H9N2 avian influenza virus dispersal along Bangladeshi poultry trading networks.

Avian influenza virus subtype H9N2 is endemic in Bangladesh's poultry population. The subtype affects poultry production and poses a potential zoonotic risk. Insufficient understanding of how the poultry trading network shapes the dissemination of avian influenza viruses has hindered the design of targeted interventions to reduce their spread. Here, we use phylodynamic analyses of haemagglutinin sequences to investigate the spatial spread and dispersal patterns of H9N2 viruses in Bangladesh's poultry population, focusing on its two largest cities (Dhaka and Chattogram) and their poultry production and distribution networks. Our analyses suggest that H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus lineage movement occurs relatively less frequently between Bangladesh's two largest cities than within each city. H9N2 viruses detected in single markets are often more closely related to viruses from other markets in the same city than to each other, consistent with close epidemiological connectivity between markets. Our analyses also suggest that H9N2 viruses may spread more frequently between chickens of the three most commonly sold types (sunali-a cross-bred of Fayoumi hen and Rhode Island Red cock, deshi-local indigenous, and exotic broiler) in Dhaka than in Chattogram. Overall, this study improves our understanding of how Bangladesh's poultry trading system impacts avian influenza virus spread and should contribute to the design of tailored surveillance that accommodates local heterogeneity in virus dispersal patterns.

Mapping the Antimicrobial Supply Chain in Bangladesh: A Scoping-Review-Based Ecological Assessment Approach.

INTRODUCTION: Maintaining access to antimicrobials while preventing misuse is essential to combating the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The study objectives are to propose a framework of 16 indicators that can be used at the national level to assess the capacity to ensure access and curtail inappropriate use and to profile the antimicrobial supply chain for Bangladesh. METHODS: Using a framework based on a rational construct, we assessed the antimicrobial supply chain of Bangladesh, with a focus on key players and products using a scoping review to obtain and describe information on 16 indicators. With players, we mapped linkages, manufacturers' production capacity, and ownership, among others, and demand point characteristics-pharmacy and pharmacist density, pharmacy/medicine outlets dispersion, veterinary clinic/hospitals, veterinarians' density, product quality, and regulation. We assessed product characteristics including listing on the World Health Organization (WHO) Model Essential Medicines List (EML) and WHO Access, Watch, and Reserve (AWaRe) classification of the major (top 10) antibiotics for human use; the proportion of medically important antimicrobials (MIAs) in veterinary use; and pricing. Production capacity and price controls were used to assess access and listing on the WHO EML, AWaRe/MIA classification, and a calculated pharmacy-to-pharmacist ratio to assess use. RESULTS: Bangladesh has a high (98%) local antibiotic production capacity with pricing controls indicating the ability to ensure access. The presence of a high proportion of medicine outlets not under the control of pharmacists (4:1) and the high percentages of WHO Watch (54%) and MIAs (90%) of the major antibiotics are indicators of possible misuse. DISCUSSION: Most of the data used in the framework were publicly available. Bangladesh has the capacity to ensure access but needs to strengthen its ability to regulate the quality of antimicrobials and prevent their inappropriate use through antimicrobial stewardship at the community (medicine outlet) levels to check AMR. There may also be a need for more regulations on licensing of MIAs.

Epoxy\Epoxy Composite\Epoxy Hybrid Composite Coatings for Tribological Applications-A Review.

Epoxy composite coating systems generally find their usage in applications such as, fluid handling systems to protect components from corrosive media. However, their use in demanding tribological applications such as, in sliding components of machines, are known to be limited. This is often attributed to their low load bearing capacity combined with poor thermal stability under severe p-v regimes. Researchers have tried to enhance the tribological properties of the epoxy coatings using a combination of several types of micro/nano sized fillers to produce composite or hybrid composite coatings. Hence, this review paper aims to focus on the recent advances made in developing the epoxy coating systems. Special attention would be paid to the types and properties of nano-fillers that have been commonly used to develop these coatings, different dispersion techniques adopted and the effects that each of these fillers (and their combinations) have on the tribological properties of these coatings.

Effect of Gemcitabine based chemotherapy on the immunogenicity of pancreatic tumour cells and T-cells

Purpose Chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer has limited efficacy due to the difficultly of treating established tumours and the evolution of tumour resistance. Chemotherapies for pancreatic cancer are typically studied for their cytotoxic properties rather than for their ability to increase the immunogenicity of pancreatic tumour cells. In this study Gemcitabine in combination with immune modulatory chemotherapies Oxaliplatin, zoledronic acid and pomalidomide was studied to determine how combination therapy alters the immunogenicity of pancreatic tumour cell lines and subsequent T-cell responses. Methods Pancreatic tumour cell lines were stimulated with the chemotherapeutic agents and markers of immune recognition were assessed. The effect of chemotherapeutic agents on DC function was measured using uptake of CFSE-stained PANC-1 cells, changes in markers of maturation and their ability to activate CD8+ T-cells. The effect of chemotherapeutic agents on T-cell priming prior to activation using anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies was determined by measuring IFN-γ expression and Annexin V staining using flow cytometry. Results These agents demonstrate both additive and inhibitory properties on a range of markers of immunogenicity. Gemcitabine was notable for its ability to induce the upregulation of human leukocyte antigen and checkpoints on pancreatic tumour cell lines whilst inhibiting T-cell activation. Pomalidomide demonstrated immune modulatory properties on dendritic cells and T-cells, even in the presence of gemcitabine. Discussion These data highlight the complex interactions of different agents in the modulation of tumour immunogenicity and immune cell activation and emphasise the complexity in rationally designing chemo immunogenic combinations for use with immunotherapy (AU)

Effect of Gemcitabine based chemotherapy on the immunogenicity of pancreatic tumour cells and T-cells.

PURPOSE: Chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer has limited efficacy due to the difficultly of treating established tumours and the evolution of tumour resistance. Chemotherapies for pancreatic cancer are typically studied for their cytotoxic properties rather than for their ability to increase the immunogenicity of pancreatic tumour cells. In this study Gemcitabine in combination with immune modulatory chemotherapies Oxaliplatin, zoledronic acid and pomalidomide was studied to determine how combination therapy alters the immunogenicity of pancreatic tumour cell lines and subsequent T-cell responses. METHODS: Pancreatic tumour cell lines were stimulated with the chemotherapeutic agents and markers of immune recognition were assessed. The effect of chemotherapeutic agents on DC function was measured using uptake of CFSE-stained PANC-1 cells, changes in markers of maturation and their ability to activate CD8+ T-cells. The effect of chemotherapeutic agents on T-cell priming prior to activation using anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies was determined by measuring IFN-γ expression and Annexin V staining using flow cytometry. RESULTS: These agents demonstrate both additive and inhibitory properties on a range of markers of immunogenicity. Gemcitabine was notable for its ability to induce the upregulation of human leukocyte antigen and checkpoints on pancreatic tumour cell lines whilst inhibiting T-cell activation. Pomalidomide demonstrated immune modulatory properties on dendritic cells and T-cells, even in the presence of gemcitabine. DISCUSSION: These data highlight the complex interactions of different agents in the modulation of tumour immunogenicity and immune cell activation and emphasise the complexity in rationally designing chemo immunogenic combinations for use with immunotherapy.

Survey on Deep Neural Networks in Speech and Vision Systems.

This survey presents a review of state-of-the-art deep neural network architectures, algorithms, and systems in vision and speech applications. Recent advances in deep artificial neural network algorithms and architectures have spurred rapid innovation and development of intelligent vision and speech systems. With availability of vast amounts of sensor data and cloud computing for processing and training of deep neural networks, and with increased sophistication in mobile and embedded technology, the next-generation intelligent systems are poised to revolutionize personal and commercial computing. This survey begins by providing background and evolution of some of the most successful deep learning models for intelligent vision and speech systems to date. An overview of large-scale industrial research and development efforts is provided to emphasize future trends and prospects of intelligent vision and speech systems. Robust and efficient intelligent systems demand low-latency and high fidelity in resource-constrained hardware platforms such as mobile devices, robots, and automobiles. Therefore, this survey also provides a summary of key challenges and recent successes in running deep neural networks on hardware-restricted platforms, i.e. within limited memory, battery life, and processing capabilities. Finally, emerging applications of vision and speech across disciplines such as affective computing, intelligent transportation, and precision medicine are discussed. To our knowledge, this paper provides one of the most comprehensive surveys on the latest developments in intelligent vision and speech applications from the perspectives of both software and hardware systems. Many of these emerging technologies using deep neural networks show tremendous promise to revolutionize research and development for future vision and speech systems.

Methods for monitoring construction off-road vehicle emissions: a critical review for identifying deficiencies and directions.

The paper reviews the existing applications of sensing technologies for measuring construction off-road vehicle emissions (COVE) such as earthmoving equipment. The current literature presented different measurement methods and reported the results of utilisation of new technologies for measuring COVE. However, previous papers used different technology applications covering only a part of the monitoring process with its own limitations. Since technologies are advancing and offering novel solutions, there is an urgent need to identify the gaps, re-evaluate the current methods, and develop a critical agenda for automating the entire process of collecting emissions data from construction sites, and monitoring the emission contributors across cities. This paper systematically identifies relevant papers through a search of three key databases-Web of Science, Engineering Valley and Scopus-covering the publications in the last decade from 2008 to 2017. An innovative robust research method was designed to select and analyse the relevant papers. The identified papers were stored in a data set, and a thematic algorithm employed to find the clusters of papers which might be potentially relevant. The selected papers were used for further micro-thematic analysis to find key relevant papers on COVE, and the gap in the literature. A sample of relevant papers was found relevant to COVE and critically reviewed by coding and content analysis. This paper critically reviews the selected papers and also shows that there is a considerable gap in the applications of new technologies for measuring in-use COVE in real time based on real activities toward automated methods. This review enables practitioners and scholars to gain a concrete understanding of the gap in measuring COVE and to provide a significant agenda for future technology applications.

Self-assembly of model short triblock amphiphiles in dilute solution.

In this work, a molecular theory is used to study the self-assembly of short diblock and triblock amphiphiles, with head-tail and head-linker-tail structures, respectively. The theory was used to systematically explore the effects of the molecular architecture and the affinity of the solvent for the linker and tail blocks on the relative stability of the different nanostructures formed by the amphiphiles in dilute solution, which include spherical micelles, cylindrical fibers and planar lamellas. Moreover, the theory predicts that each of these nanostructures can adopt two different types of internal organization: (i) normal nanostructures with a core composed of tail segments and a corona composed of head segments, and (ii) nanostructures with a core formed by linker segments and a corona formed by tail and head segments. The theory predicts the occurrence of a transition from micelle to fiber to lamella when increasing the length of the tail or the linker blocks, which is in qualitative agreement with the geometric packing theory and with experiments in the literature. The theory also predicts a transition from micelle to fiber to lamella as the affinity of the solvent for the tail or linker block is decreased. This result is also in qualitative agreement with experiments in the literature but cannot be explained in terms of the geometric packing theory. The molecular theory provides an explanation for this result in terms of the competition between solvophobic attractions among segments in the core and steric repulsions between segments in the corona for the different types of self-assembled nanostructures.

Current status and challenges for globalisation of veterinary medical education for the 'One Health' programme.

A global review of veterinary medical education (VME) programmes shows that, of 194 countries, 111 (57%) have 597 veterinary medical academic institutions (VMAIs) with 15 different names, which offer veterinary degrees with 54 different titles. The highest number of universities (n = 148; 25%), in 27 (14%) countries, award a veterinary medical degree (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine [DVM]), followed by the science degree (Bachelor of Veterinary Science [BVSc]) awarded by 28 (5%) universities in 9 (5%) countries. In addition to three original Universities of Veterinary Medicine, 23 veterinary-related universities have been established with titles such as 'Veterinary, Animal and Fishery Sciences', which do not reflect the VME programmes. The award of Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees in Animal Husbandry (AH), Poultry Science and Dairy Technology created confusion and increased competition with veterinary graduates for positions in the dairy and poultry industries. Some countries, including Japan and Australia, have changed from the British single degree system to the American dual degree system. The American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education has classified the 597 VMAIs into 'accredited' (n = 49; 8.2%), 'listed' (n = 468; 78.4%) and 'unlisted' (n = 80; 13.4%) categories. The diversity of nomenclature of VMAIs, degrees, curricula and training status of veterinary graduates may affect the globalisation of VME according to the 'One Health' concept. Veterinary medical professionals and international organisations must think creatively about the future of global VME, especially with regard to the standardisation of the nomenclature of institutions, degrees, professional associations and core curricula, to contribute effectively to biomedical sciences and One Health at the national and global levels.

Il ressort d'une étude sur les programmes d'enseignement de la médecine vétérinaire dans le monde que cet enseignement est dispensé dans 111 pays sur les 194 étudiés (soit 57 %), par 597 établissements d'enseignement vétérinaire qui ont 15 dénominations différentes et délivrent 54 diplômes différents. La catégorie la plus importante (25 %) est celle des 148 facultés de médecine vétérinaire réparties dans 27 pays (14 %), qui délivrent un diplôme de médecine vétérinaire de niveau doctorat (DVM) ; viennent ensuite les 28 universités (5 %) réparties dans 9 pays délivrant un diplôme scientifique de niveau licence (BVSc). Outre les trois facultés de médecine vétérinaire historiques, 23 autres facultés ont été créées dans le domaine vétérinaire, qui délivrent des diplômes en « sciences vétérinaires, animales et halieutiques ¼, ce qui ne correspond pas au contenu d'un programme d'enseignement de la médecine vétérinaire. La création de diplômes scientifiques de niveau licence (BSc) en zootechnie, sciences avicoles ou technologie des productions laitières a créé une confusion et exacerbé la concurrence avec les vétérinaires diplômés pour les postes du secteur laitier ou avicole. Certains pays, dont le Japon et l'Australie ont abandonné le système britannique d'un diplôme unique et adopté le système américain du double diplôme. Le Conseil d'éducation de l'Association américaine des médecins vétérinaires a mis en place un classement des 597 établissements d'enseignement de la médecine vétérinaire dans le monde, suivant qu'ils sont accrédités (n = 49 ; 8,2 %), listés (n = 468 ; 78,4 %) ou non listés (n = 80 ; 13,4 %). La diversité des intitulés des titres et diplômes, des programmes d'enseignement et des niveaux de qualification en médecine vétérinaire risque d'affecter la mondialisation de cet enseignement dans une perspective « Une seule santé ¼. Les organisations professionnelles et internationales dédiées à la médecine vétérinaire doivent réfléchir de manière créative à l'avenir de son enseignement dans le monde, en particulier à la l'harmonisation de la nomenclature des institutions, des titres et diplômes, des associations professionnelles et des programmes de formation initiale, afin de contribuer au développement des sciences médicales et du concept Une seule santé à l'échelle nationale et mondiale.

Del estudio mundial de los programas de enseñanza de medicina veterinaria se desprende que, de un total de 194 países, en 111 (57%) hay 597 establecimientos de enseñanza de medicina veterinaria con 15 denominaciones distintas, que dispensan 54 titulaciones diferentes en veterinaria. La mayor parte de las universidades (n = 148; 25%), sitas en 27 (14%) países, otorgan títulos en medicina veterinaria. Siguen las titulaciones científicas que dispensan 28 (5%) universidades de 9 (5%) países. Además de tres facultades originales de medicina veterinaria, se han creado 23 facultades relacionadas de uno u otro modo con la veterinaria cuyos programas de estudios, con títulos como «Ciencia veterinaria, animal y pesquera¼, no se corresponden con los programas de enseñanza de medicina veterinaria. La concesión de títulos de licenciatura en «Zootecnia¼, «Ciencia avícola¼ o «Tecnología de la producción lechera¼ suscitó confusión e incrementó la competencia con los titulados en veterinaria por los puestos de trabajo en los sectores lechero y avícola. Algunos países, como el Japón y Australia, han sustituido el sistema británico de titulaciones únicas por el sistema americano de titulaciones duales. El Consejo sobre Enseñanza de la Asociación Americana de Medicina Veterinaria ha clasificado los 597 establecimientos de enseñanza de medicina veterinaria en tres categorías: «homologados¼ (n = 49; 8,2%), «referenciados¼ (n = 468; 78,4%) y «no referenciados¼ (n = 80; 13,4%). La heterogeneidad reinante en la nomenclatura de establecimientos de enseñanza, titulaciones, planes de estudios y nivel de formación de los titulados en veterinaria puede obstaculizar la mundialización de la enseñanza de la medicina veterinaria con arreglo al concepto de «Una sola salud¼. Para contribuir eficazmente a las ciencias biomédicas y a la aplicación de los principios de «Una sola salud¼ a escala nacional y mundial, los profesionales de la medicina veterinaria y las organizaciones internacionales competentes deben reflexionar creativamente sobre el futuro de la enseñanza de la medicina veterinaria en el mundo, sobre todo por lo que respecta a la normalización de la nomenclatura de establecimientos, titulaciones, colegios profesionales y planes troncales de estudios.

New introduction of clade 2.3.2.1 avian influenza virus (H5N1) into Bangladesh.

Since the first outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian inafluenza (HPAI) in Bangladesh in February 2007, a total of 519 disease events have been reported till 22 October 2011. Partial HA gene sequences of 11 selected H5N1 HPAI isolates of 2007 to 2011 were determined and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. The study revealed a recent introduction of clade 2.3.2 and 2.3.4 viruses into Bangladesh in 2011 in addition to clade 2.2 viruses that had been in circulation since 2007. Clade 2.3.2 virus isolates from Bangladesh are phylogenetically related to the newly designated clade 2.3.2.1 viruses, reported recently from Asia and Eastern Europe.

Medical information prior to invasive medical procedures in otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery in France.

Based on a review of the medical literature (PubMed database, keywords: medical information, informed consent), the authors analyse the main medicolegal aspects concerning the patient information that must be provided in France prior to any invasive diagnostic or therapeutic medical procedures in otorhinolaryngology head and neck surgery, as well as the patient's perception and recall of the information provided, the quality of the information provided and problems encountered in providing this information. In the light of this review, several solutions are recommended to improve this essential phase prior to obtaining the patient's informed consent.

Embryo-feto-toxicity of anticancer drug, heptaplatin in laboratory mice.

The present study was conducted to test the possible teratogenic and toxic effects of anti-cancer drug heptaplatin (SKI 2053) on developing embryos and fetuses in gestating SWR/J mice. Dose levels of 5.0, 10.0 and 12.5 mg heptaplatin/kg b.wt. were intraperitoneally administered to pregnant mice on days 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14 of gestation. On day 17 of gestation, all fetuses were removed and examined for toxic phenomena (embryo-fetal toxicity) by taking observation on live fetuses and embryonic resorption. Fetuses were also examined for external, internal and skeletal malformations. None of the dams treated with heptaplatin at any of the dose levels used in the present study died during the experimental period. Higher doses of heptaplatin caused greater embryonic resorption and reduced number of live fetuses. However, no loss of body weight was noticed in fetuses at any of the dose levels administered. At highest dose of heptaplatin (12.5 mg kg(-1)), tail deformity was observed in the form of short and curve tails whereas no other anatomical or skeletal malformations were noticed in any of the fetuses. In addition to mild embryo-fetotoxicity, the study indicates mild teratogenic effects of hetaplatin as reflected in fetal abnormalities at low frequency. These results have significant implications for protracted use of this drug.

Spectral amplitude coding OCDMA using and subtraction technique.

An optical decoding technique is proposed for a spectral-amplitude-coding-optical code division multiple access, namely, the AND subtraction technique. The theory is being elaborated and experimental results have been done by comparing a double-weight code against the existing code, Hadamard. We have proved that the and subtraction technique gives better bit error rate performance than the conventional complementary subtraction technique against the received power level.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumour of the omentum: a case report.

AIM: The aim of this paper is to present the first published case of a high-risk gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) in Kuwait. CASE PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: A thirty-six-year old Egyptian male patient presented with central upper abdominal pain of five-month duration. Clinically, there was an approximately 10 cm x 8 cm diffuse, non-tender, firm mass in the epigastrium. A tumour of the stomach wall was diagnosed. The mass was surgically excised. At laparotomy there was obvious peritoneal dissemination. Histopathological examination revealed a (GIST) of the omentum. Postoperatively the patient was advised to receive imatinib mesylate for a period of one year. CONCLUSION: Despite significant advances in new chemotherapeutic drugs, radical surgery remains the only method offering a chance for long-term survival. Although further data are required to evaluate its use in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings, imatinib mesylate currently provides the most effective treatment option in the management of advanced GIST.

Noise level in different places of Dhaka Metropolitan City (DMC) and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in Dhaka City dwellers.

A cross sectional, exploratory study was designed at "National Center for Hearing and Speech for Children" (NCHSC), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from May 2001 to June 2002, with a view to determine the average noise level in different places of Dhaka Metropolitan City (DMC), and also aiming at evaluating the extent of Noise-induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) in different groups of city dwellers and finally a base line information. A total of 32 places in DMC were selected randomly. The highest noise level recorded 104 dB at Sayedabad bus terminal and the lowest 68 dB in Banani and Baridhara residential area. In silent zone of DMC, average noise level was 79 dB, in residential zone 72 dB, in commercial zone 90 dB, and in mixed zone average noise level was recorded at 91 dB. Measured noise levels were more than acceptable and permissible levels in all places of DMC. A total of 312 persons aged between 15-45 years (mean age- 24.64 years) were enrolled for the study as per inclusion criteria. Gender-wise male were 211(67.62%) and female were 101(32.57%). Profession-wise Automobile drivers were 57(18.26 %), Garment workers 58(18.55 %), City dwellers 72(23.07%), Students 72(23.07%), Traffic polices 12(3.85%), Hawkers and Road side shopkeepers were 41(13.1%). Definite noise notch (>25dB) at 4KHz observed in 33(10.58%) audiogram of persons under study. Automobile drivers, Traffic polices, Road side hawkers and Shop keepers, Garment workers are mostly affected were 17.54%, 16.4%, 12.09% and 12.06% respectively. A total of 201 persons (64.42%) were not aware of their hearing impairment, 244(78%) of the person had poor level of knowledge regarding bad effects of noise on health and about protective means available. Amongst persons (33) found to have NIHL did not use any protective device.

Prognostic factors in the management of exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Kuwait.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical presentation and the factors of prognostic importance in the management of exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and four patients who were hospitalized because of exacerbation of COPD between 1996 and 2000 were selected for further evaluation. Only patients who fulfilled the American Thoracic Society criteria for diagnosis of COPD were included. The factors examined included age, clinical features, duration of symptoms of exacerbation, severity of underlying disease, comorbid diseases, level of consciousness, previous hospitalization, intubation and assisted ventilation, hypercapnia, degree of acidemia and complications. RESULTS: Seventy-four of 104 (71%) hospitalized patients reviewed met the inclusion criteria for COPD. The mean age was 63.68 +/- 12.6 years. There was a male:female ratio of 3:1. Fifty-eight patients (78%) had a baseline FEV1 <50% before hospitalization and 45 (64%) had previous hospitalization. Comorbid disease was found in 50% of the cases, while 78% had acidemia and 70% hypercapnia. Fourteen (19%) died on admission. Risk factors identified included severity of disease (p < 0.05); presence of comorbid disease (p < 0.01); acidemia (p < 0.0001); hypercapnia (p < 0.0001); previous hospitalization (p < 0.01), and assisted ventilation (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the presence of comorbid disease, acidemia, previous hospitalization and assisted ventilation significantly contributed to mortality in patients with exacerbation of COPD.

Outcome of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in a group of elderly patients from Bangladesh.

In the present study, we evaluated the clinical course and outcome of chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) in a group of elderly patients. We enrolled 60 elderly patients (37 men, 23 women) starting PD over a 4-year study period and assessed outcomes. The mean age of our patients was 61 +/- 7 years; mean PD duration was 16 months (range: 3 - 40 months). Primary diseases were mainly diabetic nephropathy (54%) and glomerulonephritis (20%). In most patients, the PD modality was chosen because of cardiac instability. Complications during PD included peritonitis (1 episode per 9 patient-months) and exit-site infection (1 episode per 26 patient-months). Technique survival was 89% at 1 year. Patient survival was 83% and 32% at 1 and 4 years respectively. The most frequent causes of death were cerebrovascular accident, cardiac complications, and sepsis. We also compared predialysis parameters to final parameters for 20 deceased patients. Mean age in this group was 62 +/- 8 years, and mean PD duration was 13 +/- 8 months. Body mass index (BMI) was 23 +/- 3 kg/m2 predialysis versus 22 +/- 3 kg/m2 at the end of dialysis (p < 0.01); residual renal creatinine clearance was 4.4 +/- 2 mL/min versus 2.3 +/- 2 mL/min (p < 0.003), and weekly total Kt/V was 2.1 +/- 0.3 versus 1.8 +/- 0.3 (p < 0.002). Albumin showed positive correlations with BMI (r = 0.40, p < 0.02) and with creatinine (r = 0.40, p < 0.01). We conclude that survival of elderly patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis is reasonable in the first year, and that further improvement may be achieved by initiating dialysis early, by increasing the dialysis dose, and by improving the patients' nutrition status.

Sero-epidemiological studies on Toxoplasma gondii infection in man and animals in Bangladesh.

Sera from randomly selected 49 professional blood donors, 617 pregnant women, 14 butchers, 528 slaughtered goats and 24 domestic cats in the district of Mymensingh were tested for the presence of T. gondii antibodies using a Latex agglutination test (LAT). Overall 12.4% blood donors, 11.18% pregnant women, 50.00% butchers, 12.88% slaughtered goats and 33.33% cats had diagnostically significant antibody titers (> or = 1:64) to T. gondii. Epidemiological studies on T. gondii infection with LAT were conducted in 25 family members with sero-positive cats and 9 family members with 2 sero-positive women without cats in the family. Significantly (p < 0.01) higher sero-positivity rate was recorded in the family members (24.00%) with positive cats in comparison to family members (11.11%) without cats. The epidemiologic study indicates that infected cats and goat meat might be significant sources of T. gondii infection for humans in Bangladesh.

Mutagenicity of cidial (phenthoate). I: Effect on maternal and fetal somatic cells.

Cidial, an organophosphorous insecticide (also known as phenthoate), was tested for its genotoxic effect on both maternal and fetal cells. Cidial was administered at three different dose levels (53.5, 106.9, and 171 mg/kg) to pregnant mice on day 16 of gestation. Maternal bone marrow and embryonic liver cells were examined for chromosomal aberrations and cellular proliferation. Cidial was found to increase the percentage of cells with chromosomal aberrations in both mothers and fetuses. It also significantly inhibited the rate of mitotic activity of both maternal and fetal cells, with the inhibitory effect being more appreciable in fetal cells than in maternal cells. The data indicate that cidial, which is widely used in rural areas, is hazardous to both mothers and their transplacentally exposed babies.

Thermostable extracellular protease of Bacillus stearothermophilus: factors affecting its production.

A strain of protease-producing Bacillus stearothermophilus has been isolated. Glycerol was the best carbon source for production whereas yeast extract was the best nitrogen source. The bacterium could grow up to 70°C but optimum protease production was at 60°C. Best initial pH for protease production was 5. Alkaline pH inhibited production. The enzyme was stable at 60°C for 18 h and was inhibited by EDTA, PMSF and HgCl2.