Association and expression study of SEPW1 and JAML as preliminary candidate genes related to lamb odor and flavor.

The current study aimed to identify the SEPW1 and JAML genes in lamb as candidate genes related to lamb odor and flavor. The polymorphism study showed that the SEPW1 gene was polymorphic at the BanI restriction site with three genotypes (AA, AG, and GG), whereas the JAML gene was monomorphic at HhaI with genotype (GG). The association of SEPW1 between genotype and lamb odor and flavor (BCFAs and skatole) was analyzed using GLM (General Linear Model). MNA (4-methylnonanoic) was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with lamb odor and flavor. AA genotype has a lower level of MNA than AG and GG, while MOA (4-methyloctanoic), EOA(4-ethyloctanoic), MI (3-methylindole) and MP (3-methylphenol) was not significantly associated with lamb odor and flavor (p > 0.05). Furthermore, to analyze the mRNA expression of SEPW1 in liver tissues, the lambs were divided into three groups based on the genotypes AA, AG, and GG, however, mRNA expression was not differentially expressed between AA, AG, and GG (p > 0.05). These results will enhance the understanding of the functions of SEPW1 gene relation to odor and flavor traits and will shed light on the polymorphism of SEPW1 gene in lamb as a candidate gene for reducing MNA in lamb.

Soil organic carbon dynamics in the agricultural soils of Bangladesh following more than 20 years of land use intensification.

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a key soil quality indicator, as it is a source and storage of plant nutrients and plays a vital role in soil fertility and productivity maintenance. Intensification of agriculture is known to cause SOC decline; however, much of the evidence stems from field-scale experimental trials. The primary aim of this study is to investigate how more than 20 years of agricultural land use intensification in Bangladesh has influenced SOC levels at landscape levels. This was achieved by revisiting in 2012 four sub-sites from the Brahmaputra and Ganges alluviums which were previously sampled (1989-92) by the Soil Resource Development Institute and collecting 190 new samples. These were located at different elevations and subjected to differing amounts of inundation. The SOC was determined using the same method, potassium dichromate wet oxidation, used in the 1989-92 campaign. A comparison of the SOC in the 2012 samples with their historic levels (1989-92) revealed that overall SOC declined significantly across both alluviums as well at their four sub-sites. Further analysis, however, showed that SOC has declined more at higher sites. The higher sites are inundated to a limited level, which makes them suitable for growing multiple crops. Among the land types considered here, the low land sites (because of their topographical position) remain inundated for a greater part of the year, allowing a maximum of only one crop of submerged rice. As a result of reduced biomass decomposition due to anaerobic conditions when inundated, and lower land use/cropping intensity, SOC accretion has occurred in the lower land sites. The SOC levels in South Asian countries are inherently low and agricultural land use intensification fuelled by growing food production demand is causing further SOC loss, which has the potential to jeopardise food security and increase the environmental impact of agriculture.

Risk factors associated with morbidity and mortality outcomes of COVID-19 patients on the 28th day of the disease course: a retrospective cohort study in Bangladesh.

Diverse risk factors intercede the outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We conducted this retrospective cohort study with a cohort of 1016 COVID-19 patients diagnosed in May 2020 to identify the risk factors associated with morbidity and mortality outcomes. Data were collected by telephone-interview and reviewing records using a questionnaire and checklist. The study identified morbidity and mortality risk factors on the 28th day of the disease course. The majority of the patients were male (64.1%) and belonged to the age group 25-39 years (39.4%). Urban patients were higher in proportion than rural (69.3% vs. 30.7%). Major comorbidities included 35.0% diabetes mellitus (DM), 28.4% hypertension (HTN), 16.6% chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and 7.8% coronary heart disease (CHD). The morbidity rate (not-cured) was 6.0%, and the mortality rate (non-survivor) was 2.5%. Morbidity risk factors included elderly (AOR = 2.56, 95% CI = 1.31-4.99), having comorbidity (AOR = 1.43, 95% CI = 0.83-2.47), and smokeless tobacco use (AOR = 2.17, 95% CI = 0.84-5.61). The morbidity risk was higher with COPD (RR = 2.68), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (RR = 3.33) and chronic liver disease (CLD) (RR = 3.99). Mortality risk factors included elderly (AOR = 7.56, 95% CI = 3.19-17.92), having comorbidity (AOR = 5.27, 95% CI = 1.88-14.79) and SLT use (AOR = 1.93, 95% CI = 0.50-7.46). The mortality risk was higher with COPD (RR = 7.30), DM (RR = 2.63), CHD (RR = 4.65), HTN (RR = 3.38), CKD (RR = 9.03), CLD (RR = 10.52) and malignant diseases (RR = 9.73). We must espouse programme interventions considering the morbidity and mortality risk factors to condense the aggressive outcomes of COVID-19.

Risk factors for acute respiratory infection in children younger than five years in Bangladesh.

OBJECTIVES: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are one of the major causes of child morbidity and mortality in the developing world. There is a lack of information regarding ARIs in children in Bangladesh. The study aims to determine the potential risk factors that are associated with ARIs among children younger than 5 years in Bangladesh. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study design was used. METHODS: Data were retrieved from the 2014 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey, which provides data for monitoring indicators in population, health and nutrition. In total, 7032 children (weighted) younger than 5 years were eligible for our analysis. Children with a cough and chest-related short, rapid breathing in the 2 weeks before the survey were considered having an ARI. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine the significant risk factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of ARI was 5.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.7-6.0) in the sample population. Infants aged 0-11 months (odds ratio [OR] = 2.87, 95% CI: 1.92-4.28), toddlers aged 12-23 months (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.21-3.38) and children aged 24-35 months (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.11-2.50) had a greater risk of ARI than older children. Children of lower economic (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.27-3.27) and middle economic (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.06-2.64) families were also at a higher risk of ARI. Girls (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.56-0.99) had a lower risk of ARI compared with boys. In addition, stunting or slow growth rate in children (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.02-1.97) was significantly associated with ARI. CONCLUSION: Young children, boys and stunted children are at greater risk of ARI. Educating mothers on the nutritional needs of children and subsequently reducing stunting due to malnutrition would help in the effort to reduce child morbidity and mortality caused by ARI.

Associations between resistance phenotype and gene expression in response to serial exposure to oxacillin and ciprofloxacin in Staphylococcus aureus.

This study was designed to delineate the relationship between resistance phenotypes and gene expression in wild-type (SAWT ), oxacillin-induced (SAOXA ), ciprofloxacin-induced (SACIP ) and clinically acquired antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (SACA ) exposed to oxacillin (ß-lactam) and ciprofloxacin (fluoroquinolone). The phenotypic response and gene expression were varied with the antibiotic exposure. SAWT was highly resistant to oxacillin (MIC = 8 µg ml-1 ) after serial exposure to oxacillin, while the oxacillin susceptibility was not changed in SAWT when exposed to ciprofloxacin (MIC = 0·25 µg ml-1 ). The clinical isolate, SACA , was highly resistant to all classes of antibiotics used in this study. The increased resistance of SAOXA and SACIP to penicillinase-labile penicillins was attributed to the production of ß-lactamase, which is in good agreement with the overexpression of blaZ (>2-fold). The overexpression of efflux pump-related genes (norA, norB, norC, mdeA, mepR, mgrA and lmrS) was associated with the increased resistance of SACIP and SACA to aminoglycosides and quinolones. This study confirmed that the linkage between resistance phenotypes and molecular genotypes highly varied depending on intrinsic resistance profile, response to antibiotic exposure and genes conferring resistance. This study provides useful information for understanding the mechanisms of methicillin resistance in S. aureus in association with phenotypic and genotypic resistance determinants. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The improvement in current standards is essential to accurately detect methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in consideration of various resistance phenotypes and genotypes. The varied and distinctive expression patterns of antibiotic resistance-related genes were observed in S. aureus exposed to oxacillin and ciprofloxacin. It is worth noting the relationship between resistance phenotype and resistance genotype in terms of MIC values and expression of antibiotic resistance determinants. This study provides useful information for understanding the mechanisms of methicillin resistance in S. aureus in association with phenotypic and genotypic resistance determinants.

Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Appendix: A Case Report.

Primary tumors of the appendix are unusual and most of them are carcinoids. Their main presentation is that of an acute appendicitis or as a palpable mass, mainly in the right lower quadrant. A 40 years old male patient presented in Dhaka Community Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 31st October 2013 with mucous adenocarcinoma of the appendix, which primarily presented as heaviness in right lower abdomen and atypical abdominal pain. Diagnosis of the disease was made after right hemicolectomy and histopathological analysis of the specimen. Mucin producing adenocarcinomas of the appendix are a category of rare cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. Although at present they are a well studied pathological entity, the crucial issue of their preoperative diagnosis remains unsolved.

Detection of Cervical Cancer through Visual Inspection of Cervix with Acetic Acid (VIA) and Colposcopy at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer related morbidity and mortality in women with 50% mortality rate. It is preventable if cervical cellular changes are detected and managed at early stage. This was a retrospective study conducted at VIA center of outpatient department and Colposcopy clinic at in-patient department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh covering a period from September 2013 to November 2014. Objective of this study was detection of cervical cancer and precancerous condition amongst patients reported to VIA center and Colposcopy clinic. In primary screening at VIA Center, total respondents were 3604, their mean age was 35.9 and highest were in the age group 31 to 40 years. At VIA center, 110(3.05%) were found positive and highest were between 31 to 40 years. In Colposcopy Clinic, out of 700 patients, 51.7% were CIN 1, 4.9% CIN 2, 1.4% CIN 3, invasive carcinoma was 0.3% and unsatisfactory or inconclusive were 34.3%. Most of the respondents were housewives and majority had poor monthly income. Amongst respondents, 72.1% were from rural area and Colposcopic findings revealed in 62.5% abnormal cervical changes, 46.5% were from rural area. Mean age at marriage or age at first coitus was found 16.25 years and 92.7% were in 11 to 20 years. Maximum abnormal cervical findings including CIN were between the ages ranged from 11 to 20 years of marriage age. In patients having 1 - 5 number of child having abnormal (58%) cervical changes, 48% were CIN 1. Histopathology reports found 19.6% CIN 1 (Total CIN 20.7%), cervical carcinoma 1.3%, inflammatory 7.0% and 0.42% cases were reported normal. Amongst 438 histopathology advised cases, 230 respondent's reports with patients were not available. VIA followed by Colposcopy has been a feasible, easy and reliable tools for screening cervical cancer in Bangladesh.

Study on Neurological Consequence of Eclampsia.

The present study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh for a period of one year from 1st June 2009 to 30th June 2010 to see the Neurological Consequence of Eclampsia. A total number of 37 patients were enrolled in this study. Among 37 patients majority are in the age group of 21-30 years which is 19(51.4%) cases followed by less than or equal to 20 years and more than 30 years which are 13(35.1%) cases and 5(13.5%) cases respectively. Knee jerk is present in 28(75.7%) cases and absent in 8(21.6%) cases. The exaggerated knee jerk is present in only in 1(2.7%) case. The rate of Glasgow coma scale is less than 5 in 21(56.8%) cases, 14(37.8%) cases in 5-10 and 2(5.4%) cases is in more than 10. Focal sign is absent in 22(59.5%) cases and present in 15(40.5%) cases. Majority of the patients is presented with absence of neck stiffness which is 35(94.6%) cases and the rest 2(5.4%) cases are presented with neck stiffness. Flexor planter response is found in 20(54.1%) cases which is the highest in number followed by extensor which is 15(40.5%) cases. In only 2(5.4%) cases the planter reflex is not elicitable. Presence of infarct is found in 15(40.5%) cases which is the highest number. Cerebral edema and Presence of haemorrhage is found in 3(8.1%) cases in each. Leuko-encephalopathy is found in 2(5.4%) cases. Encephalopathy and Both infarct & haemorrhage is found in 1(2.7%) case of each. Normal CT scan findings of brain are found in 12(32.4%) cases.

Clinical Profile of Peripheral Neuropathy in Leprosy.

The objectives of the study were to see the association of peripheral neuropathy in leprosy and to find out the clinical profile of peripheral neuropathy and disability status in leprosy. It was descriptive type of cross sectional study was conducted among the cases of leprosy attended in the out-patient departments of neurology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) and Mymensingh tuberculosis and leprosy hospital that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in this study, during the study period of January 2010 to December 2011.In this study of 62 cases revealed that leprosy is more common in male (71%) people and 21% leprosy patient had contact with known case of leprosy. Leprosy causes peripheral neuropathy (61.3%). Duration of occurrence of peripheral neuropathy was prolonged (>6 month) in most of the patients (47.4%) and the disease progression was also slow (63.2%). Numbness was complained by 89.4% patients and 65.8% subjects complained of weakness of limbs. Deformities and ulcers were present in 26.3% and 50% of patients respectively. Ulnar nerve (43.6%), Lateral popliteal nerve (41.9%), Posterior tibial nerve (41.9%) and Great auricular nerve (17.7%) were the most commonly involved thickened peripheral nerves. The rate of visible physical impairment (WHO Grade 2 disability) among people affected by leprosy in feet was 27.4% and in hands was 16.1%. The position and vibration sense was found to normal all patients of peripheral neuropathy.

Smear Positive Tuberculosis amongst Suspects Reported to DOTS Corner of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh.

Sputum microscopy still remains the primary tool for the laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis. A retrospective study was conducted in the directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) corner of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), in Bangladesh from May 2013 to May 2014. The study was designed to evaluate the extent of smear positive microscopy including multi-drug resistance (MDR) amongst tuberculosis suspected cases. A total of 2,361 Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) suspects were noticed to DOTS corner during this period, with the mean age of 43 years. The male female ratio was 2.02:1 and the smear positivity rate was about 10%. Study found majority of the suspects were in the economically productive year of life 20-70 years. Smear negative suspects were not re-evaluated further, though smear negativity does not rule out absence of tuberculosis. Extra pulmonary or non tuberculous mycobacteria were not evaluated in this study. Twenty two patients 0.9% of total 2361 were identified as MDR during the study period where 61 clinically highly suspected cases were sent for GeneXpert that seems to be much lesser than the national rate (3.6% in new cases and 19% in retreated cases). The smear positivity rate of all three (1st, 2nd and 3rd) smear was 94.5%, all the second smear was 100% positive and the third were 95.47% positive. It is evident from this study that two smear microscopy was found sufficiently reliable to diagnose TB. However, further in depth prospective study might be undertaken to ascertain the scenario of this chronic diseases.

Chronic Gastritis and its Association with H. Pylori Infection.

This cross sectional study was designed to see association of chronic gastritis including its type with H. pylori infection. Consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic examination having histopathological evidence of chronic gastritis were enrolled in the study and was done in Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College from July 2011 to June 2012. Biopsies were taken from antrum, body and fundus in all patients. Histopathological examinations were done using H-E stain and for detection of H. pylori, rapid urease test, anti-H.pylori antibody test and histopathological test with modified Giemsa stain were done. Patients having results positive in at least two methods were considered infected by H. pylori. Total 80 dyspeptic patients having chronic gastritis were evaluated. Out of them 67(83.8%) had H. pylori infection and 13(16.2%) were H. pylori negative. Among all patients 57(71.2%) had pangastritis and 23(28.8%) had antral gastritis with female and male predominance respectively. H. pylori infection was present in 49(86.0%) cases of pangastritis and 18(78.3%) cases of antral gastritis. H. pylori infection was a little higher among males (34, 50.7%) females (33, 49.3%). H. pylori infection is the predominant cause of chronic gastritis and pangastritis is the major type.

Surgical Decompression of Resistant Cases of DeQuervain's Disease.

DeQuervain's disease of the first dorsal compartment of the wrist, is a common wrist pathology, pain results from resisted gliding of the abductor pollicis longus and the extensor pollicis brevis tendon in the fibroosseous canal. Management of resistant cases of DeQuervain's disease with failed conservative treatment treated by surgical decompression yield satisfactory outcomes. A large number of patients being dissatisfied with the medical treatment, still present with persistent pain and positive clinical finding. Surgical decompression is an effective method for the treatment of resistant cases of DeQuervain's disease. Outcome variables were measured by Scheller, Forget and Macey evaluation criteria. Most of our patients were female 28(93.3%), housewife 17(56.7%) with mean age of 41.57 years, ranging from 25-60 years. Right sided involvement was 20(66.7%) and Left sided involvement was 10(33.3%). Restricted movement of thumb in 30(100%) were the predominant symptoms. One (3.3%) patient develop chronic tenosynovitis, 1(3.3%) patient develop hypertrophic scar. There was no wound infection in the follow-up period of 3-18 months. Satisfactory results were found in 29(96.7%).

Genetic testing for spinocerebellar ataxias in patients diagnosed as Parkinson's disease in Bangladesh.

This study was conducted to find out Spinocerebellar Ataxias (SCA) by genetic analysis from those patients presenting with Parkinsonism in the Neurology department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh. A sample of about 5ml blood was collected by venipuncture in EDTA tube after having informed consent from each patients and healthy individual, with due Institutional Ethical committee approval for genetic study of 7 healthy people and 9 patients. The neurological disorder along with a complete physical and/or psychological, as well as family history and demographic data was recorded with a prescribed questionnaire by the neurologists of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. Extraction of genomic DNA from the venous blood using Flexi Gene DNA kit (Qiagen, Japan) was performed in Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. The extracted DNA was stored, accumulated and then were sent to Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka University Medical School, Suita, Osaka 565 0871, Japan for PCR and further analysis. PCR amplification of the CAG repeat was performed for the SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6 loci using primers SCA1N-F1 and SCA1N-R1, SCA2-F1 and SCA2-R1, MJDF1 and MJDR1, SCA6-F1 and SCA6-R1, respectively. SCA1 PCR of both healthy individual and suspected Parkinsons Disease (PD) patients DNA was found 250 bp (no. of CAG repeats=36). SCA2 PCR products reveal the DNA products of about 150 bp (no. of CAG repeats=23) except one patient that was suspected and it was sequenced and revealed 175bp (no. of CAG repeats=30). SCA3 PCR product size of both healthy individual and patient DNA was within 250 (no. of CAG repeats=11) to 300 bp (no. of CAG repeats=28) except one patient which was about 320 bp and its CAG repeats was about 34. SCA6 PCR product size of both healthy individual and patient DNA was about 150 bp (no. of CAG repeats=16).

Roles of superthermal electrons and positrons on positron-acoustic solitary waves and double layers in electron-positron-ion plasmas.

Positron-acoustic (PA) solitary waves (SWs) and double layers (DLs) in four-component plasmas consisting of immobile positive ions, mobile cold positrons, and superthermal (kappa distributed) hot positrons and electrons are investigated both numerically and analytically by deriving Korteweg-de Vries (K-dV), modified K-dV (mK-dV), and Gardner equations along with their DLs solutions using the reductive perturbation method. It is examined that depending on the plasma parameters, the K-dV SWs, Gardner SWs, and DLs support either compressive or rarefactive structures, whereas mK-dV SWs support only compressive structure. It is also found that the presence of superthermal (kappa distributed) hot positrons and hot electrons significantly modify the basic features of PA SWs as well as PA DLs. Besides, the critical number density ratio of hot positrons and cold positrons play an important role in the polarity of PA SWs and DLs. The implications of our results in different space as well as laboratory plasma environments are briefly discussed.

Evaluation of extra pulmonary tuberculosis in Bangladeshi patients.

This is a retrospective study of 200 cases of Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB) and this study was conducted from January 2010 to July 2011 at Sheheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital and TB clinic, Bogra, Bangladesh. Data were collected from the Hospital records on demographics, clinical, laboratory and treatment out come status. The incidence of EPTB was high in 16-45 years age group (55%), mean age was 35.67±14.6 years and predominated in Female patients (60%). Extra pulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB) still constitutes an important clinical problem in Bangladesh. The objective of this study was to evaluate the demography and features of patients with EPTB in our high burden tuberculosis country. Lymph nodes are the most common site of involvement (50%) followed by tubercular pleural effusion (15%) and virtually every site of the body can be affected by tuberculosis. Since the clinical presentation of EPTB is atypical, tissue samples for the confirmation of diagnosis can sometimes be difficult procedure and conventional diagnostic method have a poor yield, so the diagnosis is often delayed. EPTB constitutes about 15-20% of all cases of TB patients and it is more common in low socio-economic group (60%) Biopsy and/ or surgery, FNAC is required to procure tissue samples and pus and/or aspirated fluids are required for diagnosis and for managing complications. The EPTB usually responds to standard anti tubercular drug regimen.

Effect of levodopa and carbidopa on non-motor symptoms and signs of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) patient presents with both motor and non-motor symptoms. This was descriptive type of interventional study carried out in the department of Neurology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from January 2009 to December 2010. Among the total 59 cases, 51 completed the proposed five months follow up. The rest eight cases attended Neurology department irregularly and were ultimately dropout from follow up. The case selection technique was purposive type of non probability sampling. Each patient was treated with levodopa+carbidopa. Then the effect of levodopa+carbidopa on non-motor symptoms and signs were evaluated in subsequent five visits at four week interval. All relevant information and follow-up were recorded in a pre-designed individual case record form. Chi square test was done and probability value <0.05 were considered as level of significance with 95% confidence limit. Among the non-motor symptoms (NMS), the most frequent symptoms at base line visit were fatigue 56.8%, excessive sweating 54.9%, insomnia 54.9%, akathisia 47.1%, anxiety 45.1%, constipation 17.6%. After five months of levodopa+carbidopa therapy, frequencies of most of the NMS decreased slightly in comparison to base line symptoms but there were no significant effect of levodopa+carbidopa on NMS of study subjects.

Socio-demographic characteristics, types and Slit Skin Smear (SSS) of the leprosy patients: a hospital based study.

This study was aimed to identify the socio-demographic profile, to know the types and to find out the Slit Skin Smear (SSS) result associated with leprosy. It was a descriptive type of cross sectional study. Total 62 patients having clinical features of leprosy, attending in Department of Neurology of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) and Mymensingh Tuberculosis and Leprosy Hospital, Mymensingh from January 2010 to December 2011 were included. Patients underwent a detailed clinical evaluation followed by laboratory investigations. Out of 62 cases, the results showed that the mean age of leprosy patients were 37.8±14.6 years with the age range 12-80 years and the peak incidence was between 20-40 years. The frequency of male and female was 70.9% and 29.1% respectively with M: F of 2.4:1. From rural area 74.2% leprosy patients and 25.8% patients were from urban area and mainly day-labours (25.8%) and housewife (24.2%) by occupation. Married was 87.1% of patients and 12.9% were unmarried. Twenty one percent (21%) leprosy patients were found contact with leprosy. It was observed in this study that, 35.5% patients were PB (Pauci Bacillary) group and 64.5% of the patients were in MB (Multi Bacillary) group. Lepromatous Leprosy (LL) patients were (17.7%) and Borderline Lepromatous (BL) patients were (11.3%). Patients with Tuberculoid Type (TT) were (3.2%) and patients with Borderline Tuberculoid (BT) were (61.3%). The result of Slit skin smear (SSS) examination was negative in 59.7% patients and positive in 40.3%.

Cutaneous anthrax in a school teacher.

Cutaneous anthrax is an infection of the skin caused by Bacillus anthracis. This is a report of a case of cutaneous anthrax attending outpatients of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital in October, 2010. The infected person was a retired school teacher with a very good body build. He reported to handle cow flesh about 4-5 days ago, developed few painless papules over shin of right leg, which gradually became large bullae and blackish eschar developed over the lesion. Smears from the lesions were investigated which confirmed the causative agent B. anthracis. The patient was treated with oral Ciprofloxacin (500mg) twice daily for seven days which cured the infection as observed on his subsequent follow up visits on 7 and 14 days later. Oral Ciprofloxacin is found effective as recommended by the World Health Organization.

Study of Serum Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium) Abnormalities in Acute Stroke.

Stroke is the common cause of death and disability worldwide, as well as in Bangladesh. Serum electrolytes abnormalities or dyselectrolytaemia is one of the major acute complications of stroke. Dyselectrolytaemia or serum electrolytes (sodium and potassium) abnormalities are more common in patients with acute stroke that can be easily measured. The study was planned to find out the serum electrolytes (sodium and potassium) abnormalities in acute stroke patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Neurology and Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College and Hospital from January 2019 to June 2020. Total 84 purposively selected patients with acute strokes were evaluated following informed written consent. Diagnosis was confirmed by neuroimaging of brain. Moreover, serum electrolytes level was measured for each patient. Data were collected by interviews, clinical examinations & laboratory investigations of the patients using a case record form and analysis was carried out by the help of SPSS 25.0. Mean age of the patients with acute strokes were 57.65±15.79 years. About two thirds (60.7%) of the patients were male and the remaining (39.3%) were female. Sodium imbalances were observed in 32.2% and potassium imbalances in 25.0% cases. About 66.7% haemorrhagic strokes patients and 42.2% ischaemic strokes patients had dyselectrolytaemia (p<0.05). More than twenty eight percent (28.6%) of all stroke patients had hyponatraemia, which was more common (35.9%) among haemorrhagic strokes patients (p<0.05). Of all stroke patients 21.4% had hypokalaemia, which was more common (28.2%) in haemorrhagic strokes patients (p<0.05). This study reveals that, serum electrolytes (sodium and potassium) abnormalities are more common in haemorrhagic than ischaemic strokes, which is mainly hyponatraemia and hypokalaemia.

Association of Triglyceride and C-reactive Protein Level with Severity of Angiographically Defined Coronary Artery Disease.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is considered as a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Inflammatory cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of atherosclerosis. The aim of the study was to find out the association of C-reactive protein (CRP) and triglyceride (TG) level on the severity of CAD in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). This cross-sectional study was performed in the Department of Cardiology, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period of March 2018 to February 2021. Total 431 patients with ischemic heart disease were enrolled after taking informed written consent. CRP values were categorized into normal (<6 mg/L), borderline (6-10 mg/L) and high (>10mg/L) and TG level were categorized into normal (<150 mg/dl), borderline (150-199mg/dl) and high (≥200 mg/dl). Patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) were stratified according to CRP value and TG level. Severity of CAD was assessed by the Gensini score. Most of the patients (33.4%) belonged to age 51-60 years. The mean age was 51.31±10.30 years. The majority (74.5%) of patients were male. Among risk factors, the highest 205(47.6%) patients were smokers followed by hypertension 190(44.1%) and diabetes mellitus 175(40.5%). The association of TG and CRP with the whole spectrum of IHD was found statistically significant (p<0.05). Severe CAD was found higher in high TG and high CRP level group compared with the other groups and was statistically significant. Inflammation assessed by high CRP and hypertriglyceridemia associated with the risk and severity of CAD.