Gold Standard Cholera Diagnostics Are Tarnished by Lytic Bacteriophage and Antibiotics.

A fundamental, clinical, and scientific concern is how lytic bacteriophage, as well as antibiotics, impact diagnostic positivity. Cholera was chosen as a model disease to investigate this important question, because cholera outbreaks enable large enrollment, field methods are well established, and the predatory relationship between lytic bacteriophage and the etiologic agent Vibrio cholerae share commonalities across bacterial taxa. Patients with diarrheal disease were enrolled at two remote hospitals in Bangladesh. Diagnostic performance was assessed as a function of lytic bacteriophage detection and exposure to the first-line antibiotic azithromycin, detected in stool samples by mass spectrometry. Among diarrheal samples positive by nanoliter quantitative PCR (qPCR) for V. cholerae (n = 78/849), the odds that a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) or qPCR was positive was reduced by 89% (odds ratio [OR], 0.108; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.002 to 0.872) and 87% (OR, 0.130; 95% CI, 0.022 to 0.649), respectively, when lytic bacteriophage were detected. The odds that an RDT or qPCR was positive was reduced by more than 99% (OR, 0.00; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.28) and 89% (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.44), respectively, when azithromycin was detected. Analysis of additional samples from South Sudan found similar phage effects on RDTs; antibiotics were not assayed. Cholera burden estimates may improve by accommodating for the negative effects of lytic bacteriophage and antibiotic exposure on diagnostic positivity. One accommodation is using bacteriophage detection as a proxy for pathogen detection. These findings have relevance for other diagnostic settings where bacterial pathogens are vulnerable to lytic bacteriophage predation.

Loss of the proprioception and touch sensation channel PIEZO2 in siblings with a progressive form of contractures.

Dominant mutations in PIEZO2, which codes for the principal mechanotransduction channel for proprioception and touch sensation, have been found to cause different forms of distal arthrogryposis. Some observations suggest that these dominant mutations induce a gain-of-function effect on the channel. Here, we report a consanguineous family with three siblings who showed short stature, scoliosis, gross motor impairment, and a progressive form of contractures involving the distal joints that is distinct from that found in patients with dominant mutations in PIEZO2. These siblings also displayed deficits in proprioception and touch sensation. Whole-exome sequencing performed in the three affected siblings revealed the presence of a rare homozygous variant (c.2708C>G; p.S903*) in PIEZO2. This variant is predicted to disrupt PIEZO2 function by abolishing the pore domain. Sanger sequencing confirmed that all three siblings are homozygous whereas their parents and an unaffected sibling are heterozygous for this variant. Recessive mutations in PIEZO2 thus appear to cause a progressive phenotype that overlaps with, while being mostly distinct from that associated with dominant mutations in the same gene.

Non-covalent bonding interaction of surfactants with functionalized carbon nanotubes in proton exchange membranes for fuel cell applications.

Dispersion of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in proton exchange membranes (PEMs) was conducted via non-covalent bonding between benzene rings of various surfactants and functionalized MWCNTs. In the solution casting method, dispersion of functionalized MWCNTs in PEMs such as Nafion membranes is a critical issue. In this study, 1 wt.% pristine MWCNTs (p-MWCNTs) and oxidized MWCNTs (ox-MWCNTs) were reinforced in Nafion membranes by adding 0.1-0.5 wt.% of a surfactant such as benzalkonium chloride (BKC) as a cationic surfactant with a benzene ring, Tween-80 as a nonanionic surfactant without a benzene ring, sodium dodecylsulfonate (SDS) as an anionic surfactant without a benzene ring, or sodium dodecylben-zenesulfonate (SDBS) as an anionic surfactant with a benzene ring and their effects on the dispersion of nanocomposites were then observed. Among these surfactants, those with benzene rings such as BKC and SDBS produced enhanced dispersion via non-covalent bonding interaction between CNTs and surfactants. Specifically, the surfactants were adsorbed onto the surface of functionalized MWCNTs, where they prevented re-aggregation of MWCNTs in the nanocomposites. Furthermore, the prepared CNTs reinforced nanocomposite membranes showed reduced methanol uptake values while the ion exchange capacity values were maintained. The enhanced properties, including thermal property of the CNTs reinforced PEMs with surfactants, could be applicable to fuel cell applications.

Assessing Mechanical Properties of Jute, Kenaf, and Pineapple Leaf Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene Composites: Experiment and Modelling.

The application of natural fibers is increasing rapidly in the polymer-based composites. This study investigates manufacturing and characterization of polypropylene (PP) based composites reinforced with three different natural fibers: jute, kenaf, and pineapple leaf fiber (PALF). In each case, the fiber weight percentages were varied by 30 wt.%, 35 wt.%, and 40 wt.%. Mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural, and impact strengths were determined by following the relevant standards. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to identify the chemical interactions between the fiber and the PP matrix material. Tensile strength and Izod impact strength of the composites significantly increased for all the composites with different fiber contents when compared to the pure PP matrix. The tensile moduli of the composites were compared to the values obtained from two theoretical models based on the modified "rule of mixtures" method. Results from the modelling agreed well with the experimental results. Tensile strength (ranging from 43 to 58 MPa), flexural strength (ranging from 53 to 67 MPa), and impact strength (ranging from 25 to 46 kJ/m2) of the composites significantly increased for all the composites with different fiber contents when compared to the pure PP matrix having tensile strength of 36 MPa, flexural strength of 53 Mpa, and impact strength of 22 kJ/m2. Furthermore, an improvement in flexural strength but not highly significant was found for majority of the composites. Overall, PALF-PP displayed better mechanical properties among the composites due to the high tensile strength of PALF. In most of the cases, T98 (degradation temperature at 98% weight loss) of the composite samples was higher (532-544 °C) than that of 100% PP (500 °C) matrix. Fractured surfaces of the composites were observed in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and analyses were made in terms of fiber matrix interaction. This comparison will help the researcher to select any of the natural fiber for fiber-based reinforced composites according to the requirement of the final product.

Production and properties of adhesin-free gingipain proteinase RgpA.

The Arg-specific gingipains of Porphyromonas gingivalis RgpA and RgpB have 97% identical sequences in their catalytic domains yet their propeptides are only 76% identical. RgpA isolates as a proteinase-adhesin complex (HRgpA) which hinders direct kinetic comparison of RgpAcat as a monomer with monomeric RgpB. We tested modifications of rgpA identifying a variant that enabled us to isolate histidine-tagged monomeric RgpA (rRgpAH). Kinetic comparisons between rRgpAH and RgpB used benzoyl-L-Arg-4-nitroanilide with and without cysteine and glycylglycine acceptor molecules. With no glycylglycine, values of Km, Vmax, kcat and kcat/Km for each enzyme were similar, but with glycylglycine Km decreased, Vmax increased and kcat increased ~ twofold for RgpB but ~ sixfold for rRgpAH. The kcat/Km for rRgpAH was unchanged whereas that of RgpB more than halved. Recombinant RgpA propeptide inhibited rRgpAH and RgpB with Ki 13 nM and 15 nM Ki respectively slightly more effectively than RgpB propeptide which inhibited rRgpAH and RgpB with Ki 22 nM and 29 nM respectively (p < 0.0001); a result that may be attributable to the divergent propeptide sequences. Overall, the data for rRgpAH reflected observations previously made by others using HRgpA, indicating rRgpAH fidelity and confirming the first production and isolation of functional affinity tagged RgpA.

A multicentre study reveals dysbiosis in the microbial co-infection and antimicrobial resistance gene profile in the nasopharynx of COVID-19 patients.

The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the nasopharyngeal microbiome has not been well characterised. We sequenced genetic material extracted from nasopharyngeal swabs of SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals who were asymptomatic (n = 14), had mild (n = 64) or severe symptoms (n = 11), as well as from SARS-CoV-2-negative individuals who had never-been infected (n = 5) or had recovered from infection (n = 7). Using robust filters, we identified 1345 taxa with approximately 0.1% or greater read abundance. Overall, the severe cohort microbiome was least diverse. Bacterial pathogens were found in all cohorts, but fungal species identifications were rare. Few taxa were common between cohorts suggesting a limited human nasopharynx core microbiome. Genes encoding resistance mechanisms to 10 antimicrobial classes (> 25% sequence coverages, 315 genes, 63 non-redundant) were identified, with ß-lactam resistance genes near ubiquitous. Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 (asymptomatic and mild) had a greater incidence of antibiotic resistance genes and a greater microbial burden than the SARS-CoV-2-negative individuals. This should be considered when deciding how to treat COVID-19 related bacterial infections.

The relationship between serum TSH and free T4 in older people.

The frequency distribution of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) shows a skewed pattern that may change with age. The set point of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis for an individual is thought to be genetically determined and has been described as a log-linear relationship of serum TSH to free thyroxine (T4); however, the validity of this hypothesis has yet to be established in older people. The aim of the study was to describe the relationship between serum TSH and free T4 in older people and define factors influencing this relationship. We conducted a cross-sectional, observational study of thyroid function in a community population of older subjects over 65 years of age. The relationship between serum TSH and free T4 was not linear as previously described, but is best described as a fourth-order polynomial. Both gender and smoking status affected the relationship. This suggests that more complex modelling is required when investigating the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis.

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

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

Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome: A Rare and Often Misdiagnosed Cause of Rectal Bleeding in Children.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is an uncommon benign rectal disorder. Typically, young adults are affected and it is rare in children. Straining during defecation, self-induced trauma and paradoxical contraction of puborectalis muscle are the major contributing factors of this condition. Clinical features of SRUS are rectal bleeding, mucorrhoea, excessive straining during defecation, tenesmus, feeling of incomplete defecation and constipation. A complete and thorough history is most important for diagnosis of SRUS. Rectal bleeding may be misinterpreted as originating from an anal fissure caused by constipation or as other causes of rectal bleeding such as a juvenile polyp. The best and most accurate diagnostic method of SRUS is rectal biopsy. The major histological feature of SRUS is fibromuscular obliteration of the lamina propria. Avoiding straining, regular toilet habit, use of bulk laxatives, steroid and sucralfate enemas are the mainstay of treatment. Biofeedback mechanism is another treatment option. Because the clinical presentation varies, the diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion for both the clinician and the pathologist.

Current Development and Future Perspective on Natural Jute Fibers and Their Biocomposites.

The increasing trend of the use of synthetic products may result in an increased level of pollution affecting both the environment and living organisms. Therefore, from the sustainability point of view, natural, renewable and biodegradable materials are urgently needed to replace environmentally harmful synthetic materials. Jute, one of the natural fibers, plays a vital role in developing composite materials that showed potential in a variety of applications such as household, automotive and medical appliances. This paper first reviews the characterization and performance of jute fibers. Subsequently, the main focus is shifted towards research advancements in enhancing physical, mechanical, thermal and tribological properties of the polymeric materials (i.e., synthetic or biobased and thermoplastic or thermoset plastic) reinforced with jute fibers in a variety of forms such as particle, short fiber or woven fabric. It is understood that the physio-mechanical properties of jute-polymer composites largely vary based on the fiber processing and treatment, fiber shape and/or size, fabrication processes, fiber volume fraction, layering sequence within the matrix, interaction of the fiber with the matrix and the matrix materials used. Furthermore, the emerging research on jute fiber, such as nanomaterials from jute, bioplastic packaging, heavy metal absorption, electronics, energy device or medical applications and development of jute fiber composites with 3D printing, is explored. Finally, the key challenges for jute and its derivative products in gaining commercial successes have been highlighted and potential future directions are discussed.

Microbiome Profiling of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) Carriers Highlights Signature Differences between Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Individuals.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is an important cause of diarrhea in children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, large-scale pathogen burden studies in children have identified ETEC in the guts of both symptomatic patients and controls. The factors that influence this balance are poorly understood, but it is postulated that the gut microbiome may play a role in either resistance or progression to disease. In this study, we profiled the microbiomes of children and adults from Bangladesh who were asymptomatically or symptomatically infected with ETEC. Symptomatic patients had significantly higher numbers of sequenced reads mapping to both E. coli and two ETEC toxins, suggesting higher bacterial burden. They were also significantly more likely to be coinfected with enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) and had higher proportions of other Gammaproteobacteria, including Klebsiella, Salmonella, and Haemophilus. Colonization with ETEC was also associated with increased prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, most notably those of the ß-lactamase class. Taxonomic profiles were distinctly different between all groups in both species richness and composition, although the direction of these changes was different in adults and children. As seen previously, children with high E. coli burdens also had higher proportions of Streptococcus spp., while healthy children were more heavily colonized by Bifidobacterium spp. Our study provides insight into the microbiome changes that occur upon infection with ETEC in an endemic setting and provides rationale for future studies investigating how the microbiome may protect or predispose individuals to symptomatic infections with gastrointestinal pathogens. IMPORTANCE Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is an important cause of diarrhea in children in low- and middle-income countries. However, these bacteria are often identified in both patients and healthy controls. We do not yet understand why only some people get sick, but it has been suggested that the gut microbiome might play a role. In this study, we used metagenomic sequencing to profile the gut microbiomes of individuals in Bangladesh, with or without a symptomatic ETEC infection. In general, individuals with high levels of ETEC also harbored other pathogenic E. coli strains, higher proportions of Gammaproteobacteria such as Salmonella and Klebsiella, and a higher burden of antimicrobial resistance genes in their guts. Healthy children, in contrast, had higher levels of bifidobacteria. These data confirm that the composition of the gut microbiome is different between symptomatic and asymptomatic people and provides important preliminary information on the impact of the gut microbiome in intestinal infections.

Risk Factors of Malnutrition in Under-5 Children of Slum Area in Dhaka City.

Malnutrition is a serious public health problem that has been linked to increase risk of morbidity and mortality in slums of Dhaka city and where the prevalence of malnutrition is very high. This study was conducted to evaluate the risk factors of malnutrition among under-5 children of selective slum area in Dhaka City. This cross sectional study was conducted from January 2016 to December 2019, among 500 under-5 children selected by random sampling technique from Agargaon and Beribadh slums of Dhaka city. Anthropometric measurements were taken using standard methods those were weight, height, MUAC and age. A questionnaire was ready for data collection containing episode of diseases, breast feeding status, complementary feeding, family size, family income, maternal education status, housing, source of drinking water etc in under-5 children. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 21.0. Among 500 children from slums area, malnutrition was present in 220(44%) cases. Out of them 115(23%) children were wasted, 205(41%) children were stunted and 175(35%) children were underweight. Malnutrition was found significantly high among non-breast feed babies, who breast feed only for 6 months, in whom colostrum was not given and also when complimentary feeding was not given properly (p<0.05). Malnourished children were found significantly higher among illiterate mothers and those who used Kancha house (p<0.05). Wasting, stunting and underweight were more with increasing family size. There were a decreased number of malnutrition cases when family income rises. Diarrhoea and ARI was significantly associated with malnutrition (p<0.05). Large number of children in slum areas of Dhaka city was suffering from malnutrition. Malnutrition was significantly higher among children who did not get colostrum; non-breast fed and got improper complimentary feeding. Maternal illiteracy, living in Kancha house, large family size, family income and associated disease condition were also contributed to malnutrition.

Adaptive capability as indicated by endocrine and biochemical responses of Malpura ewes subjected to combined stresses (thermal and nutritional) in a semi-arid tropical environment.

A study was conducted to assess the effect of combined stresses (thermal and nutritional) on endocrine and biochemical responses in Malpura ewes. Twenty eight adult Malpura ewes (average body weight 33.56 kg) were used in the present study. The ewes were divided into four groups viz., GI (n = 7; control), GII (n = 7; thermal stress), GIII (n = 7; nutritional stress) and GIV (n = 7; combined stress). The animals were stall fed with a diet consisting of 60% roughage and 40% concentrate. GI and GII ewes were provided with ad libitum feeding while GIII and GIV ewes were provided with restricted feed (30% intake of GI ewes) to induce nutritional stress. GII and GIV ewes were kept in climatic chamber at 40°C and 55% RH for 6 h a day between 1000 hours and 1600 hours to induce thermal stress. The study was conducted for a period of two estrus cycles. The parameters studied were Hb, PCV, glucose, total protein, total cholesterol, ACP, ALP, cortisol, T(4), T(3), and insulin. Combined stress significantly (P < 0.05) affected all parameters studied. Furthermore, the results revealed that, compared to thermal stress, nutritional stress had a less significant effect on the parameters studied. However, when both these stresses were coupled, they had a severe impact on all the parameters studied in these ewes. It can be concluded from this study that two stressors occurring simultaneously may impact severely on the biological functions necessary to maintain homeostasis in sheep.

Adaptability and growth of Malpura ewes subjected to thermal and nutritional stress.

A study was conducted to assess the effect of combined stresses (thermal and nutritional) on physiological adaptability and growth performance of Malpura ewes. Twenty-eight adult Malpura ewes (average BW 33.56 kg) were used in the present study. The ewes were divided into four groups, viz., GI (n=7; control), GII (n=7; thermal stress), GIII (n=7; nutritional stress), and GIV (n=7; combined stress). The animals were stall-fed with a diet consisting of 60% roughage and 40% concentrate. GI and GII ewes were provided with ad libitum feeding, while GIII and GIV ewes were provided with restricted feed (30% intake of GI ewes) to induce nutritional stress. GII and GIV ewes were kept in climatic chamber at 40 °C and 55% RH for 6 h/day between 1000 and 1600 hours to induce thermal stress. The study was conducted for a period of two estrus cycles. The parameters studied were feed intake, water intake, physiological responses (viz., respiration rate, pulse rate, and rectal temperature), body weight, and body condition scoring (BCS) of ewes. Both thermal and combined stress significantly (P<0.05) affected the feed intake, water intake, respiration rate, and rectal temperature. The feeding schedule followed in the experiment significantly (P<0.05) altered the body weight and BCS between the groups. The results reveal that when compared with thermal stress, nutritional stress had less significant effect on the parameters studied. However, when both these stresses were coupled, it had a significant influence on all the parameters studied in these ewes. It can be concluded from this study that when two stressors occur simultaneously, the total cost may have severe impact on biological function.

Porphyromonas gingivalis laboratory strains and clinical isolates exhibit different distribution of cell surface and secreted gingipains.

Background: The cell-surface cysteine proteinases RgpA, RgpB (Arg-gingipain), and Kgp (Lys-gingipain) are major virulence factors of P. gingivalis, a keystone pathogen in the development of destructive periodontal disease. The gingipains function as proteinases and transpeptidases utilising small peptides such as glycylglycine as acceptor molecules. However, the characteristics of the gingipains from most P. gingivalis strains have not been determined. Methods: We determined the phenotypes of a panel of P. gingivalis laboratory strains and global clinical isolates with respect to growth on blood agar plus whole-cell and vesicle-free culture supernatant (VFSN) Arg- and Lys-specific proteinase activities. Results: The P. gingivalis isolates exhibited different growth characteristics and hydrolysis of haemoglobin in solid media. Whole-cell Arg-gingipain Vmax varied 5.8-fold and the whole cell Lys-gingipain Vmax varied 2.1-fold across the strains. Furthermore, the P. gingivalis strains showed more than 107-fold variance in soluble Arg-gingipain activity in VFSN and more than 371-fold variance in soluble Lys-gingipain activity in VFSN. Glycylglycine and cysteine stimulated Arg- and Lys-specific cleavage activities of all strains. The stimulation by cysteine was in addition to its redox effect consistent with both glycylglycine and cysteine promoting transpeptidation. Conclusion: The global P. gingivalis clinical isolates exhibit different Arg- and Lys­gingipain activities with substantial variability in the level of soluble proteinases released into the environment.

Laser enhanced photo-catalytic removal of phenol from water using p-type NiO semiconductor catalyst.

Phenol is a carcinogen to humans and is a serious health concern, even at low concentrations. The efficient removal of phenol inside waste water is highly desirable. Laser induced photo-catalysis has been applied for removal of phenol from waste water using p-type NiO semiconductor catalyst for the first time. The characteristics of phenol removal using laser induced photo-catalytic process were investigated. The dependence of phenol removal on laser energy (100-250 mJ) and laser irradiation time (0-60 min) was studied. The rate of phenol removal process was characterized using UV absorption spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography. In addition, the role of pH changes during the removal process was also investigated. Laser induced photo-catalytic process is highly efficient in removal of phenol in water over a short period of time (in minutes) as compared to conventional methods using lamps (hours). The phenol removal process pursued the first order kinetics with decay constant=0.0125 min(-1).

Rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes in rural Bangladesh: a population based study.

The aim of the study was to determine the temporal changes in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its associated risk factors in a rural population of Bangladesh. A total of 4757 subjects age >/=20 years both male and female were enrolled randomly in a cross-sectional study in 1999. The same area and population was reinvestigated in 2004 following the same selection procedure, on a sample of 3981 individuals. Structural and economical changes were noted for the last 5 years in the locality. An increased prevalence of diabetes was found with 6.8% in the present survey compared with 2.3% in the earlier survey (p<0.05). Age, BMI and systolic blood pressure were found to be significant risk factors following both for FBG and for OGTT. WHR was found to be a significant risk factor for men only. A substantial agreement was observed between FBG and OGTT (kappa 0.63) compared to the previous investigation in 1999 (kappa 0.40). Differences in the indices of obesity, that is BMI, WHR and waist girth, may in part explain the increased prevalence, which in turn may explain due to fast-expanded urbanization. The state of affairs warrants immediate measures necessary to prevent the epidemic particularly in the localities that are in the transition phase from rural to semi-urban facilities.

Oyster mushroom reduced blood glucose and cholesterol in diabetic subjects.

It has been postulated that mushroom has beneficial effect of lowering blood glucose and cholesterol in diabetic subjects. The literature so far searched and found that there was no published data in this regard. This study was undertaken to assess the effect of reducing blood glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides in diabetic patients. Additionally, this study addressed whether there was any hepatic and renal toxicity of mushroom. This clinical investigation was conducted in BIRDEM hospital from July 2005 to January 2006. Eighty-nine subjects were recruited. Baseline investigations included height, weight, blood pressure (SBP, DBP), plasma glucose for fasting (FPG) and 2-h after-breakfast (2hPG), total cholesterol (T-chol), triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c). Twenty- four days' study constitutes 7-days mushroom, 7-days no mushroom and then 7-days mushroom. Investigations were done at the start and each after every 7-days. Thirty subjects (M / F = 17 / 13) followed to ensure full compliance with the designed protocol for 24 days. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 46.3 (10) years. Mushroom significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, p<0.01; DBP, p<0.05). It also lowered both plasma glucose significantly (FPG & 2-hPG, p<0.001). Mushroom also lowered total cholesterol and TG significantly; whereas, there was no significant change in weight and HDL-c. When mushroom was withdrawn, there were significant increases of DBP, FPG, 2hPG, T-cholesterol and TG, whereas, no significant change was observed in weight, SBP and HDL-c. Restarting mushroom there was again significant reduction of blood glucose, TG and cholesterol. We conclude that mushroom significantly reduced blood glucose, blood pressure, TG and cholesterol of diabetic subjects without any deleterious effect on liver and kidney. The effect of mushroom may be investigated in a large sample for a longer duration to evaluate its efficacy and toxicity.

Prevalence of diabetes and impaired fasting glucose in urban population of Bangladesh.

We investigated the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and impaired fasting glycemia (IFG) and their risk factors in the urban population of Bangladesh. The study was carried out in Dhaka City Corporation with a population of 99,12,908 in 20,89,336 households distributed in 95 wards. Using a multistage cluster sampling, we investigated 5265 eligible participants of 20 age years and above for height, weight, waist-girth, hip-girth, blood pressure and fasting blood glucose. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were calculated. We used WHO diagnostic criteria of 1999. The overall prevalence of T2DM was 11.2% and IFG was 5.9%. The age-standardized prevalence of T2DM (95% CI) was 10.5% (9.37-11.13) and IFG was 5.2% (4.51-5.84). Compared with the slum dwellers, the non-slum dwellers had significantly higher prevalence of both T2DM (7.4 vs. 13.4%, p<0.001) and IFG (4.1 vs. 7.4%, p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that family history of diabetes, higher family income, sedentary lifestyle and higher quartiles of age, BMI and WHR were significantly related to diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes in the urban population has increased alarmingly in recent years. Older age, obesity, higher income, family history of diabetes and reduced physical activity were proved to be the significant risk factors for diabetes and IFG.