheilidae and Mastacembelidae were represented by one species each. Lower mean total length and standard length was recorded in Puntius conchonius (Hamilton, 1822) as 9.2 ± 0.6 cm and 7.3 ± 0.6 cm respectively, while highest mean total length and standard length was recorded in Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede, 1800) as 28.1 ± 1.7 cm and 15.9 ± 2.4 cm respectively. Mean pH of the water ranged from 6.1 at Shergarh Stream in August to 8.7 at Sakhakot Stream in January. Average temperature range was recorded from 10.9 °C in January at Dargai Stream to 18.7 °C in August at Shergarh Stream. No statistically significant difference was found for temperature (p = 0.96) and pH (p = 0.14) in the three water streams. The present study will provide a baseline for the rearing and enhancement of wild stock of the commercially important ichthyofauna in the field of aquaculture and fisheries.

Resumo O presente estudo foi realizado para a avaliação taxonômica, morfométrica e limnológica da ictiofauna comercialmente importante do Riacho Sakhakot, Malakand, Paquistão. A área de estudo foi dividida em três locais ao longo do curso de água, nomeadamente Riacho Dargai, Riacho Sakhakot e Riacho Shergarh. As amostras de peixes foram coletadas aleatoriamente durante janeiro e agosto de 2017, com a ajuda de artes de peixes. Uma chave taxonômica foi projetada para os espécimes de peixes coletados. Foram identificadas dez espécies de peixes pertencentes a 3 ordens e 4 famílias. A família Cyprinidae foi a família dominante, com sete espécies representativas, enquanto as famílias Siluridae, Nemacheilidae e Mastacembelidae foram representadas por uma espécie cada. O comprimento total médio mais baixo e o comprimento padrão foram registrados em Puntius conchonius (Hamilton, 1822) como 9.2 ± 0.6 cm e 7.3 ± 0.6 cm, respectivamente, enquanto o comprimento total médio e o comprimento padrão mais altos foram registrados em Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede, 1800) como 28.1 ± 1.7 cm e 15.9 ± 2.4 cm, respectivamente. O pH médio da água variou de 6.1 no Riacho Shergarh em agosto a 8.7 no Riacho Sakhakot em janeiro. A faixa de temperatura média foi registrada de 10.9 °C em janeiro no Riacho Dargai a 18.7 °C em agosto no Riacho Shergarh. Não foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significativa para temperatura (p = 0,96) e pH (p = 0,14) nos três cursos de água. O presente estudo fornecerá uma linha de base para a criação e aprimoramento do estoque selvagem da ictiofauna comercialmente importante no campo da aquicultura e pesca.

Taxonomic, morphometric and limnological assessment of the commercially important ichthyofauna of Sakhakot Stream, Malakand, Pakistan / Avaliação taxonômica, morfométrica e limnológica da ictiofauna comercialmente importante do Riacho Sakhakot, Malakand, Paquistão

The present study was conducted for the taxonomic, morphometric and limnological assessment of the commercially important ichthyofauna of Sakhakot Stream, Malakand, Pakistan. The study area was divided into three sites along the water course namely Dargai Stream, Sakhakot Stream and Shergarh Stream. Fish samples were collected randomly during January to August 2017 with the help of fish gears. A taxonomic key was designed for the collected fish specimens. Ten fish species were identified belonging to 3 orders and 4 families. Family Cyprinidae was the dominant family with seven representative species while families Siluridae, Nemacheilidae and Mastacembelidae were represented by one species each. Lower mean total length and standard length was recorded in Puntius conchonius (Hamilton, 1822) as 9.2 ± 0.6 cm and 7.3 ± 0.6 cm respectively, while highest mean total length and standard length was recorded in Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede, 1800) as 28.1 ± 1.7 cm and 15.9 ± 2.4 cm respectively. Mean pH of the water ranged from 6.1 at Shergarh Stream in August to 8.7 at Sakhakot Stream in January. Average temperature range was recorded from 10.9 °C in January at Dargai Stream to 18.7 °C in August at Shergarh Stream. No statistically significant difference was found for temperature (p = 0.96) and pH (p = 0.14) in the three water streams. The present study will provide a baseline for the rearing and enhancement of wild stock of the commercially important ichthyofauna in the field of aquaculture and fisheries.

O presente estudo foi realizado para a avaliação taxonômica, morfométrica e limnológica da ictiofauna comercialmente importante do Riacho Sakhakot, Malakand, Paquistão. A área de estudo foi dividida em três locais ao longo do curso de água, nomeadamente Riacho Dargai, Riacho Sakhakot e Riacho Shergarh. As amostras de peixes foram coletadas aleatoriamente durante janeiro e agosto de 2017, com a ajuda de artes de peixes. Uma chave taxonômica foi projetada para os espécimes de peixes coletados. Foram identificadas dez espécies de peixes pertencentes a 3 ordens e 4 famílias. A família Cyprinidae foi a família dominante, com sete espécies representativas, enquanto as famílias Siluridae, Nemacheilidae e Mastacembelidae foram representadas por uma espécie cada. O comprimento total médio mais baixo e o comprimento padrão foram registrados em Puntius conchonius (Hamilton, 1822) como 9.2 ± 0.6 cm e 7.3 ± 0.6 cm, respectivamente, enquanto o comprimento total médio e o comprimento padrão mais altos foram registrados em Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede, 1800) como 28.1 ± 1.7 cm e 15.9 ± 2.4 cm, respectivamente. O pH médio da água variou de 6.1 no Riacho Shergarh em agosto a 8.7 no Riacho Sakhakot em janeiro. A faixa de temperatura média foi registrada de 10.9 °C em janeiro no Riacho Dargai a 18.7 °C em agosto no Riacho Shergarh. Não foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significativa para temperatura (p = 0,96) e pH (p = 0,14) nos três cursos de água. O presente estudo fornecerá uma linha de base para a criação e aprimoramento do estoque selvagem da ictiofauna comercialmente importante no campo da aquicultura e pesca.

A Case Report on Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Chronic Total Occlusion by Retrograde Visualization.

As bilateral approach is paramount in chronic total occlusions with retrograde flow, the use of two radial arteries,two femoral arteries or combination technique using one radial and one femoral artery will probably be increasingly reported in the near future. After puncture of opposite groin, a diagnostic 6 Fr catheter is used to intubate the ostium of the contralateral artery. By visualizing the distal vessel in multiple projections, contralateral injections help to direct the progression of the wire in the occluded segment towards the distal true lumen. and confirm the intraluminal position of the wire after the occluded segment. We are reporting a case with chronic total occlusion where we used bilateral femoral access and simultaneous contrast injection to visualize retrograde flow in LAD while opening CTO through ante-grade pathway.

Death due to Poisoning - a Medicolegal Study at Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka.

Self destruction or suicide by pesticide poisoning is a burning problem of Bangladesh. Rapid development in science and rapid growth in agricultural activities has led to the increase in the incidences of poisoning. The objective of this study was to find out the incidences and pattern of poisoning in an urban area, different aspects of poisoning along with demographic pattern, social factors related and other related perimeter, and modality to prevent loss of precious life due to poisoning. This retrospective cross sectional study was conducted among victims of poisoning at Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka Morgue during the period of January 2008-December 2009. Specific identification of poisons was made from Chemical Examiner's report. All the data were later on analyzed. A total of 5114 medico legal post mortems were performed during this study period. Among these 300 (5.87%) cases were suspected poisoning. Out of these cases specific poisons were identified in 131 (43.66%) cases. Among the detected poisoning cases OPC was the commonest agent 103 (78.63%) followed by alcohol/rectified spirit 12 (9.16%) and barbiturate 7 (5.34%). No poison was detected (Negative results) in 116 (38.66%) cases and no reports from chemical examiner were received in 53 (17.66%) cases during the study period. Out of 300 victims 174 (58%) were male and 126 (42%) were female. Highest incidence of poisoning was observed in 21-30 years age group 117 (39%) followed by age group of 31-40 years 84 (28%). Most of the victims were agricultural workers/ farmers 108 (36%) followed by housewives 51 (17%). Among the study subjects 178 (59.33%) were illiterate and 198 (66%) were married. Considering manner of death 274 (91.33%) victims committed suicide by poisoning and rests 26 (8.67%) were due to accidental poisoning. To reduce poisoning cases proper emphasis should be given for safe use of pesticides and consciousness should be created among the population about poisonous compounds. Detail study regarding death due to poisoning is required to be carried out in this country.

Study of antimicrobial susceptibility of clinically significant microorganisms isolated from selected areas of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Objective: Pathogenic resistance against antibiotics is substantially mounting in the developing countries including Bangladesh. Present study thus attempted to obtain the baseline information on such resistance among the community people coming to the local dispensaries around the city of Dhaka for treatment. Materials and Methods: A total of 2,700 clinical specimens were examined for the presence of Gram positive and Gram negative pathogens. Antibiotic susceptibility tests of the isolates were carried out. Extended spectrum b- lactamase (ESBL) activity, and the presence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and S. epidermidis (MRSE) were also detected. Results: Escherichia coli were most prevalent (45.5%) among 1044 pathogenic bacteria isolated from 2,700 samples. E. coli predominated urine, pus, wound swab, blood, high vaginal swab (HVS) and sputum specimens, and exhibited the highest frequency of ESBL activity (35%). Prevalence of Klebsiella spp. and S. aureus among the clinical specimens were 11.5% and 9.86%, respectively. Most of the Gram negative bacilli were found resistant against ciprofloxacin (5 mg), tetracycline (30 mg) and cotrimoxazole (25 mg). Majority of Pseudomonas spp. were found resistant against most of the commonly used antibiotics. Interestingly, around half of the S. aureus isolates were observed to be methicillin resistant, but not vancomycin resistant. Conclusion: Overall, such a revelation of increased antibiotic resistance demands for restrictive and appropriate antibiotic usage in accordance with the updated antibiotic prescribing policy in Bangladesh.

Use of fluorescein diacetate (FDA) staining to detect viable Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Objective: Drug resistant tuberculosis has long been a common problem prevailing in developing countries including Bangladesh. Present study focused on the rapid identification of live Mycobacterium tuberculosis among treatment failure cases. Materials and Methods: Sputum samples from a total of 100 category-I and category-II treatment failure cases, assumed as multidrug resistant tuberculosis, were studied through fluorescein diacetate (FDA) staining under light emitting diode (LED) fluorescence microscope. Considering culture method as gold standard, we also compared the results of FDA staining with that of auramine O staining. Results: A total of 85% acid-fast bacilli were detected by FDA staining, 82% by auramine O staining and a total of 85% isolates were detected in Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) culture. The sensitivity of FDA staining (96.47%) was estimated to be slightly higher than that of auramine O staining (91.76%). Moreover, 76.47% cases were detected as multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Conclusion: Taken together, FDA staining method has been proposed to be appropriate for the rapid diagnosis of drug resistant tuberculosis.

Abundance of Road Traffic Accidents among Medicolegal Postmortem Cases..

This retrospective study was conducted at the Dhaka Medical College (DMC) morgue during the period of Jan 2008 to Dec 2008. The objective of this study was to find out the abundance of Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) cases among medicolegal post mortem examinations performed at DMC morgue and in this relation to evaluate the present situation of RTA in our country. It has been observed that RTA cases are the most common cases among various types of medicolegal post mortems. A total of 2714 postmortems were conducted during the study period and out of which 813 (29.95%) cases were of RTA, among the victims 545 (67.03%) were male and 268 (32.96%) were female. Highest incidence (30.38 %) of RTA was observed among the age group 21 to 30 yrs. Most accidents occurred at daytime 282 (34.68%), followed by night 233 (28.66%). Greater number of accidents occurred during September 90 (11.07%), followed by January 85 (10.45%) and December 83 (10.20%). Commonest victims were pedestrians 564 (69.37%). Most accidents took place on highways 650 (79.95%) and buses were the most dangerous vehicle causing highest number of accidents 307 (37.76%), followed by truck 141 (17.34%). Among the cases 100% victims had multiple abrasion and bruise, laceration were present in 654 (80.44%), and intra cranial injury 527 (64.82 %).

Study of 89 Cases of Peripheral Vascular Disease by CT Angiography.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to observe the morphological pattern by CT angiography and risk factors for development of peripheral vascular disease in Bangladeshi patient suffering from peripheral vascular disease using a multidetector scanner in the evaluation of patients with peripheral vascular disease. Subject and Method: Eighty nine patients with peripheral vascular disease who were referred for evaluation of peripheral vascular disease underwent CT angiography. We scanned patients from the level of the cerebral arteries to the pedal arteries in a single helical scan. CT angiograms were produced using maximum-intensity-projection, multiplanous reformation and reconstructions. Findings were graded according to nine categories: 1, normal (0% stenosis); 2, mild (1-49% stenosis); 3, moderate (50-74% stenosis); 4, severe (>75% stenosis); 5, tortuosity; 6, aneurysm, 7, calcification, 8, Arteriovenous malformation (AVM), and 9, haematoma. Results: We found Most of the patients in our study were male (69 out of 89 patients). The mean age was 54.49 ±18.36 in male and 49.45 ±17.89 for female. Commonest risk factor in our study was hypertension 46.1%, followed by diabetes 30.3%, family history 27% smoking 23.6%, dyslipidaemia13.5%. Stenosis (5.61%) was the predominate lesion followed by haematoma (4.49%), Arterio –venous malformation (4.49%). Abdominal aorta was mostly affected in the studied population (58.43%) followed by Lower limb (37.08%), Carotid (22.47%), Renal (7.87%) and Upper limb arteries (4.49%). Conclusion: CT angiography is a noninvasive technique for the imaging of peripheral vascular disease. Since no data is available from a well designed study in PVD in our country, till then the data obtained from this study can be used in Bangladesh.

Causes for Hospitalizations at Upazila Health Complexes in Bangladesh.

Morbidity and mortality data are important for planning and implementing healthcare strategies of a country. To understand the major causes for hospitalizations in rural Bangladesh, demographic and clinical data were collected from the hospital-records of five government-run rural health facilities (upazila health complexes) situated at different geographical regions of the country from January 1997 to December 2001. During this period, 75,598 hospital admissions in total were recorded, of which 54% were for male, and 46% were for female. Of all the admissions, diarrhoeal disease was the leading cause for hospitalization (25.1%), followed by injuries (17.7%), respiratory tract diseases (12.6%), diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (10.5%), obstetric and gynaecological causes (8.5%), and febrile illnesses (6.7%). A considerable proportion (8.3%) of the hospitalized patients remained undiagnosed. Despite the limitations of hospitalbased data, this paper gives a reasonable insight of the important causes for hospitalizations in upazila health complexes that may guide the policy-makers in strengthening and prioritizing the healthcare needs at the upazila level in Bangladesh.

Risk factors of bronchial asthma in two contrasting settings–metropolitan and coastal areas of Bangladesh: A case control study.

Background. Seven million people are suffering from bronchial asthma in Bangladesh. But scanty data is available to explain the risk factors for asthma in Bangladesh. Methods. This population-based, age, sex, and economic status matched case-control study was conducted to identify the risk factors responsible for the development of bronchial asthma in two contrasting settings, the metropolitan capital city and coastal area of Bangladesh. A structured pre-tested questionnaire was filled up by face-to-face interviews with the patients or parents of patients with bronchial asthma and the normal controls after a respiratory physician confirmed the diagnosis on the basis of history, physical examination and spirometry. Results. Presence of allergic problems was recognised as risk factors for the development of bronchial asthma. Concomitant existence of atopic diseases, like allergic rhinitis, eczema and allergic conjunctivitis were found to be significant risk factors in both the settings. History of early childhood lung infections, like pneumonia, bronchiolitis and intake of antibiotics and paracetamol in last 12 months were also observed to be the risk factors in both the areas. Though most of the so-called allergic foods were statistically found to be a protective factor in both the settings [odds ratio (OR) 0.48, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.37-0.63 in city area and OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66-0.96 in coastal area], this was considered to be an artifact. Conclusions. Several common risk factors for the development of bronchial asthma were identified in both city and coastal areas of Bangladesh. Bronchial asthma prevention campaign in Bangladesh may focus on sensitising the people on these risk factors.

Study of 89 Cases of Peripheral Vascular Disease by CT Angiography in a Centre of Bangladesh.

Background: The peripheral arterial disease generally refers to a disorder that obstructs the blood supply to upper and lower extremities, most commonly caused by atherosclerosis. Objective: The purpose of this study was to observe the morphological pattern and risk factors for development of peripheral vascular disease in Bangladeshi patients suffering from peripheral vascular disease by CT angiography using a multidetector scanner. Method: Eighty nine patients with peripheral vascular disease who were referred for evaluation of peripheral vascular disease underwent CT angiography. We scanned patients from the level of the cerebral arteries to the pedal arteries in a single helical scan. CT angiograms were produced using maximum-intensity-projection, multiplanous reformation and reconstructions. Findings were graded according to nine categories: 1, normal (0% stenosis); 2, mild (1-49% stenosis); 3, moderate (50-74% stenosis); 4, severe (>75% stenosis); 5, tortuosity; 6, aneurysm, 7, calcification, 8, Arteriovenous malformation (AVM), and 9, haematoma. Results: We found Most of the patients in our study were male (69 out of 89 patients). The mean age was 54.49 ±18.36 yrs in male and 49.45 ±17.89 yrs for female. Commonest risk factor in our study was hypertension 46.1%, followed by diabetes 30.3%, family history 27%, smoking 23.6%, dyslipidaemia13.5%. Stenosis (5.61%) was the predominate lesion followed by haematoma (4.49%) and arterio–venous malformation (4.49%). Abdominal aorta was mostly affected in the studied population (58.43%) followed by Lower limb (37.08%), Carotid (22.47%), Renal (7.87%) and Upper limb arteries (4.49%). Conclusion: CT angiography is a noninvasive technique for the imaging of peripheral vascular disease. Since no data is available from a well designed study in PVD in our country, till then the data obtained from this study can be used in Bangladesh.

The relationship of placental weight with birth weight.

To assess the relationship between placental weight and birth weight, two hundred forty six pregnant mothers, who were otherwise healthy, were prospectively followed in a city hospital during antenatal period until delivery and immediate post-partum period. Height of mothers was measured initially and weight measured at each visit during the antenatal check-up. Placental weight and birth weight of babies were measured by one of the authors immediately after delivery by a weighing scale. Eighty one percent of the mothers were between the age group of 20-29 years. The BMI of 92% mothers was 18.5 and above. Most of the mothers came both with primigravida (42%) or second gravida (33%) and in 25% cases 3rd or onwards. In 49% cases the placental weight was between 401-500 gm, in 30% cases >500 gm and in 21% cases 400 gm or less. There was delivery of appropriate-birth-weight babies in 85% cases and low-birth-weight babies in 15% cases. It was observed that a very strong correlation existed between placental weight and birth weight (r = 0.391, p<0.001). Even this correlation was stronger in small for gestational age babies. However, there was no correlation between placental weight and APGAR score at one minute. It is concluded that increment of birth weight occurs with increase of placental weight. If placental weight can be measured by ultrasonography in second or early third trimester of pregnancy birth weight is possible to be assessed and appropriate measure can be taken to increase the birth weight.

Evaluation of stentangioplasty in university cardiac center.

In this ongoing prospective study conducted in University Cardiac Center, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, from July 2004 to January 2006. Fifty (50) patients (mean age 56+/-7.2 years) underwent stentangioplasty were evaluated. The study group of 50 patients consisted of 42 (84%) men and 08 (16%) women. The aim of this study was to evaluate in-hospital success, failure and complications during the procedures. About risk factors 19(38%) had hypertension, 13(26%) were smoker, 11(22%) suffered from diabetes mellitus, 05(10%) had family history of ischaemic heart disease. Average left ventricular ejection fraction was 54+/-7. Target vessel percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PTCA) were done in 61 vessel, intracoronary stent implanted in 58 vessels, direct stenting were done in 35 cases, failed PTCA were in 03(6%) cases and two had dissection. The native vessels had a mean reference diameter of 2.91 mm and their luminal diameter increased significantly after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). All the patients were discharged by one to three days of the procedure with improvement of their clinical condition. In conclusion, intracoronary stent deployment in coronary artery stenosis following balloon angioplasty is a valid and beneficial strategy with good in-hospital results.

Evaluation of total hip replacement.

This prospective study was made to asses the results of total hip replacement done primarily at Dhaka Medical College Hospital by the surgical team from its orthopaedic department. Eight patients were selected randomly from April/2005 to December/2005. Six patients were male and two females. Age of the patients was ranging from 22 to 67 years with average of 37.4+/-5.12 (mean+/-SE) years. Majority of the patients (75%) were diagnosed as Aseptic necrosis of femoral head with secondary osteoarthritis. The femoral head was replaced by metallic component with C-stem and the acetabular cup made up of Ultra-High density Polyethylene. Both the components were cemented (methylmethacrylate) by hand-packing. The patients were followed-up for 7.75+/-6.1 months (mean+/-SE) ranging from 4 months to 1 year. The results were evaluated on the basis of Harris Hip Score(2). 75 % had good to excellent and 12.5% had fair results. One patient complicated with dislocation and ultimately had poor result. The quality of life in seven patients (87.5%) improved much for which they were grateful.

Asthma, atopic eczema and allergic rhino-conjunctivitis in school children.

International Study of Asthma and Allergies of Childhood (ISAAC) phase one study had already been completed in two age groups in 156 collaborating centers of 56 countries involving a total of 721601 children. Bangladesh did not participate earlier in this worldwide study. To determine the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema in school children of Dhaka district using ISAAC protocol. A school based cross sectional study done in 2000 by using both written questionnaires (WQ) and video questionnaires (VQ). Students of class-VIII (13-14 years) filled up both the WQ and VQ and the parents of class I (6-7 years) filled up only the WQ on behalf of the students. Sixty five (6)5 primary schools and 39 high schools were randomly selected from all 19 thanas to cover equally both the urban and rural schools of the entire area of Dhaka district. A total of 6260 written questionnaires were eligible for the analysis (3029 form 6-7 years of class I and 3231 from 13-14 years of class VIII). In addition, the validated international video questionnaires were used for the older age group (3231). The symptoms of atopic diseases in the previous 12 months or ever in all children, both age groups, both sexes and in both urban and rural areas. The life time (ever) and 12-month period (recent) prevalence of three allergic conditions with 95% CI were as follows : wheezing 13.8% (12.9-14.6), 7.6% (6.9-8.2); allergic rhinitis 25.0% (23.9-26.1), 20.0% (19.1-21.1) and eczema 8.7% (CI 8.0-9.4), 6.5% (5.9-7.2). respectively. The prevalence of wheezing and other atopic features in both age groups of 6-7 years and 13-14 years showed higher features of recent wheeze in the younger children than in the older children, recent wheeze 9.1% Vs 6.1%; but the other atopic features were found lower in younger age group, recent rhinitis 16.3% Vs 23.5%, 0.001; conjunctivitis 6.4% Vs 8.3%, 0.001; recent eczema 6.0% Vs 7.1% 0.001. Male children were found to be more suffering from all types allergic conditions than their female peers: recent wheeze 9.0% Vs 5.9%, recent rhinitis 21.9% Vs 17.9%, recent allergic conjunctivitis 8.7% Vs 6.7% and recent eczema 6.8% Vs 6.2%). Though the prevalence of asthma and atopic eczema was lower than those of developed countries but still appeared to be a major health problem for our children. Allergic rhinitis was the commonest of all atopic problems in children. The younger children (6-7 years) were more likely to suffer from wheeze (asthma) but other allergic problems were more in older group of children (13-14 years). Male children were more prone to all types of allergic problems, whether wheeze or other atopic conditions, than the female peers.

Effectiveness of baby friendly hospital initiative on the promotion of exclusive breast feeding among the Dhaka city dwellers in Bangladesh.

To assess the effectiveness of baby friendly hospital initiative on exclusive breast feeding status; this longitudinal study designed to compare the incidence of exclusive breast feeding at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days post partum for mothers who delivered at baby friendly hospital and mothers who delivered at a nearby non-baby friendly hospital. 105 mothers from baby friendly hospital and 104 mothers from non-baby friendly hospital were recruited and followed up for determining duration of exclusive breast-feeding. The median survival time of exclusive breast-feeding was 73.85 days among mothers of baby friendly hospital and 30 days among mothers of non-baby friendly hospital, with a difference of 43.85 days. Life table cumulative surviving proportion for exclusive breast-feeding shows that 82 percent mothers of baby friendly hospital continue at 30 days, compared with 50 percent mothers off non-baby friendly hospital. At 150 days, 16 percent mothers of baby friendly hospital continue exclusive breast-feeding compared with 6 percent mothers of non-baby friendly hospital. Finally 8 percent mothers of baby friendly hospital continue exclusive breast feeding between two hospital was found highly significant (P < 0.001). Duration of exclusive breast-feeding is longer among the mothers who have been delivered in a baby friendly hospital than those mothers who have been delivered in a non-baby friendly hospital.

Comparison of different methods of assessing in vitro resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to rifampicin.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Definitions of in vitro resistance to rifampicin in strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by different methods have not been consistent, leading to variations in the interpretation and validity of results. This study compared three methods of defining in vitro resistance to rifampicin. METHODS: (i) A total of 598 clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis were concurrently compared by the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the proportion method on Lowenstein-Jensen medium; (ii) 54 strains tested by the MIC method were retested by the proportion method and the BACTEC radiometric method; and (iii) 72 strains which yielded an MIC of 64 mg/l by the MIC method were retested by the same method. RESULTS: Out of 598 cultures tested by the MIC and the proportion methods, identical classification as susceptible or resistant was observed in 99.7 per cent. A 100 per cent agreement was observed when 54 strains were tested by the MIC, proportion and BACTEC radiometric methods. When 72 strains with an MIC of 64 mg/l were retested by the same method, 61 (85%) yielded a lower MIC, 9 (12%) gave the same MIC while 2 (3%) yielded a higher MIC of 128 mg/l, reflecting perhaps the inherent limitations of the variations in the inoculum size. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: All 3 definitions of resistance, viz., an MIC of 128 mg/l, a proportion of 1 per cent or more on 40 mg/l by the proportion method, both on L-J medium and a growth of 1 per cent or more on 2 mg/l by the radiometric method were found to be equally satisfactory.

Early bactericidal action of pulsed exposure to rifampicin, ethambutol, isoniazid & pyrazinamide in pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

The bactericidal action of two therapeutic regimens on Mycobacterium tuberculosis was assessed by viable counts in serial sputum samples in 49 pulmonary tuberculosis patients being treated with rifampicin (R), ethambutol (Emb), isoniazid (I) and pyrazinamide (Z) together in a single dose thrice weekly (REmbIZ3) or with REmb and IZ on alternate days (REmb3IZ3alt). In both groups of patients, there was a significant reduction (P < or = 0.02) in the colony forming units (cfu) of M. tuberculosis per ml of sputum during the first two days of treatment itself. This early bactericidal action (EBA) as well as the reduction in counts during the subsequent days of treatment were similar (P > 0.2) for both REmbIZ3 and REmb3IZ3alt regimens indicating that splitting up REmbIZ into REmb on one day and IZ on the next day in short course chemotherapy (SCC) regimens may not affect the bactericidal action of the regimens.