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Objective: In this study our main goal is to evaluate the efficiency of spinal anesthesia among 4- 10 years children. Method: This prospective study was carried out at Cumilla Medical College hospital. A total of 50 pediatric patients 4 to 10 years of age group who were given spinal anesthesia for infraumbilical or lower extremity surgery during the 1-year period from January 2021 to December 2021 were included in the study. Results: During the study, majority patients were belong to 4-6 years age group 67%. During procedure, 80% patients’ position was sitting, followed by 50% cases number of punctures was single, where as 7% cases CSF reflux showed after 2nd puncture. Mean fasting hours were 5.82± 0.1 h. Injection atropine 0.01 mg/kg was given as premedication. Most of the patients were given ketamine either alone (59%) or with midazolam (41%). Other drugs used were diazepam (3%) and fentanyl (2%). there was no significant change in the mean value of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation after subarachnoid block at all time periods. After 10 min of SAB 95% patients achieved desired peak sensory level of T10 and Bromage score of 3. Conclusion: From our study we can recommend that spinal anesthesia is ideal, safe and cost- effective for day-case surgeries and there is no additional requirement of any special drugs or equipment’s for the procedure. Because of these benefits, spinal anesthesia preferred for children undergoing surgery in the lower part of the body.

Background & objective: The complex anatomy of the distal end of the humerus with its unique orientation of articular surfaces supported by cancellous bone makes its fracture a constant challenge to orthopaedic surgeons. Internal fixation techniques seek to stabilize these fractures by using a plate on both columns. Without this dual plate arrangement, stability of fixation can be inadequate. Materials & Methods: This observational, descriptive, longitudinal, prospective study was carried out in the outpatient and inpatient at Department of National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), Dhaka over a period of two years, between July 2014 to June 2016. Participants were 18 in number and aged between 18 to 50 years. Fractures are classified according to AO classification system and only closed intra-articular fractures of distal humerus AO type 13-C1 was included in this study. Patients with open fractures, fracture more than 2 weeks old and fractures in children were excluded from this study. Majority of cases 11(61.11%) were operated within 1 week of injury. Open reduction internal fixation by pre-contoured 90-90 locking plate was performed in all cases through triceps sparing approach. The plaster cast was removed 2 weeks after operation and rehabilitation was encouraged during this period and afterwards. Patients were advised to come for follow up after discharge in different scheduled date till the fracture union was achieved. The final outcome of the patient was graded according to Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI). Chi-square test was used for testing statistical significance. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Most of the injury was caused by motor vehicle accident 9(50.00%) and rest of the injury caused by fall 5(27.77%). Final outcome by MEPI showed that 15(83.33%) were excellent, 2(11.11%) were good, 1(05.56%) was fair, there was no poor Result. Complications were seen during the follow up period that included wound scar, delayed union which was treated conservatively and union occurred at 18th week. Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation of closed intra-articular fractures of distal humerus AO type 13-C1 by 90-90 plate in sagittal plane on medial column and in coronal plane on lateral column through triceps sparing approach is an effective procedure to provide sufficient stability for the postoperative rehabilitation with an excellent union rate and a very good clinical outcome. TAJ 2021; 34: No-2: 71-79

Background: Measurement of increased gallbladder volume is necessary for the detection of pathology of gallbladder. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to find out the difference between ultrasonographically measured gall bladder volume in fasting and post prandial states of type II diabetic patients and non-diabetic control subjects. Methodology: This cross-sectional study, carried out department of Radiology and Imaging at Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM) Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from June 2013 to July 2014. The type II diabetic patients were selected as group A and the healthy individual with age and sex matched were selected as group B. An ultrasonographic evaluation of fasting gallbladder volume and 2 hours after meal was done in all the subjects using a 3.5 MHz transducer. Information was recorded in preformed data collection sheet. Results: There was statistically significant (p

Volatile organic compound (VOC) gases contribute significantly to environmental pollution and exposure to them in an indoor environment can cause severe health issues. Sensing the gases thus plays a crucial role in environmental monitoring. This study aims to test the sensitivity and selectivity of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite to various VOC gases. Here, at first, microchannels were created on indium tin oxide (ITO) coated plastic substrates, and then were filled with the perovskite precursor solution using the capillary motion force. After crystallization, the current–voltage (I-V) characteristic responses of the perovskite before and after the exposure to the gases were studied. The variation of the photocurrent in response to acetone, ethanol, isopropanol, and methanol have been studied. While the sensor exhibited negligible I-V changes in response to acetone, ethanol, and isopropanol, photocurrent was decreased by ~ 22% when the device was exposed to methanol at 2.0 V voltage bias. The simple fabrication method in this work is promising for the development of VOC sensors using different perovskites.

There have been numerous studies on shotcrete based on strength and durability. However, few studies have been conducted on rheological characteristics, which are very important parameters for evaluating the pumpability and shootability of shotcrete. In those studies, silica fume has been generally used as a mineral admixture to simultaneously enhance the strength, durability, pumpability, and shootability of shotcrete. Silica fume is well-known to significantly increase the viscosity of a mixture and to prevent material sliding at the receiving surface when used in shotcrete mixtures. However, the use of silica fume in shotcrete increases the possibility of plastic shrinkage cracking owing to its very high fineness, and further, silica fume increases the cost of manufacturing the shotcrete mixture because of its cost and handling. Colloidal silica is a new material in which nano-silica is dispersed in water, and it could solve the above-mentioned problems. The purpose of this research is to develop high-performance shotcrete with appropriate levels of strength and workability as well as use colloidal silica for normal structures without a tunnel structure. Thereafter, the workability of shotcrete with colloidal silica (2, 3, and 4%) was evaluated with a particle size of 10 nm and silica fume replacement (4 and 7%) of cement. In this study, an air-entraining agent for producing high-performance shotcrete was also used. The rheological properties of fresh shotcrete mixtures were estimated using an ICAR rheometer and the measured rheological parameters such as flow resistance and torque viscosity were correlated with the workability and shootability. More appropriate results will be focusing on the Bingham model properties such that the main focus here is to compare all data using the Bingham model and its performance. The pumpability, shootability, and build-up thickness characteristics were also evaluated for the performance of the shotcrete. This research mainly focuses on the Bingham model for absolute value because it creates an exact linear line in a graphical analysis, which provides more appropriate results for measuring the shotcrete performance rather than ICAR rheometer relative data.

Purpose Changes in climate may have both beneficial and harmful effects on crop yields. However, the effects will be more in countries whose economy depends on agriculture. This study aims to measure the economic impacts of climate change on crop farming in Bangladesh. Design/methodology/approach A Ricardian model was used to estimate the relationship between net crop income and climate variables. Historical climate data and farm household level data from all climatic zones of Bangladesh were collected for this purpose. A regression model was then developed of net crop income per hectare against long-term climate, household and farm variables. Marginal impacts of climate change and potential future impacts of projected climate scenarios on net crop incomes were also estimated. Findings The results revealed that net crop income in Bangladesh is sensitive to climate, particularly to seasonal temperature. A positive effect of temperature rise on net crop income was observed for the farms located in the areas having sufficient irrigation facilities. Estimated marginal impact suggests that 1 mm/month increase in rainfall and 10°C increase in temperature will lead to about US$4-15 increase in net crop income per hectare in Bangladesh. However, there will be significant seasonal and spatial variations in the impacts. The assessment of future impacts under climate change scenarios projected by Global Circulation Models indicated an increase in net crop income from US$25-84 per hectare in the country. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study indicate the need for development practitioners and policy planners to consider both the beneficial and harmful effects of climate change across different climatic zones while designing and implementing the adaptation policies in the country. Originality/value Literature survey of the Web of Science, Science Direct and Google Scholar indicates that this study is the first attempt to measure the economic impacts of climate change on overall crop farming sector in Bangladesh using an econometric model.

In the area of environmental monitoring, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) have become a major concern. Specifically, in indoor environments, VOCs have been found to be linked with various health conditions-ranging from benign to lethal. Early detection of VOC gases can play a crucial role in ensuring a safe environment. In this work, we have looked into two different geometrical arrangements of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite to study how their selectivity and sensitivity towards an array of VOC gases under different illumination conditions may be affected. For the purpose of a comparative study, we tested the sensitivity of the device using two different photo-resistor designs, namely, (a) capillary-filled microchannels, where microchannels were created on indium tin oxide (ITO) coated plastic substrate, and leveraging the capillary motion force the microchannels were filled with the perovskite precursor solution, and (b) thin-film approach, where perovskite layers were spin coated on substrates with two conductive pads across. Samples of both designs were exposed to four analytes: acetone, ethanol, isopropanol, and methanol. In our previous study on the capillary design, we reported a decrease in photocurrent by about 22% upon exposure to methanol under illuminated conditions. The goal of this comparative study is to identify the viability of the photo-resistor design for fabricating a low-cost and fast-response gas sensor for the purpose of environmental monitoring.

Women’s empowerment has a great influence on health, nutrition, education, and the overall well-being of societies as well as of the children and households. This study investigates the effect of women’s empowerment on poverty reduction and focuses on household deprivation, in terms of education, health, and standard of living. Primary data was collected from 914 married women from rural areas of Bangladesh using a well-structured questionnaire and a random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and ordinary least squares models were used in this study. The results indicate that increased women’s access to education, asset ownership, decision-making power on children’s health and education, and access to medical facilities, have caused a significant decline in income poverty and multidimensional poverty. However, gender violence, taking resources against women’s will, and preventing women from working outside, have caused a considerable decline in per capita income and an increase in income poverty and multidimensional poverty. Overall, it is found that women’s empowerment has a great impact on the reduction of income poverty and multidimensional poverty in society. The findings of the study can assist and guide policymakers to initiate appropriate strategies for women’s empowerment to reducing poverty in Bangladesh while making progress towards other social and developmental goals.

This study analyzes the effects of credit constraints on technical efficiency of Boro rice growers in the district of Pabna in Bangladesh. Using a simple random sampling technique, the data was collected from 570 Boro rice growers from the Pabna district of Bangladesh. Before conducting a field survey, a theoretical model was designed to identify credit-constrained and non-constrained rice growers. We have analyzed the collected data in two phases: first, we investigated the technical efficiency of Boro rice growers using the stochastic frontier model (SFA); and second, we used an inefficiency effect model to estimate the influence of credit constraints on technical efficiency. Findings indicate that credit-constrained rice growers (CCRG) are 6.7% less technically efficient than credit non-constrained rice growers (CNRG). Findings further indicate that the education level of the household head, family size, certified seed, sowing time, access to extension services, off-farm income, and household savings have significant effects on the technical efficiency of both groups of rice growers. Furthermore, credit size has a significantly positive impact, whereas the interest rate imposed on the principal amount has a significantly negative impact.

Ecological restoration of coal mine degraded soils across arid and semi-arid environments worldwide remains particularly challenging. We used a combination of greenhouse and field experiments to assess the potential role of a woody species, Ulmus pumila, in the restoration of degraded soils associated with coal-mining activities in the northwest China. We investigated how various combinations of water-nitrogen-phosphorus (W–N–P) resources affect multiple growth parameters in U. pumila. We found that several plant growth traits significantly improved with W–N applications, regardless of P inputs. Moderate-to-highest W–N–P doses increased net photosynthesis and transpiration rates, water use efficiency, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents under greenhouse conditions. A combination of high W together with low N–P applications led to high relative water content and net photosynthetic rates under field conditions. Increasing of N–P doses under W-shortage condition, aided U. pumila to enhance osmotic adjustments by increasing contents of proline and soluble sugar and also boost the activity of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase in leaf tissues to reduce accumulation of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde content in all conditions of greenhouse and field. Our study is the first to assess the optimum W–N–P resources in U. pumila and demonstrate that optimum growth performance could be obtained under W supplements corresponding to 90 mm year−1, N and P at 110 and 45 kg ha−1, respectively, under field condition. These findings can have far reaching implications for vegetation restoration of degraded areas associated with coal-mining activities across arid and semi-arid regions worldwide.

In this study, cement minerals, aluminates, and alkali-free accelerators incorporated with steel fiber were used to scrutinize the influence of accelerating agents on the long-term performance of tunneling shotcrete. Performance tests were identified based on the core compressive strength of mix shotcrete specimens with different types of accelerating agents throughout timeframes of 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Here, 37 kg of steel fiber was incorporated into the cement mineral and aluminate mixes, and 40 kg of steel fiber was incorporated in an alkali-free mix for the shotcrete mix design. The KSF 2784 and ASTM 214 standards were followed for specimen fabrication and core cutting. For all specimens, shotcrete test panels of 250 × 600 × 500 mm were manufactured for core compressive strength tests conducted using 100, 75 and 55 mm diameter cylindrical molds and a length-to-diameter ratio of 2. The 1-month compressive strength of all test variables satisfied the Korea Expressway Co. standard of 21 MPa. The core compressive strength of the shotcrete specimens showed a tendency to increase with age, but a strength reduction occurred in 6 months and increased again at 12 months. Moreover, the impact of the diameter changes in the shotcrete core specimens was analyzed based on the mixing. For 12 months, a large increase in the core compressive strength occurred, particularly in the alkali-free specimens. The comparison also focused on the relative strength compared with a cast concrete mold and shotcrete core specimens. It is necessary to use alkali-free accelerators considering the long-term performance of tunnels and worker safety.

Background and objectives: Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death worldwide and Coronary Care Unit (CCU) plays a central role in reducing this mortality. Currently the data on mortality in CCU is very limited in our country. Our purpose of this study to provide data on mortality so that we can focus and improve the factors determining deaths in CCU. Methodology: The data of all death cases admitted in the CCU of a tertiary level hospital between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2017 were included for assessing the data on demography, diagnosis, and comorbidities at the time of death.Results: Among 802 cases admitted in CCU in two years, 40 patients died (5%). Male was 55% and female was 45%. Most of the death occurred in their 6th decade of life, due to Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) and sepsis, within 24-hour of CCU admission.Common associated co-morbidities were DM (75%), hypertension (42.5%), CKD (27.5%), and hypokalemia (12.5%).Conclusions: The death rate is much lower in our CCU in comparison to global rate. The common cause of death is still NSTEMI. The common co-morbidities we found are DM, hypertension and CKD. Most of the deathsoccurred within 24-hour of admission.Bangladesh Heart Journal 2018; 33(1) : 28-31

Background and objective : C-reactive protein (CRP) is a well-known inflammatory biomarker and is associated with cardiovascular risk. Our objective was to see whether it is also associated with hypertension and its complications.Methodology : This prospective observational study was carried out in general outpatient department (OPD) of a tertiary level hospital on a total of 112 patients, among them 71 were hypertensive and 41 were normotensive. Baseline CRP was measured in all subjects and followed them up to six months to see any association between the level of CRP and hypertensive complications.Results : It is found that mean CRP was 2.923 (± 0.294) in hypertensive subjects and 1.058 (± 0.330) in normotensive subjects. No association is found between level of CRP and hypertensive complications.Conclusion : CRP is raised in hypertension. But it is not established that its level can predict the complication of hypertension.Bangladesh Crit Care J March 2018; 6(1): 3-6

The variations in farming risk are classified into three key categories: market liberalization, natural disasters such as floods or drought, and climate change. This study aims at filling the exist...

Background: Dyslipidemia is one of the main risk factors with prognostic significance in relation to coronary heart disease. Aggressive treatment has been recommended in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We examined pattern of dyslipidemia in ST Elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and Non- ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). We also compare the lipid status in between two types of myocardial infarction (MI).Methods: This cross sectional observational study was carried out enrolling 100 subjects with ST elevation and Non ST elevation Myocardial Infarction, in the Department of Cardiology, BIRDEM General Hospital, Shahbag, Dhaka, over a period of six months from January 2012 to June 2012. Fasting lipid profile was done in next morning of admission in both type of MI.Results: Mean age and gender difference was significant between STEMI and NSTEMI. Mean Cholesterol (chol), Triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were not statistically significant between male and female groups. All mean cholesterol, TG, HDL, LDL were significantly high in older age group. The Mean cholesterol (220.7±28.1Vs208.4±20.9), triglyceride (182.8±34.4 Vs 147.4±28.9), HDL (35.14±5.7 Vs 41.65±3.8) and LDL (160.7±26.2 Vs148.3±16.8)were also statistically significant between STEMI and NSTEMI groups (p

Introduction and Aims. To investigate the association between smokeless tobacco consumption (STC) during pregnancy and risk of stillbirth. Design and Methods. We conducted a population-based case–control study of 253 cases and 759 randomly selected control women in Madaripur, Bangladesh. We conducted a survey of two rural local government areas, including 8082 women, and identified cases based on self-report of a stillbirth outcome of each participant's first pregnancy. All were asked about STC during their first pregnancy and a range of risk markers and known confounders. Demographic and maternal variables associated either with stillbirth or STC were included in logistic regression models. Results. Of the 241 cases and 757 controls with complete exposure data, 32 cases (13.2%) and 18 controls (2.4%) reported STC during pregnancy [odds ratio 6.28; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.45, 11.4]. After adjustment for education, household income, age at first pregnancy, vaccination during pregnancy, complications, exposure to arsenic in drinking water, place of delivery and antenatal care, excess risk was attenuated but remained significant [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.87; 95% CI 1.36, 6.08]. There was a dose–effect association, with women who used smokeless tobacco >5 times daily during their first pregnancy at greater risk of having a stillbirth (aOR 5.89; 95% CI 1.70, 20.3) than less frequent users (aOR 1.67; 95% CI 0.65, 4.29). Estimates were robust to extreme assumptions about missing exposure data. Discussion and Conclusions. STC during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of stillbirth. This finding adds to the urgency of need for smokeless tobacco control strategies to be implemented in South Asia. [Hossain MS, Kypri K, Rahman B,Milton AH. Smokeless tobacco consumption and stillbirth: Population-based case–control study in rural Bangladesh. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;00:000-000]

Objective: To compare short term clinical outcome in hospital patient of ST Elevation versus Non ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction.Methodology: This cross sectional observational study was carried out enrolling 100 subjects with ST elevation and Non ST elevation Myocardial Infarction, in the Department of Cardiology, BIRDEM General Hospital, Shahbagh, Dhaka, over a period of six months from January 2012 to June 2012.Results: Mean age and gender difference was significant between STEMI and non-STEMI. Most common short term clinical outcome was heart failure (80.95% vs 75.68%). Atrial fibrillation was observed in (4.76% vs 3.44%), VT(2.38% vs 1.72%), cardiogenic shock (31.03% vs 17.24%), hypotension (76.19% vs 58.62%), reinfarction (2.38% vs 00%) and death (14.28% vs 5.17%) were observed among ST and Non ST elevation MI respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that all the parameters of short term outcome had significant difference except atrial fibrillation and VT.Conclusion: It could be concluded that short term outcome were relatively worse in ST elevated MI and to be managed with all possible therapeutic modules.Bangladesh Heart Journal 2016; 31(2) : 70-74

Hypertension is one and the major non communicable diseases in the world and contributing significantly to the burden of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, kidney failure and premature death. The prevalence of hypertension in Bangladesh varies from 11- 20% and 7% of the death in Bangladesh are due to hypertension related disease. Only 11% of the total cases of hypertension have effective control of blood pressure. Education, social awareness, income, access to physicians may be factors for less adherences to medications and effective control of the disease. This study was undertaken in a group of population with average to good educational, social and economic background to see the incidence of the disease, its control and associated cardiovascular and metabolic status. 599 working officials above the age of 50 years were evaluated in BIRDEM General Hospital from January 2013 to December 2013 to see the incidences of hypertension, control of blood pressure and cardiac and metabolic status of the population. Total 308 patients in the study population had hypertension and 39 were newly detected. 68.8% of the patients with hypertension have effective control of blood pressure with medications and systolic hypertension was revealed in 8.7% cases. This might be due to increase awareness of the study population related to the educational, economic and social background and this plays an important role in effective control of the disease.Bangladesh Heart Journal 2016; 31(2) : 52-57

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are one of the major concerns in terms of environmental pollution. In indoor environment, they can contribute to breathing difficulty, eye irritation, nausea, and can even cause damage to the central nervous system. Detecting the presence of these gases has become essential in environmental monitoring. The aim of this study is to investigate the sensitivity and selectivity of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskites to an array of different VOC gases under illuminated condition. In our experiment, at first microchannels were created on indium tin oxide (ITO) coated plastic substrates. Then perovskite precursor solution was dropped on the microchannels, and leveraging the capillary motion force, the microchannels were filled eventually. After the crystallization of the solution, the perovskite was exposed to the VOCs and the current-voltage (I-V) characteristic responses of the perovskite before and after the exposure to the gases were studied. The photocurrent response to ethanol, methanol and acetone have been studied, and a variation among them has been observed. The sensor exhibited negligible changes in I-V response to ethanol and acetone, however, upon exposure to methanol, at 2.0 V voltage bias, the photocurrent decreased by about 25%. Our initial study also indicates that the photocurrent response is significantly affected under illuminated condition and one of the major concerns of this study is to investigate how lights of different wavelengths can influence the responsivity of the device. The experimental data for sensing VOCs at room temperature shows great promise for the development of an array of gases sensing devices that can be integrated into an “electronic nose” for detecting the presence of harmful gases in the environment.

Many studies have examined the effects of climate change on farmland value in developed countries, but our understanding of the impact of climate change on farmland value is still very limited, especially in developing countries. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of climate change on farmland value in Bangladesh using the Ricardian model. Household-level data collected from seven selected agroecological zones in Bangladesh were used to estimate the relationships among farmland value and long-term climate, farm household, and policy variables. The results showed that the current land values of farmers are sensitive to climate. A new variable called “flooding” was added to the Ricardian model, and the results indicated that floods are responsible for reductions in farmland value, especially in lowland areas. Among the socio-economic variables, the availability of extension services and access to irrigation facilities were positively correlated with farmland value. The estimated marginal impact results suggested that increases in temperature were associated with losses in small farmland value, whereas the precipitation levels in both seasons positively influenced farmland value. Selected global climate models predicted that climate change would have a negative impact on land value depending on the climate model and source of farm income. The empirical findings obtained from this study are expected to contribute to the formulation of sustainable adaptation strategies to maintain farm productivity and farmland value in Bangladesh in the context of climate change.

Low erucic acid (LEA) rapeseed, which has accumulated mutant fatty acid elongase genes at the BnFAE1.1 and BnFAE1.2 loci of the A- and C-genome, respectively, is an important oilseed crop. Short growing turnip rape (B. rapa) is also important as a catch crop in the continuous cropping of rice in Asia but there is no LEA B. rapa cultivar for cultivation in South Asia. In order to develop LEA turnip rape cultivars, high erucic acid turnip rape cultivars were interspecifically crossed as recurrent parents to a canola quality rapeseed. In the meantime, we monitored incorporation of the mutant bnfae1.1 (e1) gene into A-genome of turnip rape, using a dCAPS primer pair, which can amplify PCR fragment only for the mutant e1 gene from A-genome. The early backcross progenies showed poor seed set, but which was improved in advanced progenies. Finally, homozygous e1e1 genotypes were established in the selfed progenies of BC2–BC3, and their LEA content was confirmed by gas-chromatography analysis. Our results and promising lines will contribute to LEA-trait selection in turnip rape and rapeseed breeding.

Introduction and Aims The aim of this study was to investigate health knowledge, attitudes and smokeless tobacco quit attempts and intentions among married women in rural Bangladesh. Design and Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an interviewer administered, pretested, semistructured questionnaire. All 8082 women living in the Jhaudi and Ghotmajhee local government areas, aged ≥18 years with at least one pregnancy in their lifetime, were invited to participate. Questions covered smokeless tobacco consumption (STC), knowledge regarding its health effects, users' quit attempts and intentions and sociodemographic characteristics. Results Eight thousand seventy-four women completed the survey (response rate 99.9%). Almost half (45%) of current consumers thought STC was good for their health and many ascribed medicinal values to it, for example 25% thought STC reduced stomach aches. A quarter had previously tried to quit and 10% intended to quit. After adjusting for potential confounders, inaccurate knowledge of STC health consequences was associated with being older [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.99–3.50], less educated (aOR = 2.18, 95% CI 1.66–2.85), Muslim (aOR = 17.0, 95% CI 12.0–23.9) and unemployed (aOR = 29.7, 95% CI: 25.2–35.1). Having less education (aOR = 2.52, 95% CI 0.98–6.45) and being unemployed (aOR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.03–2.23) were associated with the intention to quit. Discussion and Conclusions Large gaps exist in rural Bangladeshi women's understanding of the adverse health effects of STC. Health awareness campaigns should highlight the consequences of STC. Routine screening and cessation advice should be provided in primary healthcare and smokeless tobacco control strategies should be implemented. [Hossain MS, Kypri K, Rahman B, Akter S, Milton AH. Health knowledge and smokeless tobacco quit attempts and intentions among married women in rural Bangladesh: Cross-sectional survey. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:514–522]

Climate change may influence crop income negatively or positively. To address this, present study is an attempt to quantify the impacts of climate change on net income from crop farming in Bangladesh using Ricardian method. For estimating the relationship between net crop income and climatic parameters, farm household and climate data were collected from the selected agro-ecological zones (AEZs) in Bangladesh. The results revealed that net crop income is sensitive to climate, particularly to seasonal temperature. Temperature rise was found to be positively influencing net crop income in AEZs having adequate irrigation facilities. Marginal impact estimates suggest that increase in temperature and rainfall will lead to increase in net income from crop farming in Bangladesh. However, the impacts will vary significantly across cropping seasons and space (studied AEZs). Using selected AOGCM scenarios, the study predicts that net crop incomes are expected to increase in the future. The empirical findings underscore the need for policy makers to take agro-ecological zones specific effects of climate change into consideration when formulating and implementing the adaptation strategies in Bangladesh.

The outcome of intestinal atresia following surgical repair is very good. In general, morbidity and mortality depend upon type of atresia, level of atresia and associated medical conditions such as prematurity or cystic fibrosis, other congenital anomalies, the complexity of the lesion, and surgical complications (anastomotic leakage, functional obstruction at the site of anastomosis).1- 2 But complete management of these patient is difficult. We managed a patient with type-IIIa ileal atresia, the outcome of which was excellent.J. Paediatr. Surg. Bangladesh 3(2): 85-87, 2012 (July)

Aim. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and identify correlates of smokeless tobacco consumption among the South Asian residents of Sydney, Australia. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a pretested, self-administered mailed questionnaire among members of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi community associations in Sydney. Results. Of 1600 individuals invited to participate, 419 responded (26%). Prevalence rates of ever consumption, more than 100 times consumption and current consumption were 72.1%, 65.9% and 17.1%, respectively. Men (74.3%) were more likely to ever consume than women (67.6%). Over 96% of consumers reported buying smokeless tobacco products from ethnic shops in Sydney. Current consumption of smokeless tobacco products was associated with country of birth: Indians (odds ratio 5.7, 95% confidence interval 2.3–14.5) and Pakistanis (odds ratio 3.1, 95% confidence interval 1.5–6.5) were more likely to be current consumers than Bangladeshis after adjusting for sociodemographic variables. For ever consumption, there was a positive association with age (P for trend = 0.013) and male gender (odds ratio 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.5–3.1). Conclusions. Given the availability of smokeless tobacco and the high prevalence and potential adverse health consequences of consumption, smokeless tobacco consumption may produce a considerable burden of non-communicable disease in Australia. Effective control measures are needed, in particular enforcement of existing laws prohibiting the sale of these products. [Hossain MS, Kypri K, Rahman B, Milton AH. Smokeless tobacco consumption in the South Asian population of Sydney, Australia: prevalence, correlates and availability. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:86–92]

To investigate the association between smokeless tobacco consumption (STC) during pregnancy and risk of stillbirth.We conducted a population-based case-control study of 253 cases and 759 randomly selected control women in Madaripur, Bangladesh. We conducted a survey of two rural local government areas, including 8082 women, and identified cases based on self-report of a stillbirth outcome of each participant's first pregnancy. All were asked about STC during their first pregnancy and a range of risk markers and known confounders. Demographic and maternal variables associated either with stillbirth or STC were included in logistic regression models.Of the 241 cases and 757 controls with complete exposure data, 32 cases (13.2%) and 18 controls (2.4%) reported STC during pregnancy [odds ratio 6.28; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.45, 11.4]. After adjustment for education, household income, age at first pregnancy, vaccination during pregnancy, complications, exposure to arsenic in drinking water, place of delivery and antenatal care, excess risk was attenuated but remained significant [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.87; 95% CI 1.36, 6.08]. There was a dose-effect association, with women who used smokeless tobacco5 times daily during their first pregnancy at greater risk of having a stillbirth (aOR 5.89; 95% CI 1.70, 20.3) than less frequent users (aOR 1.67; 95% CI 0.65, 4.29). Estimates were robust to extreme assumptions about missing exposure data.STC during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of stillbirth. This finding adds to the urgency of need for smokeless tobacco control strategies to be implemented in South Asia. [Hossain MS, Kypri K, Rahman B,Milton AH. Smokeless tobacco consumption and stillbirth: Population-based case-control study in rural Bangladesh.

The aim of this study was to investigate health knowledge, attitudes and smokeless tobacco quit attempts and intentions among married women in rural Bangladesh.A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an interviewer administered, pretested, semistructured questionnaire. All 8082 women living in the Jhaudi and Ghotmajhee local government areas, aged ≥18 years with at least one pregnancy in their lifetime, were invited to participate. Questions covered smokeless tobacco consumption (STC), knowledge regarding its health effects, users' quit attempts and intentions and sociodemographic characteristics.Eight thousand seventy-four women completed the survey (response rate 99.9%). Almost half (45%) of current consumers thought STC was good for their health and many ascribed medicinal values to it, for example 25% thought STC reduced stomach aches. A quarter had previously tried to quit and 10% intended to quit. After adjusting for potential confounders, inaccurate knowledge of STC health consequences was associated with being older [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.99-3.50], less educated (aOR = 2.18, 95% CI 1.66-2.85), Muslim (aOR = 17.0, 95% CI 12.0-23.9) and unemployed (aOR = 29.7, 95% CI: 25.2-35.1). Having less education (aOR = 2.52, 95% CI 0.98-6.45) and being unemployed (aOR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.03-2.23) were associated with the intention to quit.Large gaps exist in rural Bangladeshi women's understanding of the adverse health effects of STC. Health awareness campaigns should highlight the consequences of STC. Routine screening and cessation advice should be provided in primary healthcare and smokeless tobacco control strategies should be implemented. [Hossain MS, Kypri K, Rahman B, Akter S, Milton AH. Health knowledge and smokeless tobacco quit attempts and intentions among married women in rural Bangladesh: Cross-sectional survey. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:514-522].

Isothiocyanates, nitriles, and thiocyanates are degradation products of glucosinolates in crucifer plants. In this study, we investigated the stomatal response to allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), 3-butenenitrile (3BN), and ethyl thiocyanate (ESCN) in Arabidopsis. AITC, 3BN, and ESCN induced stomatal closure in the wild type and the atrbohD atrbohF mutant. Stomatal closure was inhibited by catalase and salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM). The degradation products induced extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the rosette leaves, and intracellular ROS accumulation, NO production, and cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]cyt) oscillations in guard cells, which were inhibited by SHAM. These results suggest that glucosinolate degradation products induce stomatal closure accompanied by extracellular ROS production mediated by SHAM-sensitive peroxidases, intracellular ROS accumulation, and [Ca(2+)]cyt oscillation in Arabidopsis.