Association of Diastolic Dysfunction with Angiographic Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in patients with Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

In recent years, diastolic dysfunction is an evolving context. Presence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) indicates a poor prognosis in patients with an ACS and chronic coronary artery diseases. This study evaluated the association of LVDD and angiographic severity of CAD in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). This cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dhaka, Bangladesh, during the period of April 2017 to March 2018. A total of 120 NSTEMI patients undergoing coronary angiogram (CAG) during index hospitalization were included in the study. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography before they underwent CAG on different days. Presence (Group I, n=65) and absence of LVDD (Group II, n=55) was established by echocardiography. Severity of CAD was assessed by Vessel score and Leaman score. Association of traditional risk factors (smoking habit, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and family history of CAD) with severity of CAD was investigated. Vessel score showed coronary artery obstruction (CAO) was present in 62(95.4%) patients in Group I and 35(63.6%) patients in Group II, single vessel was involved in 17(27.4%) patients while multi vessel in 45(72.6%) patients was found in Group I. On the contrary 27(77.1%) single vessel patients and 8(22.9%) multi vessel patients were found in Group II. Positive Leaman score was significantly higher in Group I, 62(95.4%) than that of Group II, 35(63.6%) which is statistically significant (p<0.001). This study showed a positive correlation between LVDD and CAD severity in terms of vessel score and Leamanscore. This study also demonstrates that the severity of vessel score and Leaman score was higher in the higher grade of diastolic dysfunction. The present study concludes that LVDD is associated with angiographically severe CAD in patients with NSTEMI.

Mapping QTLs underpin nutrition components in aromatic rice germplasm.

As rice is an important staple food globally, research for development and enhancement of its nutritional value it is an imperative task. Identification of nutrient enriched rice germplasm and exploiting them for breeding programme is the easiest way to develop better quality rice. In this study, we analyzed 113 aromatic rice germplasm in order to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) underpinning nutrition components and determined by measuring the normal frequency distribution for Fe, Zn, amylose, and protein content in those rice germplasm. Comparatively, the germplasm Radhuni pagal, Kalobakri, Thakurbhog (26.6 ppm) and Hatisail exhibited the highest mean values for Fe (16.9 ppm), Zn (34.1 ppm), amylose (26.6 ppm) and protein content (11.0 ppm), respectively. Moreover, a significant linear relationship (R2 = 0.693) was observed between Fe and Zn contents. Cluster analysis based on Mahalanobis D2 distances revealed four major clusters of 113 rice germplasm, with cluster III containing a maximum 37 germplasm and a maximum inter-cluster distance between clusters III and IV. The 45 polymorphic SSRs and four trait associations exhibited eight significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) located on eight different chromosomes using composite interval mapping (CIM). The highly significant QTL (variance 7.89%, LOD 2.02) for protein content (QTL.pro.1) was observed on chromosome 1 at 94.9cM position. Also, four QTLs for amylose content were observed with the highly significant QTL.amy.8 located on chromosome 8 exhibiting 7.2% variance with LOD 1.83. Only one QTL (QTL.Fe.9) for Fe content was located on chromosome 9 (LOD 1.24), and two (QTL.Zn.4 and QTL.Zn.5) for Zn on chromosome 4 (LOD 1.71) and 5 (LOD 1.18), respectively. Overall, germplasm from clusters III and IV might offer higher heterotic response with the identified QTLs playing a significant role in any rice biofortification breeding program and released with development of new varieties.

Association of biomass fuel smoke exposure and hypertension among rural women of Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study.

Exposure to biomass fuel smoke has detrimental health effects causing chronic diseases. This study investigated the relationship between biomass fuel smoke exposure and hypertension among the rural Bangladeshi women. A total of 410 women aged 19-60 years were enrolled in this study during April-May 2017 who regularly cooked with biomass fuel in traditional cook stove for the past ≥1 year. Self-reported daily cooking hours and lifetime cooking experience of the participants were recorded, and their blood pressure was measured. Participants' age ≥40 years, parental history of hypertension, body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, and cumulative exposure to biomass smoke were found to be the significant risk factors of hypertension. Every 1 year increase in cumulative exposure to biomass smoke eventually exacerbated the risk of hypertension by 61% (adjusted odds ratio 1.61, 95% confidence interval: 1.16-2.22; P < 0.01). This study provides evidence that long-term exposure to biomass fuel smoke is associated with hypertension.

Visceral Adiposity Index Score is the Better Predictor of Clinical and Coronary Angiographic Severity Assessment than Other Adiposity Indices in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is one of the leading causes of death throughout the world and obesity especially visceral adiposity is one of the important concerns globally due to its huge impact on coronary artery disease particularly on ACS. There are several traditional methods like BMI, WC, WHR, WHtR etc. but none of these can measure visceral fat accurately. In this regard visceral adiposity index (VAI) is a novel sex specific index which has significant correlation with visceral adiposity and can express the distribution as well as function of visceral fat precisely. This cross sectional study was done in the Cardiology Department of National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dhaka, Bangladesh from August 2015 to July 2016 to compare the VAI with other adiposity indices for clinical and coronary angiographic severity assessment in patients with acute coronary syndrome. A total of 200 patients (Case 100 patients of ACS and Control 100 patients of non ACS) were included. Afterward clinical, biochemical, echocardiographic and coronary artery angiographic indexes determined by Gensini score were acquired. Adiposity indices like BMI, Waist and Hip circumference, Waist Hip and Waist Height ratio (WHR, WHtR) and finally VAI were calculated using appropriate formula. Patient with ACS had more severe form of clinical features like severe chest pain & shortness of breath (p=0.001), pulse, BP, abnormal precordial findings, BMI, WC, WHR, WHtR, HC, VAI (p=0.001) and angiographic severity (p=0.001) than non ACS group. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis for clinical and coronary angiographic severity assessment (GS>36) by adiposity indices showed VAI was the better predictor of clinical and coronary angiographic severity assessment with OR's being 5.61 than others. An ROC curve was plotted for each adiposity indices for clinical and coronary angiographic severity assessment showed VAI to have the maximal AUC. A VAI of OR-5.61 was provided as the cutoff value which had a sensitivity of 73.3% and specificity of 76.6% (AUROC=0.839, CI-0.760-0.918, p<0.001) which indicates better than other adiposity indices in patients under study. VAI is an excellent, simple, noninvasive tool to detect the visceral adipose mass & was markedly associated with the clinical and coronary angiographic severity assessment in patients with ACS.

Variability Assessment of Aromatic Rice Germplasm by Pheno-Genomic traits and Population Structure Analysis.

While the pleasant scent of aromatic rice is making it more popular, with demand for aromatic rice expected to rise in future, varieties of this have low yield potential. Genetic diversity and population structure of aromatic germplasm provide valuable information for yield improvement which has potential market value and farm profit. Here, we show diversity and population structure of 113 rice germplasm based on phenotypic and genotypic traits. Phenotypic traits showed that considerable variation existed across the germplasm. Based on Shannon-Weaver index, the most variable phenotypic trait was lemma-palea color. Detecting 140 alleles, 11 were unique and suitable as a germplasm diagnostic tool. Phylogenetic cluster analysis using genotypic traits classified germplasm into three major groups. Moreover, model-based population structure analysis divided all germplasm into three groups, confirmed by principal component and neighbors joining tree analyses. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and pairwise FST test showed significant differentiation among all population pairs, ranging from 0.023 to 0.068, suggesting that all three groups differed. Significant correlation coefficient was detected between phenotypic and genotypic traits which could be valuable to select further improvement of germplasm. Findings from this study have the potential for future use in aromatic rice molecular breeding programs.

Diversity and population structure of red rice germplasm in Bangladesh.

While the functionality and healthy food value of red rice have increased its popularity, such that market demand for it is expected to rise, most strains suffer from low grain yield. To perform diversity and population structure analyses of red rice germplasm, therefore, becomes essential for improving yields for commercial production. In this study, fifty red rice germplasm from the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) genebank were characterized both morphologically and genetically using fifty simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Overall, 162 alleles were detected by the markers with the detected allele number varying from two to seven. Additionally, 22 unique alleles were identified for use as a germplasm diagnostic tool. The highest and lowest polymorphic information content (PIC) indices were 0.75 and 0.04 found in markers RM282 and RM304, respectively, and genetic diversity was moderate, varying from 0.05 to 0.78 (average: 0.35). While phylogenetic cluster analysis of the fifteen distance-based agro-morphological traits divided the germplasm into five clusters (I, II, III, IV and V), a similar SSR analysis yielded only three major groups (I, II, and III), and a model-based population structure analysis yielded four (A, B, C and D). Both principal component and neighbors joining tree analysis from the population structure method showed the tested germplasm as highly diverse in structure. Moreover, an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), as well as a pairwise FST analysis, both indicated significant differentiation (ranging from 0.108 to 0.207) among all pairs of populations, suggesting that all four population structure groups differed significantly. Populations A and D were the most differentiated from each other by FST. Findings from this study suggest that the diverse germplasm and polymorphic trait-linked SSR markers of red rice are suitable for the detection of economically desirable trait loci/genes for use in future molecular breeding programs.

Variability Assessment of Aromatic and Fine Rice Germplasm in Bangladesh Based on Quantitative Traits.

The study was conducted to investigate genetic variability among 113 aromatic and fine local rice genotypes of which five were exotic in origin. The test genotypes were evaluated for 19 growth traits, yield components, and yield. All the quantitative traits varied significantly among the test genotypes. High heritability along with high genetic advance was observed for flag leaf area, secondary branches per panicle, filled grains per panicle, grain length, grain breadth, grain length breadth ratio, and 1000 grain weight. Such findings suggested preponderance of additive gene action in gene expression for these characters. Grain yield was significantly and positively correlated with days to flowering, days to maturity, panicle length, filled grains per panicle, and 1000 grain weight. According to D (2) cluster analysis, 113 test genotypes formed 10 clusters. Selection of parents from the clusters V and X followed by hybridization would possibly result in desirable heterosis for the development of heterotic rice hybrids. Finally, molecular characterizations of the studied germplasm are required for high resolution QTL mapping and validating the presence of candidate genes responsible for valuable characters.

Association between elevated B-type Natriuretic Peptide levels with extent of coronary artery disease in patients with unstable angina and NSTEMI.

The study was undertaken to find out the correlation of elevated B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) levels with the severity of coronary artery disease in patients with unstable angina and NSTEMI. This cross sectional analytical study was carried out in the department of cardiology, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dhaka during a period of August 2011 to June 2012. A total of 100 consecutive patients with unstable angina and NSTEMI undergoing coronary angiography were included in the study. BNP assay was done by Architect system, a chemo luminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). CAG was done by conventional method within 14 days of index hospital admission. Study patients were divided into two groups on the basis of BNP levels. In Group I, BNP Levels were ≤80pg/ml and in Group II, BNP levels were elevated >80pg/ml. with 50 patients in each group. Angiographic severity of CAD was assessed by vessel score and Friesinger score. Vessel score showed single vessel was involved in 21(47.7%) patients while multi vessel in 23(52.3%) patients was found in Group I. On the contrary 11(22.4%) single vessel patients and 38(77.6%) multivessel patients were found in Group II. There was significant association between vessel involvement (p=0.01). Friesinger score revealed that less severe CAD was found in 22(44%) patients and significant severe CAD in 28(56.0%) patients in Group I. On the contrary 7(14.0%) less severe CAD patients and 43(86.0%) severe CAD patients were found in Group II. There was significant difference between severity of CAD among the study groups (p=0.01). There was linear correlation between BNP pg/ml and coronary artery disease severity in terms of Vessel score (r=0.38, p=0.01) and Friesinger score (r=0.51, p=0.01). The present study concluded that increased BNP level >80pg/ml was significantly associated with the presence and severity of CAD in patient with UA and NSTEMI.

Incidence of young onset insulin-requiring diabetes mellitus among 18- to 30-year-olds in Dhaka, Bangladesh (1994-2003).

Little information is available regarding the epidemiology of young onset insulin-requiring diabetes mellitus (IRDM). We described the incidence of young onset IRDM and its trend in males and females of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Subsequently, factors related to possible sex difference were investigated. Young onset IRDM was defined as diabetic patients aged 18-30 years who required three months or more insulin treatment but presented no ketonuria. Between 1994 to 2003, 1804 cases were registered. Incidence rates were calculated with denominators based on the population census 2001. The overall annual incidence of young onset IRDM for the period 1994-2003 was 8.5 per 100,000 persons (95% CI: 7.2-7.9), and the corresponding value for females (10.9 per 100,000 persons, 95% CI: 9.2-12.1) was higher than that in males (6.7 per 100,000 persons, 95% CI 5.6-7.9). The incidence rate significantly increased in females during the investigated period, but not in males (p for sex interaction < 0.01). There was a significantly higher increment of female cases with a body mass index > or = 25.0 kg/m2 (overweight/obesity) (19 percentage point) compared to that of males (3 percentage point) between 1994-1998 and 1999-2003 (p for sex interaction < 0.01). The incidence of young onset IRDM is increasing in the Dhaka City population among females, which is attributed to the increase in overweight/obese female cases.

Indoor air pollution and its impact on children under five years old in Bangladesh.

UNLABELLED: Indoor air concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and dust particles were measured for 49 biomass and 46 fossil fuel users in urban slums of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The health impacts of these pollutants were assessed on 65 and 51 children under five years old from families who use biomass and fossil fuel as main source of energy, respectively. Mean concentrations of CO were found to be significantly higher in biomass fuel users (P = 0.010), while geometric mean concentrations of benzene, xylene, toluene, hexane, total VOCs, and NO2 were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the fossil fuel users. Symptoms such as redness of eyes, itching of skin, nasal discharge, cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, or whistling chest were found to be associated with the choice of biomass fuel, with the odds ratio ranging from 4.0 to 6.3. No significant association of use of biomass fuel with respiratory diseases, eczema, diarrhea, or viral fever was observed after adjustment for potential confounders. These results suggest a significant association between the biomass fuel-using population and respiratory symptoms. These symptoms may not be due to the pollutants only, as some other underlying causes may be present. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The health of children under five years old in Bangladesh, especially those living in poor socioeconomic conditions, is considered to be worsening because of indoor air pollution. It is commonly suggested that biomass fuel should be replaced by fossil fuel, as pollution levels are believed to be higher with biomass fuel. Our findings, however, suggest that pollution can be higher with fossil fuels, and indicate that a switch in fuel from biomass to fossil does not necessarily improve the children's health. Awareness programs should therefore be undertaken to avoid the unnecessary use of gas. Clean fuels and clean stoves should also be ensured to reduce emissions of indoor air pollutants.

Assessment of arsenic contamination of groundwater and health problems in Bangladesh.

Excessive amounts of arsenic (As) in the groundwater in Bangladesh and neighboring states in India are a major public health problem. About 30% of the private wells in Bangladesh exhibit high concentrations of arsenic. Over half the country, 269 out of 464 administrative units, is affected. Similar problems exist in many other parts of the world, including the Unites States. This paper presents an assessment of the health hazards caused by arsenic contamination in the drinking water in Bangladesh. Four competing hypotheses, each addressing the sources, reaction mechanisms, pathways, and sinks of arsenic in groundwater, were analyzed in the context of the geologic history and land-use practices in the Bengal Basin. None of the hypotheses alone can explain the observed variability in arsenic concentration in time and space; each appears to have some validity on a local scale. Thus, it is likely that several biogeochemical processes are active among the region's various geologic environments, and that each contributes to the mobilization and release of arsenic. Additional research efforts will be needed to understand the relationships between underlying biogeochemical factors and the mechanisms for arsenic release in various geologic settings.

Recent floods in Bangladesh : Possible causes and solutions

In recent years the frequency of abnormal floods in Bangladesh has increased substantially, causing serious damages to lives and property. The most crucial questions that need to be addressed are: what really causes the harvoc-creating floods and is there any solution to the problem? The heavy monsoon downpour and synchronization of flood-peaks of the major rivers are generally considered to be the main causes of the floods. Some underlying factors also deserve serious consideration as possible contributors to the recent floods: change in the base level of the rivers due to local sea level rise and subsidence, inadequate sediment accumulation on flood plains, a possible increase in the watershed area due to seismic in the watershed area due to seismic and neotectonic activities in the region, river bed aggradation due to siltation and damming of rivers, soil erosion due to unwise tilling practices, deforestation in the upstream region, and excessive development and population growth.