Intraspecific variation in the response of the estuarine European isopod Cyathura carinata (Krøyer, 1847) to ocean acidification.

In the present study the model isopod, Cyathura carinata were exposed to four pHNIST treatments (control: 7.9; 7.5, 7, 6.5) in order to determine the tolerance and pH threshold value this estuarine species withstand under future acidification scenarios. Seawater acidification significantly affected the lifespan of C. carinata, where population density was remarkably reduced at the lowest pH treatment. The longevity, survivorship and swimming activity (related to the acquisition of energy) of these isopods decreased with decreasing pH. Furthermore, to determine the possible metabolic plasticity of this species, the swimming activity, the Na+/K + -ATPase activity (relevant for osmoregulation process), and the RNA:DNA ratio (an indicator of fitness) were measure from two populations of C. carinata, one inhabiting a stable environment (pHNIST 7.5-8.0) and one inhabiting a fluctuating pCO2 regimes (pH 3.3-8.5) subjected to three pH treatments (7.9, 7.0 and 6.5). The population from high fluctuating pCO2 conditions showed capacity to withstand to pH 6.5, as well as higher longevity and metabolic plasticity, when compared with the population from the habitat with slight pCO2 variation. These results indicate that Cyathura population from stable environments could be vulnerable to ocean acidification because it could trigger detrimental effects on its survival energy budget, and growth. However, ocean acidification has limited effect on the energy budget and survival of C. carinata population from highly variable habitats, suggesting that they are able to cope with the elevated energy demand. The difference showed between populations is likely an indication of genetic differentiation in tolerance to ocean acidification, possibly attributable to local adaptations, which could provide the raw material necessary for adaptation to future conditions. In addition, our results suggest that when assessing marine crustacean responses to changing environments on a global scale, variability in population and metabolic responses need to be considered.

Pattern and Risk Factors of Congenital Anomaly in Newborn in a Tertiary Level Private Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh.

The cross sectional study was done to estimate the prevalence of various congenital malformations among the patients delivered in Community Based Medical College Hospital (CBMCH), Mymensingh, Bangladesh and corresponding risk factors were also studied from July 2014 to December 2015. A total of 2560 babies who were born at Community Based Medical College Hospital (CBMCH) were enrolled in this study. The newborn babies were examined and assessed for detection of congenital malformation, system wise distribution and risk factors attributable. Out of total 2560 deliveries, 2548 were live births and 12 were still birth. The total number of babies with congenital malformation was 52(2.03%). Four of the 52(7.69%) malformed babies were still born. Maternal age; like increased or low maternal age, maternal disease and drugs were found to have a higher risk of congenital anomalies. Alimentary system and head neck malformation (25%) were most common. All of the still birth babies were born with central nervous system (CNS) malformation. Central nervous system (21.2%), Cardiovascular (17.3%), Musculoskeletal (13.5%), Genitourinary (11.5%), Chromosomal (5.8%) and other (5.8%) abnormalities fall in descending order of frequency. Congenital anomalies are one of the major causes to infant mortality. The study shows the prevalence of congenital anomalies 20.3/1000 live birth and most commonly involved body systems were alimentary system and head neck trunk 13(25%). A good number of mothers have got some definite diseases like diabetes mellitus, infections and hypertension. Consanguinity of marriage and exposure to some drugs has some correlation with congenital malformation. Early diagnosis of diseases and proper counseling with the parents will help in early intervention and reduce mortality and morbidity of neonates.

Risk Factors and Immediate Neonatal Outcome of Multiple Pregnancies in a SCANU of A Tertiary Care Hospital, Bangladesh.

Multiple pregnancies are a significant risk factor for maternal and perinatal morbidity due to inherent biological risks. The present study was aimed to determine the risk factors and to evaluate the immediate neonatal outcome of multiple pregnancies. This descriptive observational study was conducted in the newly established Special Care Neonatal Unit (SCANU) of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Bangladesh from January 2015 to March 2015. Total 86 newborns of multiple pregnancies who were admitted during the study period were included in the study. Among them 34 pairs were twin, and 6 sets of triplets were present. Among all infants in the study 79.1% were twin and 20.9% were triplet. According to our observation most of the mother aged between 20-29 years (67.5%) and majorities of them were multi-para (62.5%). Preterm delivery occurred in 70.0% cases. 75% newborns were delivered by caesarian section and remaining by vaginal route. The most common risk factors in present study are use of ovulation induction drugs (52.5%) for sub fertility followed by family history of multiple gestations. In 35.0% cases we did not find any cause. Common morbidities of the infants were preterm low birth weight (95.3%), neonatal jaundice (81.3%), RDS (34.8%), perinatal asphyxia (PNA) (17.4%), neonatal sepsis (25.0%) and congenital anomalies (23.2%). Mortality rate of twin was 30% and for triplets it was 50%. Among total study population mortality rate was 30.2%. Main causes of mortality was preterm low birth weight (76%), RDS (57.6%), septicaemia (26%), PNA (19.0%). Morbidities and mortalities in infants of multiple pregnancies are observed much higher than singleton pregnancy. We hope that in light of our findings regarding risk factors like assisted reproduction and their consequences over mother and newborn, periodic reviews will be done in future to reduce the incidence and the unfavourable outcome of multiple pregnancy.

Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of ESBL producing isolates.

Extended spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBLs) are produced by Gram negative bacteria showing resistance to new generations of antimicrobial agents. This study was undertaken to characterize ESBL producing bacteria from 222 urinary isolates. Antimicrobial resistance was screened by disc diffusion test. The ESBL status was confirmed by double disc diffusion test (DDDT) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by agar dilution method by standard procedure. The study revealed the following distribution of ESBL producing isolates: Klebsiella spp (81.6%), Proteus spp (78.1%) E. coli (72.3%) and Pseudomonas spp (66.7%). All the isolates were sensitive to imipenem and nitrofurantoin followed by amikacin 92.9%. A relatively higher rate of resistance to gentamicin, co-trimoxazole, azithromycin and quinolones were also observed for ESBL producers. The study suggested routine detection of ESBL and avoidance of irrational use of third generation cephalosporins to reduce the emergence of multidrug resistance bacteria following an antibiotic policy.

Morbidity pattern and mortality of neonates admitted in a tertiary level teaching hospital in Bangladesh.

This retrospective study was conducted to determine the morbidity and mortality pattern of neonates admitted in to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH). A total of 4826 neonates were admitted and reviewed during the period January 2003 to December 2003 in MMCH. Neonatal admission comprises 31.6% of total paediatric admission. Majority of the patients were 1 to 3 days of age and male. The top five causes for neonatal admission in MMCH were perinatal asphyxia (38.7%), low birth weight (25.7%), septicemia (19.2%), neonatal jaundice (5.9%), meconium aspiration syndrome (2.9%). The death rate of neonatal admission was 20.6%. The mortality was found among the neonates admitted with low birth weight (28.1%), perinatal asphyxia (22.8%), septicemia (18.9%). The average duration of hospital stay was higher among the septicemia patients than neonates suffering from other diseases. The finding of this study could be used by professionals, managers and policy makers to design neonatal health programmes to achieve millennium development goal (MDG) by the year 2015.

Effect of oral zinc supplementation on the growth of preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of oral zinc supplementation on growth of preterm infants. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Dhaka Shisu Hospital (Tertiary care hospital). SUBJECTS: 100 appropriate for date preterm infants weighing between 1000 to 2500 g were randomized to receive zinc and multivitamin supplement (Group I; n=50) or only multivitamin supplement (Group II). INTERVENTION: Zinc supplementation was given 2mg/kg/day for 6 weeks along with multivitamin in Group I and only multivitamin to Group II. PRIMARY OUTCOME VARIABLE: Increment of weight and length. RESULTS: At enrollment, serum zinc (62.1 ± 12.4 ug/dL in Group I and 63.1 ± 14.6 ug/dL in Group II) and hemoglobin levels (14.9 ± 2.4 g/dL in Group I and 14.4 ± 1.7 g/dL in Group II) were almost similar in both groups. Serum zinc levels were in lower limit of normal range. After supplementation, serum zinc and hemoglobin levels were significantly higher in Group I (105 ± 16.5 ug/dL) than Group II (82.2 ± 17.4 ug/dL) (P<0.05). Weight, length and head circumference were comparable in both groups at enrollment. Significant differences in weight gain and increment in length were found in first and second follow up between two groups but OFC increments were not significant (P>0.05). Reduction of morbidity was apparent in zinc supplemented group. No serious adverse effect was noted related to supplementation therapy. CONCLUSION: Zinc supplementation for preterm low birth weight babies is found effective to enhance the growth in early months of life.

Estimation of births averted in rural Bangladesh: a case study of Uthali.

PIP: The government of Bangladesh considers the population problem to be the major problem for the country. For the purpose of economic planners, the estimation of births averted under a program is an important aspect of any evaluation. The estimation of births averted is a measure of the quantitative change in the expectations, assessed in terms of probabilities, of future births to a cohort of women resulting from the adoption or modification of birth control practice by them or their husbands. The data used represent a cross section of women in rural society. The age specific continuation rates are calculated by single decrement life table technics. After calculating the estimates of births averted by the sample of acceptors, these numbers are converted to a ratio of births averted/1000 acceptors. The births averted/1000 women are 70 after 3 months, 142 after 6 months, 172 after 9 months, and 218 after 12 months. Findings relate only to use of oral contraception; additional births are averted by acceptors who, upon discontinuing their method for 1 reason or another, switch to another method. Based on the number of live births averted, the Uthali Family Planning Program will make an important contribution to fertility decline in Bangladesh's rural areas in the following decades.^ieng