Substrate stiffness and mechanical stress due to intercellular cooperativity guides tissue structure.

A key challenge in cell and tissue morphogenesis is to understand how a crucial balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis maintains an evolving tissue structure. These processes are mutually non-exclusive and require stiffness monitoring of the host substrate. Adhered cells actively mechanosense the tension in the extracellular matrix (ECM). They collectively alter self-organization and generate a host of tissue patterns. Using an in silico elastic fiber-network in two dimensions, we simulate cell-ECM composite structures and characterize features of the emerging tissue patterns during successive cell proliferation and apoptosis. Our data reveals that, in general, cell viability is a function of the cell-induced effective ECM stiffness supported by intercellular cooperativity. Translating this into a remodeling tissue, we find that average cell cycle duration in concert with the locally stressed regions of the ECM promote heterogeneous proliferation and apoptosis inducing finger-like protrusions along the tissue periphery - a feature normally observed during tumorigenesis. Further, we find that recovery of a scratch wound is delayed for cells harbored on a compliant or (and) in a highly collagen depleted ECM.

Temperature dependence of the photodissociation of CO2 from high vibrational levels: 205-230 nm imaging studies of CO(X1Σ+) and O(3P, 1D) products.

The 205-230 nm photodissociation of vibrationally excited CO2 at temperatures up to 1800 K was studied using Resonance Enhanced Multiphoton Ionization (REMPI) and time-sliced Velocity Map Imaging (VMI). CO2 molecules seeded in He were heated in an SiC tube attached to a pulsed valve and supersonically expanded to create a molecular beam of rotationally cooled but vibrationally hot CO2. Photodissociation was observed from vibrationally excited CO2 with internal energies up to about 20 000 cm-1, and CO(X1Σ+), O(3P), and O(1D) products were detected by REMPI. The large enhancement in the absorption cross section with increasing CO2 vibrational excitation made this investigation feasible. The internal energies of heated CO2 molecules that absorbed 230 nm radiation were estimated from the kinetic energy release (KER) distributions of CO(X1Σ+) products in v″ = 0. At 230 nm, CO2 needs to have at least 4000 cm-1 of rovibrational energy to absorb the UV radiation and produce CO(X1Σ+) + O(3P). CO2 internal energies in excess of 16 000 cm-1 were confirmed by observing O(1D) products. It is likely that initial absorption from levels with high bending excitation accesses both the A1B2 and B1A2 states, explaining the nearly isotropic angular distributions of the products. CO(X1Σ+) product internal energies were estimated from REMPI spectroscopy, and the KER distributions of the CO(X1Σ+), O(3P), and O(1D) products were obtained by VMI. The CO product internal energy distributions change with increasing CO2 temperature, suggesting that more than one dynamical pathway is involved when the internal energy of CO2 (and the corresponding available energy) increases. The KER distributions of O(1D) and O(3P) show broad internal energy distributions in the CO(X1Σ+) cofragment, extending up to the maximum allowed by energy but peaking at low KER values. Although not all the observations can be explained at this time, with the aid of available theoretical studies of CO2 VUV photodissociation and O + CO recombination, it is proposed that following UV absorption, the two lowest lying triplet states, a3B2 and b3A2, and the ground electronic state are involved in the dynamical pathways that lead to product formation.

An Unusual Case of Suicide Attempt Using Intravenous Injection of Kerosene.

Kerosene belongs to the hydrocarbon group of compounds, used as a fuel for lamps, as well as heating and cooking in developing countries. Accidental kerosene poisoning and intoxication usually occur by inhalation or by occupational percutaneous absorption. Adults usually ingest kerosene for the purpose of self-harm, and children may ingest accidentally. Suicidal attempt using intravenous kerosene is an extra ordinary and very rare occurrence. A very few data are available regarding effects of intravenous administration of kerosene and its management.

Comparative cost-effectiveness of bazedoxifene and raloxifene in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in Europe, using the FRAX algorithm.

UNLABELLED: Bazedoxifene and raloxifene were evaluated in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis from health economic perspective in Europe. Based on a computer-based algorithm calculating efficacy of the treatments, bazedoxifene appears to be a cost-effective strategy compared to raloxifene, particularly in patients at high fracture risk. INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare cost-effectiveness of bazedoxifene and raloxifene in eight European countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. METHODS: The Fracture Risk Assessment Tool, which is a computer-based algorithm to calculate fracture probability using clinical risk factors alone or with bone mineral density, was incorporated in a Markov Tunnel model to evaluate cost-effectiveness of bazedoxifene 20 or 40 mg vs. raloxifene 60 mg in postmenopausal osteoporotic women. The efficacy of bazedoxifene and raloxifene for vertebral and non-vertebral fractures was measured as a function of the 10-year probability of a major osteoporotic fracture. The model estimated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio and net monetary benefit (NMB) from a healthcare perspective, given the willingness to pay 30,000. RESULTS: In postmenopausal osteoporotic women, bazedoxifene was a cost saving strategy compared to raloxifene in the countries studied. The median NMB of bazedoxifene compared to raloxifene increased monotonically with the 10-year fracture probability. In general, the median NMB became greater than 0 in women with 10-year probabilities of a major osteoporotic fracture between 5 and 10% or above. The impact on results by varying the assumptions in the model was examined in sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSION: Bazedoxifene appears to be a cost-effective strategy compared to raloxifene for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporotic women in Europe, particularly in patients at high fracture risk.

Tug-of-war between opposing molecular motors explains chromosomal oscillation during mitosis.

Chromosomes move towards and away from the centrosomes during the mitosis. This oscillation is observed when the kinetochore, a specific protein structure on the chromosome is captured by centrosome-nucleated polymer called microtubules. We present a computational model, incorporating activities of various molecular motors and microtubule dynamics, to demonstrate the observed oscillation. The model is robust and is not restricted to any particular cell type. Quantifying the average velocity, amplitude and periodicity of the chromosomal oscillation, we compare numerical results with the available experimental data. Our analysis supports a tug-of-war like mechanism between opposing motors that changes the course of chromosomal oscillation. It turns out that, various modes of oscillation can be fully understood by assembling the dynamics of molecular motors. Near the stall regime, when opposing motors are engaged in a tug-of-war, sufficiently large kinetochore-microtubule generated force may prolong the stall durations.

The efficacy and safety of bazedoxifene in postmenopausal women by baseline kidney function status.

INTRODUCTION: Two global, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled, phase-3 studies (2-year prevention (n = 1583) and 3-year treatment (n = 7492)) have shown that bazedoxifene (BZA) is safe and effective for prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy/safety of BZA according to baseline kidney function. METHODS: Data for the BZA 20- and 40-mg and placebo groups from both studies were integrated for assessment of bone turnover markers (BTMs), bone mineral density (BMD), and fracture incidence (treatment study only). Safety was assessed using integrated data for the BZA, placebo, and raloxifene 60-mg groups from both studies. Baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation; among subjects with baseline GFR, renal function categories were defined by GFR (ml/min per 1.73 m(2)): normal (GFR ≥ 90; n = 1982), mild impairment (60 ≤ GFR < 90; n = 6032), or moderate/severe impairment (GFR < 60; n = 723). RESULTS: Demographics were similar across treatment groups and within GFR subgroups. Across GFR subgroups, BZA 20 and 40 mg reduced BTM levels and improved lumbar spine and total hip BMD versus placebo. At month 24, there were significant treatment-by-GFR (p = 0.003) and treatment-by-serum creatinine (p = 0.034) interactions for the increase in lumbar spine BMD versus placebo. Fracture incidence was lower with BZA than placebo across all GFR categories, with no treatment-by-GFR interaction. There were no significant differences among treatment groups in incidences of overall, serious, or renal-related adverse events across GFR subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Mild to moderate kidney impairment did not affect the efficacy and safety of BZA in postmenopausal women.

Comparison of creatinine clearance estimates with routine measured creatinine clearance in hospitalized chronic kidney disease patients.

The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between endogenous creatinine clearance (BSA adjusted), the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and Cockcroft-Gault (BSA adjusted) equations in a Bangladeshi population with chronic kidney disease. It was an observational study conducted from July 2011 to January 2012 in the department of Medicine of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. A total of 50 cases with diagnosed Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients participated in this study. Results are expressed as mean and standard deviation (SD). Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to compare the results of conventional creatinine clearance on 24 hour urine collection (BSA adjusted) and creatinine clearance calculated by Cockcroft-Gault creatinine clearance (BSA adjusted) and MDRD creatinine clearance (ml/min/1.73m²) equation. Among 50 patients 30(60%) were male and 20(40%) were female. Mean age of the cases was 43±12.96 years with age range from 18 to 65 years. Mean creatinine clearance measured on 24 hours urine collection (BSA adjusted) was 13.86±8.72ml/min per 1.73m². Mean BSA adjusted Cockcroft-Gault creatinine clearance and MDRD creatinine clearance were 27.68±11.26 and 24.46±11.05ml/min per 1.73m² respectively. There was a positive correlation between both the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (r=0.951, p<0.05) equation and the Cockcroft-Gault (r=0.948, p<0.05) equation with measured creatinine clearance; the former being statistically superior comparing the correlation coefficients. The creatinine based formulas with their inherent property of convenience and cost effectiveness can be a useful tool for monitoring the progression of disease.

Serum magnesium in hospital admitted diabetic patients.

Magnesium depletion has a negative impact on glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in diabetic patients. Low plasma magnesium concentration is a highly specific indicator of poor magnesium status. This case control study was conducted in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh, from May 2011 to April 2012. This study was done to assess the serum magnesium level in diabetic and non-diabetic patients and to find out the association between serum magnesium, blood glucose and duration of diabetes mellitus. Serum magnesium concentrations were determined in 50 diabetics and 50 age and sex matched non-diabetic patients or attendants for controls. Among the case and control group 32 were male and 18 were female. Mean age of control group was 54.42±2.33 and study group was 55.78±2.43 years. Duration of diabetes of case group in which 50% of patients have diabetes for up to 4 years, 18% of patients have diabetes for 5-9 years, 5% of patients have for 10-14 years and 2% of patients have diabetes for 15 years and above. Serum magnesium concentrations below the normal reference range for study group was 44% and control group was 6%. The mean serum magnesium level of study group was 0.70±0.01mmol/L and that of control group was 0.83±0.02mmol/L. So, the difference in serum magnesium level between two groups were statistically highly significant (p = 0.001). Correlation between FBS and SML of study group, which is negative (r = - 0.182). There is opposite relation among the characteristics as r is negative. And also correlation between 2HAFB and SML of study group, which is negative (r = - 0.06). There is opposite relation among the characteristics as r is negative.

An evaluation of the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX®) as an indicator of treatment efficacy: the effects of bazedoxifene and raloxifene on vertebral, nonvertebral, and all clinical fractures as a function of baseline fracture risk assessed by FRAX®.

SUMMARY: The relationship between baseline Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX®) and treatment efficacy was evaluated using data from a pivotal phase 3 study. Relative risk of vertebral, nonvertebral, and all clinical fractures decreased with increasing probability of fracture for bazedoxifene (BZA) versus placebo but remained generally constant for raloxifene (RLX). INTRODUCTION: To determine whether the FRAX® predicts osteoporosis treatment efficacy, we evaluated reductions in fracture incidence associated with BZA and RLX according to baseline fracture risk determined by FRAX® using data from a phase 3 osteoporosis treatment study. METHODS: Hazard ratios (HRs) for effects of BZA and RLX versus placebo on incidence of vertebral, nonvertebral, and all clinical fractures were calculated using a Cox regression model. Cox regression analyses were performed in subgroups at or above 10-year fracture probability thresholds determined by FRAX®. RESULTS: HRs for the risk of vertebral, nonvertebral, and all clinical fractures versus placebo decreased with increasing 10-year fracture probability for BZA, while those for RLX remained stable. In all 10-year fracture probability subgroups, all BZA doses significantly reduced vertebral fracture risk versus placebo (HR = 0.22-0.66). BZA at 20, 40, and 20/40 mg significantly reduced risk of nonvertebral fractures (HR = 0.45, 0.44, and 0.45, respectively) and all clinical fractures (HR = 0.38, 0.41, and 0.40, respectively) for ≥20.0 % fracture probability. Vertebral fracture risk reductions for RLX 60 mg versus placebo were significant in subgroups at lower fracture probabilities (≥2.5- ≥ 10.0 %), but not higher (≥12.5 %), and in no subgroups for nonvertebral or all clinical fractures. CONCLUSION: The antifracture efficacy of BZA increased with increasing baseline FRAX® score, but there was no clear relationship between RLX and baseline FRAX®. These findings provide independent confirmation of current literature, suggesting that the relationship between FRAX® and treatment efficacy varies for different agents.

Comparison of salbutamol and ipratropium bromide versus salbutamol alone in the treatment of acute severe asthma.

The use of nebulized Ipratropium bromide, quaternary anticholinergic bronchodilators in combination with beta-agonist for the treatment of acute asthma in adults is controversial. In a view of different recommendation the present study is undertaken in Bangladeshi patients. Combination of inhaled Ipratropium bromide and Salbutamol provides greater bronchodilatation than mono therapy with Salbutamol alone in acute severe asthma. Patients of severe asthma (PEFR <50% of predicted) were enrolled into control group (Salbutamol only) and case (Salbutamol + Ipratropium bromide) group. After measurement of peak expiratory flow, patient received 3 doses of 2.5 mg Salbutamol (n=40) only or 3 doses of both 2.5mg Salbutamol and 500mcg Ipratropium bromide at an interval of 20 minutes (n=40) through a jet nebulizer. Peak flow was reassessed 30 & 60 minutes after treatment. Peak flow at baseline was similar in two groups. Then at 30 minutes after nebulization, the mean±SD percentage increase in peak flow was greater in combination group (60.01±35.01%) than Salbutamol group (44.47±25.03%) with difference of 16% (p=0.025). At 60 minutes the percentage increase in peak flow was about 32% greater in combination group than Salbutamol group (94.44±33.70% vs. 62.57±29.26%, p=0.000) and combination group reached percentage predicted peak flow more than 60% while Sabutamol group did not. Ipratropium Bromide and Salbutamol nebulized combinedly have better bronchodilating effect than Salbultamol alone in acute severe asthma.

Comparison of salbutamol with normal saline and salbutamol with magnesium sulphate in the treatment of severe acute asthma.

This study compared the efficacy and safety of nebulized magnesium sulphate with salbutamol to normal saline with salbutamol as the initial treatment of severe acute asthma patients. The present study was designed as a randomized open controlled clinical trial. The study was conducted Mymensingh Medical College Hospital over a period of 11 months from December 2009 to October 2010. Patients admitted with severe acute asthma having inclusion criteria were the study population. Among 120 study population 60 were in salbutamol with magnesium sulphate group and 60 were in salbutamol with normal saline group. The study finding showed that peak flow at baseline was similar in two groups. At 10 minutes after nebulization, the mean±SD percentage increase in peak flow was greater in magnesium sulphate group (20±4%) than in the normal saline salbutamol group (13±3%). At 20 minutes the percentage increase in peak flow was greater in magnesium sulphate group (35±7%) than in the normal saline salbutamol group (24±6%) p value <0.001. Magnesium sulphate plus salbutamol group reached PEF near to 60% which is not in saline salbutamol group. There was no significant changed in respiratory rate, pulse rate, systolic, diastolic blood pressure and clinical evidence of unwanted adverse effect.

Assessment of anaemia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The present cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh from December 2009 to November 2010 to find out the association of iron deficiency, in anaemia with rheumatoid arthritis and to find a sensitive and less invasive marker to differentiate iron deficiency anaemia from the anaemia of chronic disease. A total of 45 patients of rheumatoid arthritis were provisionally included in the study. Of them, 12 patients were excluded as they did not allow for aspirating the bone marrow, leaving 33 patients to complete the study. The mean age of the patients was 42.6 years (22-66 years) with female to male ratio being roughly 3:1. Majority (97%) of the patients presented weakness followed by 78.8% dizziness, 54.5% palpitation, 24.2% pallor, 12.1% breathlessness, another 12.1% smooth tongue and 6.1% nail change. About 79% of the patients were positive for RA test and nearly 70% of patient had moderate anaemia. The mean serum ferritin was significantly reduced in patients with hypochromic with or without microcytic anaemia than that with normocytic normochromic anaemia (p<0.001). While total iron binding capacity was found to be significantly increased in patients with iron deficiency anaemia than that in patients with anaemia of chronic disease (p<0.021). The serum iron level was considerably reduced in the former group than that in the later group (p<0.066). Bone marrow iron grading revealed 48.5% of the patients with iron depleted and 51.5% with iron repleted. Serum ferritin level of patients with iron depleted bone marrow was significantly decreased than that in patients with iron repleted bone marrow (p<0.001). Serum iron level of the former group was also reduced than that of the later group (p<0.133). Total iron binding capacity was significantly raised in patients with iron depleted group than that in patients with iron repleted group (p<0.001). The study finds that anaemia of chronic disease and iron deficiency anaemia frequently coexist in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and serum ferritin and total iron binding capacity are considered good indicator for differentiating iron deficiency anaemia from the anaemia of chronic disease. Serum iron levels will not help for differentiating.

Prediction of oesophageal varices in cirrhosis of liver patients by serum ascitic albumin gradient.

This hospital based observational study was carried out to evaluate the relation between serum ascitic albumin gradient and oesophageal varices in cirrhosis of liver disease patient. This was a hospital based observational study on 50 cases of diagnosed cirrhosis of liver disease patients in department of medicine of Mymensingh medical college Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from 8th January 2012 to 07th July 2012 for a period of 6 months. The study showed age frequency 5(10%) were from 21-30 years, 15(30%) were from 31-40 years 15(30%) were from 40-50years, and 15(30%) were from ≥51 years of age. Out of 50 patients, 38(76%) were male and 12(24%) were female patients. The etiology of liver cirrhosis was hepatitis B virus in 22(44%), hepatitis C virus in 4(8%), alcohol in 1(2%) and others in 23(46%) patients. Twenty four (48%) patients had SAAG value 1.1-1.49, 21(42%) patients had SAAG value 1.5-1.99, 5(10%) patients had Serum Ascitic Albumin Gradient (SAAG) value >2.0 and 16(32%) patients had no oesophageal varices, 11(22%) patients had small straight varices (F1) esophageal varices, 18(36%) patients had less than one-third of the esophageal lumen (F2) oesophageal varices, 5(10%) patients had more than one-third of the esophageal lumen (F3) esophageal varices. The degree of SAAG demonstrate significant statistical association with presence or absence of oesophageal varices (p=0.023) and grades of the oesophageal varices (p=0.001) in patients with cirrhosis of liver disease. So, it was predicted that the presence of oesophageal varices in cirrhosis of liver disease patients with high SAAG without performing endoscopy of upper GIT.

Relation of different grades of esophageal varices with Child-Pugh classes in cirrhosis of liver.

This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh over a period of 6 months from October 2011 to April 2012 and was carried out to evaluate the relation of different grades of esophageal varices with Child-Pugh classes of cirrhosis of liver patients. A total 37 patients were included. Child-Pugh score and esophageal varices of each patient were noted. Relation was carried out using the Chi-square test through determining the association of different variables. P value <0.05 was considered significant. Among 37 patients, 27(73%) were male and 10(27%) were female and their frequency of age were found, 7(18.9%) from 18-38 years, 18(48.7%) from 39-59 years and 12(32.4%) from 60 years of age and above. The etiology of liver cirrhosis revealed 18(48.7%) hepatitis B virus, 3(8.1%) hepatitis C virus and 16(43.2%) others causes. Child-Pugh classes were observed 3(8.2%) Class A, 17(45.9%) Class B and 17(45.9%) Class C and grades of esophageal varies were 13(35.1%) F1, 20(54.1%) F2 and 4(10.8%) F3 patients among total. A statistically significant positive relation was found that higher grade of esophageal varices was seen in the more advanced class of Child-Pugh classes with a p value 0.001.

Risk factors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

This case control study was carried out in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh and Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from November 2010 to October 2011 to find out the risk factors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. A total of 90 participants (45 cases and 45 controls) were included. A higher proportion of patients with age >45 years were found in case group compared to control (51.1% vs. 15.6%). The mean age was significantly higher in case group 49.8±12.6 years. Males demonstrated their predominance in both case (62.2%) and control (68.9%) groups, although the two groups did not differ in terms of sex distribution. Body mass index demonstrates that 26.7% of patients in case group were of normal weight, 46.7% overweight and 26.7% obese. In the control group, two-thirds (68.9%) of the patients were of normal weight and 24.4% overweight and 7.8% obese. Diabetes and hypertension were significantly present in the case group than those in control counterparts 75.6% vs. 15.6% and 86.7% vs. 15.6 % respectively. The mean fasting blood glucose, ALT, total cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly higher in case group compared to control group 7.8±1.3 vs. 5.4±2.5mmol/L (p<0.001); 39.1±12.4 vs. 30.3±14.1IU/L, (p=0.002); 239.9±14.3 vs. 183.3±11.4mg/dl, (p<0.001) and 183.6±12.5 vs. 133.5±16.0mg/dl, (p<0.001) respectively. However, no significant difference was observed between the case and the control groups in terms of HDL cholesterol (35.9±1.2 vs. 38.0±1.1mg/dl, p=0.203). Majority of the patients in case group (88.9%) exhibited increased echogenicity of liver on ultrasonogram as opposed to 15.6% in the control group.

Diagnostic evaluation of supraclavicular lymphadenopathy.

Patients presented with the supraclavicular lymphadenopathy in the medicine department have a strong suspicion of serious illness like tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, toxoplasmosis and malignancy of lymphnode, blood, lung, upper GIT, breast, ovary, testes, and other sites of body. This prospective type of observational study carried out in the indoor and out patient department of medicine of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital over a period of 6 month from April 2011 to September 2011 to diagnose the causes of supraclavicular lymphadenopathy. Patient of either sex, 18 years or above presented with supraclavicular lymphadenopathy were included. Biopsy or FNAC were done. The study showed that mean age of the patient of supraclavicular lymphadenopathy that finally diagnosed as malignant was 49.7 years and that of non malignant was 33.7 years. Male patient have suffered more (60%) from malignant disease than that of female patient (40%). Discrete, hard, non tender either fixed or non fixed supraclavicular lymphadenopathy was found malignant (18 of 18 cases, 100%) and discrete, firm, tender lymphnode were found non malignant (5 of 5 cases, 100%). Increased frequency (11 of 28, 39.3%) of granulomatous inflammation from the tuberculoid lymphadenitis were found among the patient undergone supraclavicular lymphnode biopsy. FNAC result was also of simillar type and finally it was found that frequency of tuberculosis (20 of 53, 37.7%) was highest and bronchial carcima was the second most frequent diagnosis (14 of 53, 26.4%). This study showed that supraclavicular lymphadenopathy is associated mostly with serious disease like tuberculosis and malignancy.

Pattern of poisoning in a tertiary level hospital.

This cross sectional observational study was carried out in the Department of Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital over a period of 4 months from January 2012 to April 2012 to assess the clinico-epidemiological condition of different types of poisoning and to evaluate immediate hospital outcome. Suspected case of poisoning aged 12 years or above of either sex was included. Patients of paediatric age group, having other co-morbid condition and died before clinical evaluation were excluded. This study revealed that rural people (76.9%), aging 20-30 years (46.3%) were mostly affected in poisoning. Patients belong to low socioeconomic group (65.3%), illiterate (26.5%) and educated up to primary level (29.9%) were mostly identified. Regarding the occupation this study showed student (30.6%) and farmer (25.2%) were predominantly involved. In this series organophosphorus compound (63.9%) poisoning was in the top of the list followed by benzodiazepine (6.8%). Suicidal attempt (81.6%) was found as a motive of poisoning in maximum cases. Among the precipitating factors quarrel with spouse, girl or boy friend (46.9%) were significant in number. In this study outcome was measured as complete recovery (92.5%) and death (3.4%).

Seasonal variation in types of stroke and its common risk factors.

The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh over a period of one year during November 2009 to October 2010. The study was conducted to describe the variations in types of stroke (ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke) during summer and winter. An attempt was also made to observe the frequency of common risk factors of stroke by seasons. A total of 292 patients of any age irrespective of sex fulfilling the WHO criteria of acute stroke and confirmed by CT scan were selected from consecutive admission in the Department of Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. Detail history and thorough clinical examinations were done. Routine and relevant investigations were carried out. The mean age of the patients was 59.9±14.3 years. A male preponderance was observed in the study. In summer 66% of patients and in winter 34% of patients were presented. Ischemic stroke was present in 54.1% patients and 45.9% patients had haemorrhagic stroke. The study found that the frequency of ischaemic stroke during summer (62.4%) was significantly greater than that during winter (37.8%). The frequency of haemorrhagic stroke during winter (62.2%) was significantly greater than that during summer (37.6%). Hypertension was the most important risk factor and other risk factors were smoking, diabetes mellitus, tobacco chewing, ischemic heart disease, dyslipidemia, oral contraceptive pill, alcohol consumption, atrial fibrillation and past history of stroke. Increasing age was also noted as a risk factor (60.7% >60 years). Most of the risk factors were homogenously distributed between two seasons and between ischemic and haemorrhagic group. Hypertension was significantly higher in haemorrhagic stroke patients compared to ischemic stroke patients.

Comparative study on methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

This study was done to see the efficacy and tolerability of methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. It was an open label controlled clinical trial, done in Mymensingh Medical college hospital. Fifty six patients were selected by random sampling method, 28 were included in methotrexate group and another 28 for hydroxychloroquine group using inclusion & exclusion criteria. Primary efficacy variables (DAS28, daily naproxen), secondary efficacy variables, and safety measurement variables studied both clinically & laboratory investigations. The data were analyzed by computer with the help of SPSS. The student's t test was used as test of significant. The mean age of the patients at diagnosis was almost identically distributed between methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine group (41.7±12.2 vs. 42.9±9.2 years, p=0.659). Disease activity at baseline was found to be almost homogeneous to each group except CRP which was observed to be significantly higher in methotrexate group than hydroxychloroquine group (p<0.001). Disease activity at 1 month of treatment reduced in the methotrexate group than those in hydroxychloroquine group (p<0.05 in each case). After 3 and 6 months of treatment, disease activity decreased significantly in both groups (p<0.001 and p<0.05 respectively). The average daily dose of NSAID (Naproxen) decreased significantly (p<0.001). Safety variables at 6 month were within normal physiological ranges and did not differ in groups (p>0.05) indicating that both methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine were effective and safe to use in rheumatoid arthritis. The difference in the incidence of adverse effects, total or individual, was almost nil.

Cardiovascular complications of chronic renal failure - an updated review.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is frequently associated with CKD, which is important because individuals with CKD are more likely to die from CVD than to develop kidney failure. CVD in CKD is treatable and potentially preventable and CKD appears to be a risk factor for CVD. In order of incidence and frequency systemic hypertension, left ventricular failure, congestive cardiac failure, ischemic heart disease, anaemic heart failure, rhythm disturbances, pericarditis with or without effusion, cardiac tamponade, uraemic cardiomyopathy are various cardiovascular complications encountered in patients with chronic renal failure. A patient may present with one or more complications of cardiovascular system. The survival rate and prognosis to a great extent depends on proper management of these complications. Use of regular dialysis and renal transplant has changed the death pattern in developed countries but it is still a major problem in developing country. The aim of this article is early detection of CKD and proper management of it thereby preventing the major cardiovascular complications.