Prevalence and Associated Factors of Liver Enzyme Abnormalities Among Bangladeshi Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Liver enzyme abnormalities can indicate underlying liver health issues and are influenced by various factors. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of liver enzyme abnormalities and their associated factors among nonpregnant and nonlactating (NPNL) women in Bangladesh. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among 251 NPNL Bangladeshi women. Data on demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related variables were collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between liver enzyme abnormalities and associated factors. Results The prevalence of liver enzyme abnormalities among participants was determined, with associated factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), monthly income, and food security status examined. Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were observed in 54 (21.5%) and 47 (18.7%) of participants, respectively, with 116 (46.2%) exhibiting an AST/ALT ratio exceeding 1.00. Food insecurity was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of elevated ALT levels (24.4% vs. 8.7%, P = 0.02), as well as low monthly income (18.8%, 14.7% vs. 36.7%, P < 0.01) and higher BMI (11% vs. 27.7% and 25.6%, P = 0.02). Similar trends were observed for AST levels. Moreover, participants with a higher BMI exhibited significantly higher rates of at least one abnormal liver function enzyme (15.9% vs. 34.9%, P = 0.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between abnormal liver enzyme levels and certain demographic and socioeconomic factors, specifically BMI and age. Conclusions This study provides insights into the prevalence of liver enzyme abnormalities and their associated factors among NPNL Bangladeshi women. The findings underscore the importance of addressing factors such as BMI and age in mitigating liver health issues in this population. Further research and targeted interventions are warranted to address these concerns effectively.

Dysfunction of Thyroid Hormones Following Acute Coronary Syndrome in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Dhaka City.

In cardiovascular homeostasis thyroid hormone plays an important role. We planned to study the changes in thyroid hormone profile in acute coronary syndrome patients admitted in the coronary care unit and compare them between two groups: unstable angina/non-ST elevated Myocardial infarction (UA/NSTEMI) and ST elevated Myocardial infarction (STEMI). This study was a hospital based descriptive cross sectional study which was conducted from 01 March 2018 to 01 February 2019 in Coronary Care Unit of Bangladesh Medical College Hospital and laboratory tests were done in Microbiology Department of Bangladesh Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Eighty three cases of acute coronary syndromes were taken for the study. Troponin-I was measured as cardiac marker, Electrocardiogram, Complete blood count, blood glucose level, Blood urea, serum creatinine, serum electrolytes, Fasting lipid profile, Thyroid profile, Echocardiography 2D were done. Most of the respondents were distributed in age group 46-60 years where 34(64.15%) male and 19(35.85%) female. Out of 83 Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients, 27(32.53%) hypertensive, 22(26.50%) diabetic and 16(19.27%) were Chronic kidney disease (CKD). Abnormal lipid profile was present in 30(43.47%) patients. Among total 52 male and 31 female 9(17.30%) male and 6(19.35%) female had abnormal thyroid function. We further elaborated abnormal thyroid function tests in STEMI group and UA/Non STEMI group of ACS patients. We found 10 patients in STEMI group and 5 patients in UA/Non STEMI group with abnormal thyroid function 29.41% and 10.20% respectively which was not statistically significant (p=0.025). This study depicts abnormality in thyroid hormone profile in 18.07% patients of ACS. Abnormal thyroid function increases risk of coronary artery disease. TSH level of ACS patients on hospital admission could be helpful to evaluate further prognosis of the disease.

Tetraalkylammonium salts (TAS) in solar energy applications - A review on in vitro and in vivo toxicity.

Tetraalkylammonium salt (TAS) is an organic salt widely employed as a precursor, additive or electrolyte in solar cell applications, such as perovskite or dye-sensitized solar cells. Notably, Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered acclaim for their exceptional efficiency. However, PSCs have been associated with environmental and health concerns due to the presence of lead (Pb) content, the use of hazardous solvents, and the incorporation of TAS in their fabrication processes, which significantly contributes to environmental and human health toxicity. As a response, there is a growing trend towards transitioning to safer and biobased materials in PSC fabrication to address these concerns. However, the potential health hazards associated with TAS necessitate a thorough evaluation, considering the widespread use of this substance. Nevertheless, the overexploitation of TAS could potentially increase the disposal of TAS in the ecosystem, thus, posing a major health risk and severe pollution. Therefore, this review article presents a comprehensive discussion on the in vitro and in vivo toxicity assays of TAS as a potential material in solar energy applications, including cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, in vivo dermal, and systemic toxicity. In addition, this review emphasizes the toxicity of TAS compounds, particularly the linear tetraalkyl chain structures, and summarizes essential findings from past studies as a point of reference for the development of non-toxic and environmentally friendly TAS derivatives in future studies. The effects of the TAS alkyl chain length, polar head and hydrophobicity, cation and anion, and other properties are also included in this review.

Study on Blood Pressure Profile in School Children of Mymensingh City.

High blood pressure and its related problems are progressively assuming public health dimensions in developing countries like Bangladesh. There was a suggestion that hypertensive process can be aborted in its early stages. But it is poorly understood in its early stages. So, early natural history of hypertension and its evolution from the youth needs to be investigated. Objective of this study was to determine blood pressure distribution in school children aged 6-15 years. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from November 2014 to October 2015. The sample was collected by simple random sampling from five different schools of Mymensingh after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. After taking proper history and doing relevant examination, both systolic and diastolic BP was recorded by auscultatory method. Out of 994 children, 480(48.29%) were boys and 514(51.71%) were girls. In boys, the mean±SD of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) were 105.9±10.8 mm of Hg and 67.4±6.7 mm of Hg and in girls it was 106.1±11.8 and 67.5±6.9 mm of Hg respectively. Systolic BP was found higher in girls belongs to 10-13 years. The study has shown that BP rises linearly with age and both systolic and diastolic BP has a significant positive correlation with age, sex, height and BMI in both sexes. This study also showed, 46(4.6%) children were hypertensive and 89(8.9%) were pre-hypertensive. Hypertension was found more in girls but there was no significant difference between two sexes. Hypertension was found more in relation to overweight, obesity and family history of hypertension. Hypertension is not uncommon in children. Routine blood pressure measurement should be conducted in all children.

Comparative Study of Serum IgE Level in Frequent Relapse and Infrequent Relapse Nephrotic Syndrome in Children.

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) represents a heterogenous group of glomerular disorders occurring mainly in children. Accumulated data suggest that patient with NS have an immunological basis. This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Mymensingh during the period of March 2018 to October 2019 to determine the relationship of serum IgE level in frequent relapse and infrequent relapse nephrotic syndrome in children. Thirty cases of frequent relapse and 30 cases of infrequent relapse idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who were admitted in Department of Paediatrics, MMCH were included in this study by purposive sampling technique. After admission written informed consent from parents or guardians obtained. Serum IgE level was measured in all patients of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome during relapse and again four weeks after steroid therapy when patient was in remission. Serum total IgE levels were measured by ADVIA centaur CP immunoassay system. Most of the patient's age was within 2-6 years in both groups. Male children were predominant in both groups. Most of the patients came from rural area. Frequency of relapse per year was significantly higher and 24 hours urine output was significantly lower in frequent relapse nephrotic syndrome than that of infrequent relapse nephrotic syndrome. Significantly higher mean IgE was found in children with frequent relapse nephrotic syndrome (1439.8±388.5 IU/ml during relapse and 852.3±103.7 IU/ml at remission) than infrequent relapse nephrotic syndrome (1109.5±248.3 IU/ml during relapse and 776.6±108.5 IU/ml at remission) at both relapse and remission state. A linear, positive, significant correlation was found between rate of relapse and serum IgE level (Pearson correlation coefficient, r=0.674). Based on results it is concluded that serum IgE is high in relapsing nephrotic syndrome and it is persistently and significantly higher in frequent relapse nephrotic syndrome than infrequent relapse nephrotic syndrome.

Provision of renal-specific nutrition knowledge for changing dietary practice in Bangladeshi hemodialysis patients.

Objective: Studies show that provision of nutrition knowledge help renal patients make informed food choices. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of nutrition knowledge for changing dietary practice among Bangladeshi dialysis patients. Methods: Following development of a renal-specific nutrition booklet, a pilot study was conducted among 50 hemodialysis patients from a single dialysis setting. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical, biochemical, dietary data, and a 10-item MCQ on renal-specific nutrition information were collected before and 3 months after the provision of the booklet. Results: 52% of the participants were male, 54% had twice weekly dialysis, age 53 ± 12 years, and dialysis vintage was 46 ± 25 months. Serum potassium and phosphorous, dietary potassium, phosphorous, and phosphorous to protein ratio were significantly reduced after the provision of the booklet. Additionally, patients consuming >3 meals/day increased to 66% while adherence to renal-specific cooking method and vegetable preference were significantly increased to 70% and 62%, respectively. Conclusion: Provision of knowledge via renal-specific nutrition booklet was able to improve patients' dietary practice and enhance their dietary adherence to renal specific recommendations. Innovation: The booklet was developed using locally available food items in local language and was found beneficial in low-resource settings where overall health care facilities, including nutrition support are limited.

Serum Iron Profile and Red Cell Indices in Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition in A Tertiary Level Hospital.

This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the department of Paediatrics, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Mymensingh, Bangladesh from March 2017 to August 2018 to assess the pattern of serum iron profile and red cell indices in children with severe acute malnutrition. Seventy children having severe acute malnutrition were compared with 70 age matched children those had normal growth. Age range of the studied children was 6 months to 59 completed months. Male was found predominant (54.3%) in both study group and comparison group. Mean serum iron, serum ferritin, serum total iron binding capacity and transferrin saturation in severely malnourished children were 45.3±19.3µg/dl, 26.5±20.0ng/ml, 246.3±47.5µg/dl and 16.4±2.0% respectively which were significantly lower than that of healthy children (p<0.05). Mean Hb level in children with severe acute malnutrition was found 8.3±1.6gm/dl which was also found significantly lower than that of normal children (p<0.05). Anaemia was found in all (100%) severely malnourished children compared to 25.7% of children in comparison group. Mean MCV, MCH and MCHC in children with severe acute malnutrition was found 71.7±13.5fl, 24.0±5.8pg and 31.4±4.0gm/dl respectively which were significantly lower than that of comparison group (p<0.05). Serum iron profile and red cell indices should be routinely done in severely malnourished children for early intervention and management of iron deficiency anaemia.

Treacher Collins Syndrome: A Case Report.

Treacher collins syndrome (TCS) or Franceschetti syndrome is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder with variable expressivity. It affects mainly craniofacial structure that derives from 1st and 2nd branchial arches approximately between the 20th day and 12th week of intrauterine life. This syndrome has different clinical types. Most common features are antimongoloid slanting of the palpebral fissures, hypoplasia of zygoma, maxilla & mandible with various eye and ear abnormalities. Here we present a case of an 11 days old female neonate, who was ill looking, dyspnoeic having significant facial profile, multiple congenital anomalies and dolicocephaly; admitted in the department of Neonatology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Mymensingh, Bangladesh on 7th August 2020. After taking all the diagnostic assistance of the multidisciplinary approach mainly on the basis of clinical features and radiology we diagnosed the case as TCS. We managed the patient by maintaining temperature, giving nutritional support and injectable antibiotic, took consultation from Otolaryngology department then we discharged the baby with proper counseling, advised regarding further follow up and to consult with paediatric surgeon and cardiologist.

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).

Neuro-developmental Outcome of High Risk Neonates in a Tertiary Level Hospital.

An observational longitudinal study was conducted in the Department of Neonatology and Child Developmental Center, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Bangladesh during the period of September 2016 to February 2018 to find out the neuro-developmental outcome of high risk neonates at the age of 6 months. Five hundred seventy six (576) high risk neonate who were admitted in the neonatology department in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital were selected as study population by Purposive sampling technique. After admission written informed consent from parents or guardians obtained and Data was collected in a pre-designed case record form. At 6th months of age total 400 baby were came to Child Development Centre and their motor, cognition and behavior development were assessed by Bayley Scale of Infant Development and severity of cognitive, motor and behavior impairment were graded. All data were compiled, tabulated and then analyzed by computer software SPSS version 20.00. Mean age was 7.2±3.3 days. Among studied newborns 18.1% were preterm and 81.9% were term. Most of the newborn were male (63.0%). Developmental delay was found in 81.5% and neuro-developmental outcome was found normal in only 18.5% newborns. Significant delayed motor performance was found in 52% newborns where 17% had mild delay. Significantly delayed mental performance was found in 57.0% and 28.52% had mildly delayed mental performance. Non-optimal behavior was found in 57.0% newborns and14% had questionable behavior. Very low birth weight, preterm very low birth weight, home delivery, perinatal asphyxia and neonatal seizure were found to have significant relation with developmental delay. Most of the high risk neonates develop developmental delay.

Antimicrobial Sensitivity Pattern in Neonatal Sepsis in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in the department of Neonatology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July 2017 to December 2017 to determine antimicrobial sensitivity pattern in neonatal sepsis. Ninety four neonates (0-28 days) who were admitted in NICU with suspected sepsis were included in this study by purposive sampling technique. After admission written informed consent from parents or guardians obtained and then septic screening along with blood culture and antimicrobial sensitivity was done. All data were compiled, tabulated and then analyzed by SPSS version 21.0. Among 94 cases, 68(72.3%) were preterm and 26(23.4%) were term. There was male predominance and male female ratio was 1.9:1. Most of the patient admitted within 72 hours of birth. Most (84%) had low birth weight (<2500gm). Pre-mature onset of labour, pre-mature rupture of membrane >18 hours, vaginal route of delivery, instrumental resuscitation, pre-lacteal feeding, bottle feeding were the major perinatal risk factors in this study. Early onset sepsis (76.6%) was most prevalent in this study. Blood culture yielded positive growth in 20(21.3%) cases. Among them, Klebsiella was found in 7(35%). E. coli in 6(30%), Acinetobacter was in 3(15%), Staphylococcus aureus in 2(10%) cases. Pseudomonas and Enterobacter were found in rest 2(10%) of the cases. Gram negative bacteria were found in 18(90%) cases. Klebsiella was sensitive to Imipenem (85.7%), Colistin (85.7%) and Ciprofloxacin (77.5%). Sensitivity of E. coli was Imipenem (100%), Colistin (100%), Amikacin (66.7%), Ciprofloxacin (66.7%), Netilmicin (66.7%) and Gentamicin (50%). Acinatobecter had sensitivity to Netilmicin, Colistin, Imipenem (100%). Staphylococcus was 100% sensitive to Imipenem, Netilmicin and Vancomycin. Pseudomonas was found sensitive to Imipenem (100%), Amikacin (100%), Netilmicin (100%) and Colistin (100%). Enterobacter was found highly sensitive to Ciprofloxacin, Colistin and Imipenem. Almost all organisms were resistant to Ampicillin, Gentamicin, Cefotaxime and Ceftazidime. Based on result it is concluded that Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli are the leading cause of neonatal sepsis in this study and most of them resistant to multiple antibiotics. Organisms found more sensitive to Imipenem, Colistin, Ciprofloxacin and Netilmicin.

Outcome of Pregnancy Related Acute Kidney Injury Observed in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

This prospective case control study was carried out in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) from April 2011 to March 2012. The main objective of the study was to determine the short term maternal outcome of pregnancy related Acute Kidney Injury and to identify aetiological factors and to observe clinical features of pregnancy related Acute Kidney Injury. Total 60 pregnant women with AKI were included in the study as sample and equal (60) number of pregnant women with normal renal function was taken as control. Mean ages (±SD) of study and control group were observed 31.6±6.9 years and 25.5±4.7 years respectively. It was observed that most patients were from rural area with low income group. Most women were multiparous and presented in third trimester and postpartum period. Majority of the study subjects did not receive antenatal care at any stage of pregnancy. Fifty (86.7%) of the study subjects were oligo-anuric, forty-nine (81.7%) were edematous and fifty one (85%) were anaemic. Twenty-five (41.7%) patients presented with abnormal vaginal bleeding. Sepsis (including septic abortion and puerperal sepsis) was responsible for of Pregnancy Related AKI (PR-AKI) in more than two fifths of cases. Haemorrhage (APH & PPH combined) was the next common cause of Pregnancy Related AKI (PR-AKI). Toxemia of Pregnancy was responsible in one fourth of cases. Dialysis (HD & IPD combined) was required for two fifths of the patients. Rest patients were treated conservatively with antibiotics, blood transfusion, maintenance of fluid and electrolytes balance etc. Maternal outcome of Pregnancy related acute kidney injury was considered for the period of patient's hospital staying. 56.6% patients recovered completely, 15.0% patients recovered partially, 6.7% did not recover at the time of hospital discharge; while 21.7% died. So it can be concluded that, pregnancy related acute kidney injury is a critical condition, associated with worse prognosis.

Serum Zinc, Copper, Magnesium & Phosphorus Level in Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).

Malnutrition is widely prevalent among hospitalized children in most developing countries including Bangladesh. Though malnutrition accounts for the high rate of under 5 mortality sometimes it is overlooked. Keeping in this in mind A comparative cross sectional study was done in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital from 1st October 2009 to 31st May 2011. Children aged 1-5 years with presence of one or more criteria WHM <70%, WHZ-score <-3SD, Bipedal edema & Mid upper arm circumference <110mm were taken as study group and children aged 1-5 years with normal growth allowable normal range of variation is between 3rd and 97th centile curve or median (50th centile) ±2SD of weight for age growth chart (CDC growth chart, USA, 2000) were taken as reference group. Persistent diarrhea, Patients taking medications containing zinc, copper, magnesium, phosphorus & calcium, PEM with shock were excluded from study group. Nutritional assessment was done according to WHO criteria of SAM. Serum Zinc, Copper Magnesium and Phosphorus level were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry using UNICAM - AA Spectrometer, model no. 969, Spain. Total 120 study populations were taken. Ninety Out of 120 were taken as a study group (SAM) & 30 were reference group. In reference group serum Zn, Cu, Mg, P value was 103.80±8.86µg/dl, 135.92±13.57µg/dl, 2.31±0.18mg/dl, 3.96±0.22mg/dl respectively. In study group serum Zn, Cu, Mg, P value was 60.33±11.08µg/dl, 80.60±15.46µg/dl, 1.47±0.22mg/dl, 2.00±0.52mg/dl respectively. All these results show that there is significant difference between study group & reference group. Considering the decreased level of these parameters, close biochemical monitoring and follow up should be emphasized for the children with SAM.

Attitude and Practices of Mothers on Breastfeeding Attended at a Tertiary Hospital in Bangladesh.

This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in Pediatric Out Patient Department (OPD) of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) from November 2013 to April 2014 to assess the knowledge and practices of the mothers about breastfeeding. Four hundred mothers having children 6 months to 2 years of age attended at OPD of MMCH for any cause were included in the study by systematic random sampling. A structured, pre-tested, interview schedule was used to collect data from mothers. All mothers were continuing to breastfeed their children. Two hundred and seventy-two (68.00%) infants received breast feeding within 1 hour after birth, while 128(32.00%) infants received breast feeding after 1 hour of birth. Of 128, in 48(37.50%) cases, mother's illness was the reason for delay in initiation of breast feeding, whereas in 70(54.69%) cases, it was due to reduced milk production on mother's statement. Pre-lacteal feeding was given in 96(24.00%) children. Among them honey was given in 24(25.00%) cases, cow's milk was given in 14(14.58%) cases, sugar water was given in 18(18.75%) cases and formula milk was given in 40(41.67%) cases. One hundred and twenty-eight (32.00%) mothers started to give their child food other than breast milk before 3 months of age and 148(37.00) mothers started to give their child food other than breast milk before 6 months of age. The reason for starting to give their child food other than breast milk before 6 months of age was mother's assumption of milk insufficiency in 166(60.14%) cases and baby's cry for hunger in 110(39.86%) cases. Formula milk was given in 120(30.00%) infants before 6 months of age. Among them 96(80.00%) mothers prepared it with larger amount of water. Plain water was given in 240(60.00%) children before the age of 6 months. One hundred and twenty-four (31.00%) children were exclusively breastfeed for first 6 months of age. Breastfeeding is almost universal in Bangladesh but the exclusive breastfeeding rate is alarmingly very low. Great emphasis is needed to educate mothers about benefits of colostrum, exclusive breastfeeding, and the harmful effects of pre-lacteal feeding.

Knowledge and practices of mothers on childhood diarrhoea and its management attended at a tertiary hospital in bangladesh.

This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in Pediatric out Patient Department (OPD) of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) from March 2014 to August 2014 to assess the knowledge and practices of the mothers in acute diarrhoeal diseases in children under-five years of age regarding use of oral rehydration solution (ORS), zinc, other drugs and feeding practices. Four hundred children under-five years of age having acute diarrhoea were included in the study by systematic random sampling. A structured, pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from mothers of children having diarrhoeal diseases. ORS was offered by 360(90.00%) of the mothers. Out of which 279(77.50%) used it by their own knowledge. One hundred and ninety-one (53.06%) mothers prepared it correctly, while 169(46.94%) prepared it incorrectly. Of 169, 129(35.83%) mothers used less amount of water, while 40(11.11%) mothers used much amount of water to prepare ORS. Of 360 mothers, 89(24.72%) mixed part of the content of ORS sachet at a time. Of 360 mothers, only 55(15.28%) offered correct amount of ORS after each purging. Zinc was offered in 142(35.50%) children. Of 400, only 13(3.25%) mothers used recommended home-based fluid, while 70(17.50%) mothers offered increased amount of fluid to their child. Drugs other than zinc and ORS were used in 247(61.75%) children. Among drugs, other than zinc and ORS, antibiotics was used in 109(44.13%) cases, whereas antiprotozoal in 97(39.27%) cases. Amount of liquid given was more than usual in 70(17.50%) children, same as usual in 57(14.25%) children and less than usual in 273(68.25%) children. Amount of food given was same as usual in 59(14.75%) children, while less than usual in 341(85.25%) children. Control of diarrhoeal diseases programme is successful in introducing ORS at mass level. Great emphasis is needed to educate mothers about preparation and quantity of ORS to be given to children with diarrhoeal diseases.

Effect of Sn Doping on the Properties of Nano-Structured ZnO Thin Films Deposited by Co-Sputtering Technique.

In this study, tin doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Sn) nano-structured thin films were successfully deposited by co-sputtering of ZnO and Sn on top of glass substrate. The effect of Sn doping on the microstructure, phase, morphology, optical and electrical properties of the films were extensively investigated by means of XRD, EDX, SEM, AFM, Hall Effect measurement, and UV-Vis spectrometry. The results showed that the undoped ZnO film exhibited preferred orientation along the c-axis of the hexagonal wurtzite structure. With increase of Sn doping, the peak position of the (002) plane was shifted to the higher 20 values, and ultimately changed to amorphous structure. The absorption edge was shifted to blue region which confirmed the excitonic quantum confinement effect in the films. Consequently, improved surface morphology with optical bandgap, reduced average particle size, reduced resistivity, enhanced Hall mobility and carrier concentration were observed in the doped films after vacuum annealing. Among all of the as-deposited and annealed ZnO:Sn films investigated in this study, annealed film doped with 8 at.% of Sn concentration exhibited the best properties with a bandgap of 3.84 eV, RMS roughness of 2.51 nm, resistivity of 2.36 ohm-cm, and Hall mobility of 83 cm2 V(-1) s(-1).

A Comprehensive Study on Mo/CdTe Metal-Semiconductor Interface Deposited by Radio Frequency Magnetron Sputtering.

Metal-semiconductor (MS) junction between Mo and CdTe, which is one of the fundamental issues for CdTe based solar cell, has been investigated for films deposited on different substrates. XRD pattern of Mo/CdTe films on the polyimide (PI) substrate shows a strong preferential orientation of MoTe2 in (100) at 2θ = 29.44 degrees, which becomes less apparent as deposition time of CdTe increases. However, on soda lime glass (SLG) no such XRD reflection pattern is observed. Moreover, from EDX measurement, Mo-Te compound also identifies MoTe2 at Mo/CdTe interface on PI substrate, which is not present on SLG. Bulk carrier concentration of Mo/CdTe films on PI substrate for lower deposition time of CdTe is found 1.42 x 10(18) cm(-3), which is almost equal to MoTe2. Thereafter, it decreases as CdTe growth time increases. The type of unintentionally formed MoTe2 on PI substrate is found to be n-type in nature. Lattice constants of a = 6.5 Šfor CdTe and a = 3.52 Šfor MoTe2 are found from nanostructure study by TEM.

Effects of nebulized budesonide as an adjunct to standard treatment of asthma exacerbations: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

This study was done to determine the effects and outcome of inhaled budesonide in addition to standard management of asthma exacerbations in pediatric age groups. A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial was done in a tertiary care urban hospital. Sixty six children aged 5 to 15 years with moderate to severe asthma exacerbations were eligible. All patients received a single dose of prednisolone 1mg/kg orally as first dose of systemic corticosteroids and then salbutamol (0.15mg/kg) and ipratropium bromide (500mcg) was nebulized every 20 minutes for 3 doses and then hourly for 2 hours as a part of standard treatment of asthma exacerbations. The intervention was 2mg (4mL) of budesonide or 4mL of normal saline which was nebulized immediately after the 1st dose of nebulized salbutamol and ipratropium bromide. The baseline characteristics of the budesonide group (n=33) and placebo group (n=33) were similar, but at 1 hour, 2 hour and 3 hour PEFR, respiratory rate, pulse rate, SaO2 and asthma score were significantly improved in the budesonide group compared to placebo group (p<0.01). The positive immediate effect of nebulized budesonide added to standard treatment of asthma exacerbations is an encouraging finding for further investigations of its routine use in the treatment of asthma exacerbations in children.

Comparison between azithromycin and cefixime in the treatment of typhoid fever in children.

An intervention study was carried out in the department of paediatrics of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh to compare the clinical efficacy of Azithromycin in the treatment of childhood typhoid fever with that of cefixime for a period of one year from January 2011 to December 2011. A total of 60 cases of typhoid fever were enrolled in to a randomized clinical trial and was divided into two groups. The inclusion criteria of the cases were: Documented fever for more than 4 days plus two or more of the following clinical features: toxic physical appearance, intestinal complaints, coated tongue, ceacal gurgling, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly, diarrhoea and constipation plus positive Widal test and/or blood culture positivity. Patients who had complication like GIT heamorrhage; intestinal perforaion and/or shock were excluded from the study. Data were collected in a structured questionnaire. Azithromycin was given at a dose of 10mg/kg/day for a period of 07 days Cefixime was given at a dose of 20mg/kg/day in two divided dose for 14 days. The mean time of defervesence was 4.05+1.14 days with azithromycin and 3.41+0.95 with cefixime respectively. The minimum defervesence time was 02 days and maximum defervesence time was 07 days. Clinical cure rate was 87% in azithromycin group and 93% in cefixime group. No serious adverse effect was noted related to azithromycin and cefixime therapy except nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and jaundice. It was found that azithromycin is almost as effective as cefixime in the treatment of typhoid fever.

Peak expiratory flow rate of normal school going children in Mymensingh municipality.

This cross sectional study was conducted to measure the PEFR values of normal school going children of Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Peak expiatory flow rate (PEFR) is a lung function test which is easily measurable and reproducible but the base line values of PEFR have not been studied in large scale among Bangladeshi children. In Mymensingh municipality out of 79 schools 4 schools were selected purposively. A total of 984 (499 boys and 485 girls, nearly equal in ratio) normal children (6-15 years), were selected randomly by using lottery technic in classroom. To obtain peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) mini Wright peak flow meter was used. The highest of three readings was taken as the correct value. Anthropometric parameters including body weight and height were recorded by bathroom scale and stadiometer respectively and body surface area was calculated. According to age interval (10 months) in boys and girls the mean difference of PEFR values showed that among age categories of 6, 7 & 8 years had no significant (p were <0.18, <0.73 and <0.70 accordingly) and all other age categories the mean difference of PEFR between boys and girls had significant (p<0.01). The correlation coefficient (r values) and the level of significance between different anthropometric parameters and PEFR in case of boys and girls were significant (p<0.001). Correlation of height (boys r=0.961 & girls r=0.954) with PEFR was the highest in comparison to other anthropometric parameters (age, sex and body weight). Boys had significantly higher values of PEFR than the girls at any height.