Search

Background: Bangladesh has experienced a sevenfold increase in its contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) in less than forty years from 8% in 1975 to 62% in 2014.Contraceptive practice acceptable moderately in society is said to be associated with socio-economic status, education and other factors. Population stabilization and a gradual lowering of population growth is the basic aim behind contraceptive practice. The population rate of Bangladesh in December, 2018 was 2.01%. The population density is 1252 per km2. Maximum of the population increased in the rural area, because they were not properly used the contraceptive methods. They seldom used contraceptive methods which influenced to increase the population. The purpose of the study is to examine the pattern of contraceptive use among the married couples of the rural area in Bangladesh. The objectives of the study is to determine the extent of awareness regarding contraception among the married persons, to estimate the perception of couples using contraceptive methods, identify the reasons for their adoption & non-adoption and to assess needs of contraceptive methods in rural area. Materials and Methods: It was a descriptive type of cross sectional study, which was carried out in some selected villages at Laksham, Cumilla. Study populations were married women in reproductive age and married man. Purposive sampling was done. Sample size was 333. The number was identified on the basis of assumption. Pretested questionnaire and checklist were used for data collection. Result: It was found that the age range of the respondents were 16 to 70 years, among the 333 respondents 34.2%were 20 to 29 years of age group, 86% were female &14% male.42.6% respondents were educated up to primary level. Majority of the respondents had 10,000 to 20,000 monthly family income. Among 333 respondents majority 28.5% had 3 children. 65.46% of the respondents were house wife, 80.5% respondents were using different types of contraceptive methods, 62.5% were using OCP, 3% IUCD, 3.9% barrier method or condom, 1.5% were in terminal method. 46.8% discontinue their previous contraceptive methods, 11.1% suffered from irregular period and 5.1% weight gain. 68.5% respondents were satisfied with their current contraceptive method, 36% felt need to adopt the contraceptive methods, 18.6% motivated by health workers, 25.2% influenced by the family members and 0.9% by the media. The number of children directly dependent on the educational qualification and monthly family income and are statistically significant (at p

Planetary ball milling of chitosan microparticles (CMP) for 8 h produced chitosan nanoparticles (CNP) having hydrodynamic diameter of 615.18 nm. The ζ-potential decreased from 56.48 mV (CMP) to 31.52 mV (CNP). High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) revealed nanosize, irregular shape and surface roughening of CNP. CNP was whiter than CMP having higher water absorption capacity and decreased flow ability. Both CMP and CNP showed negligible swelling and no water solubility. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) revealed no chemical changes and X–ray diffraction (XRD) showed decreased crystallinity in CNP. In CNP, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed increased thermal degradation; differential thermogravimetric (DTG) revealed increased rate of thermal degradation; and high temperature differential scanning calorimetry (HDSC) revealed broadening of endothermic and exothermic phases and reduction in glass transition temperature as compared to CMP. In conclusion, planetary ball milling for 8 h produces bright, amorphous and rough CNP with improved functional and comparable thermal properties.

Highlights • Chtosan polymer produces nanocapsules through ionic gelation with sodium bisulfate. • The nanocapsules were amorphous with spherical to irregular shape. • Hydroxytyrosol (HT) was nanoencapsulated using ultrasonication in tandem. • Nanoencapsulated HT was protected during the gastrointestinal simulations. • Drug release was slow and took place mainly during the intestinal simulation., This research includes production of chitosan nanocapsules through ionic gelation with sodium bisulfate for nanoencapsulation of hydroxytyrosol (HT) using ultrasonication in tandem. The resulting nanocapsules encapsulating HT were analyzed for particle size, ζ-potential, packaging characteristics, FESEM, ATR-FTIR, XRD, DSC, in vitro release, antioxidant potential and antiproliferative properties. The nanocapsules (size 119.50–365.21 nm) were spherical to irregular shaped with positive ζ-potential (17.50–18.09 mV). The encapsulation efficiency of 5 mg/g HT (HTS1) and 20 mg/g HT (HTS2) was 77.13% and 56.30%, respectively. The nanocapsules were amorphous in nature with 12.34% to 15.48% crystallinity and crystallite size between 20 nm and 27 nm. Formation of nanocapsules resulted in increasing the glass transition temperature. HTS2 delivered 67.12% HT (HTS1 58.89%) at the end of the simulated gastrointestinal digestion. The nanoencapsulated HT showed higher antioxidant and antiproliferative (against A549 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines) properties than the free HT.

A fundamental principle of proteins is to act as enzymes-biocatalysts working as highly efficient machines at the molecular level by accelerating the conversion of substrates into products. Although RNAs are also capable of catalyzing some biochemical reactions, but most are catalyzed by proteins. A variety of experimental and computational techniques continue to reveal that proteins are dynamically active machines. Due to the growing complexity and inconsistency in the naming of enzymes, the nomenclature committee of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB) has assigned an EC number a four level hierarchical description to enzyme proteins. In the past, enzymes function has been explained on the basis of direct structural interactions between the enzyme and the substrate. The structural characterization of enzymes can be elucidating by various techniques such as spectroscopic methods, x-ray crystallography and more recently, multidimensional NMR methods. This chapter covers the basic principles of enzymes such as proteinaceous nature and substrate binding, classification, and structural characterization.

This study evaluated the impact of xanthan gum (XG), canning and storage on fatty acids (FAs) contents and formation of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) in low-fat meat product (goshtaba) of Jammu and Kashmir (JK), India. The FAs composition i.e. saturated FAs, monounsaturated FAs, polyunsaturated FAs and trans FAs during processing and storage showed non-significant difference in all goshtaba products (P 0.05). The cholesterol content decreased significantly after canning in all products (P 0.05) while, maximum reduction was observed in high-fat goshtaba (HFC). During storage all products exhibited significant decrease in cholesterol upto 6th month, thereafter showed non-significant variation. The COPs determined were 7-β-OH-ch, 5-ch-3β-ol-7-one and 25-OH-ch. After canning two COPs (7-β-OH-ch, 5-ch-3β-ol-7-one) were produced in all products. But during storage there was formation of 25-OH-ch, increase in 7-β-OH-ch and decrease in 5-ch-3β-ol-7-one and lower COPs were observed in low-fat goshtaba containing 1.5% XG. The results concluded that fat replacer (XG), processing and storage had no significant effect on the FAs compositions of all goshtaba products including HFC. However, cholesterol content exhibited significant variation and minimum reduction in cholesterol and formation of lower COPs were observed in low-fat goshtaba formulated with 1.5% XG.

The umpteen varieties of traditionally fermented foods of Jammu and Kashmir (JK standardize and industrialize them, where possible; and preserve them for future generations.

Background Olive (Olea europaea L.) oil is one of the main ingredients of the Mediterranean diets and as such, it is considered responsible for the overall well being of the Mediterranean populations. With European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) approving the health claims of olive oil in part due to the presence of hydroxytyrosol (HT), there is a global upsurge in the exploration of the different health promoting and disease preventing abilities of this bioactive compound. Scope and approach Besides presenting an overview of the fatty acid and phenolic (minor) profiles of olive oil, the present article reviews the nutraceutical properties of olive oil attributed to the presence of HT, health promoting and disease preventing abilities of pure HT, and the synthesis of HT and its metabolic derivatives of biological interests. Key findings and conclusions Olive oil contains high profile fatty acids and phenolics. The fatty acid profile changes with maturation of the olives. Oleic acid predominates throughout the maturation period. Palmitic acid is predominantly found in the unripe stage while as, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, and linoleic acid are chiefly found in ripe olives. Oleuropein is the predominant secoiridoid in the early stages of olive maturation. As the maturation proceeds, oleuropein degrades to yield HT. Over the years, HT has been explored against a number of health complications and shows promising results against diabetes, inflammation, nervous disorders, angiogenesis, cancer, oxidative stress, heavy metal toxicity, hemolysis, LDL oxidation, muscle damage, and nephrotoxicity. The bioactive properties of HT are accomplished through nutrigenomic and immunomodulatory mechanisms. HT, its lipophilic derivatives, and many of its metabolites of biological interests have been synthesized through microbological, biotechnological, and other chemical strategies.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the combined effect of low-dose γ-irradiation (1.0 kGy), antioxidants (rosemary and BHT) and antimicrobials (nisin and sodium nitrate) on physicochemical, oxidative and microbial quality of mutton meat emulsions. Irradiated samples treated with rosemary extract and BHT exhibited significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher emulsion stability, cooking yield and penetration force and displayed non-significant variation in protein and moisture content. Results revealed that peroxide value, TBARS value, carbonyl content and loss of sulphydryls of irradiated samples treated with rosemary extract was comparable to that of BHT indicating protective effect of natural antioxidant against irradiation induced oxidation. Redness (a*) was increased in all treated samples than non-irradiated samples. Irradiation and nisin treatment significantly reduced bacterial growth as compared to irradiated sodium nitrate treatments. Therefore, the application of low-dose γ-irradiation in combination with rosemary extract and nisin could be employed for better quality retention of meat emulsions.

Chitosan flakes (CF) were modified to chitosan nanopowder (CP), using planetary ball milling for 8 h. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) revealed and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) confirmed the nano size of CP. Least gelation capacity (LGC) of CF (3%) and CP (4%) was manipulated to fabricate gels with 1.5, 2, and 3 fold increase in LGC. The total color difference was higher in CP than CF gels and depended on concentration. Dynamic rheometry under temperature ramping (20–80 °C and 80-20 °C) showed stable viscoelasticity. Besides, optimal structural network was observed in CP8 and CF6. During temperature ramping, the damping factor (tan δ) for all the gels was >0.1

Olive oil extracted from four exotic olive cultivars was subjected to subcritical treatment using green and organic solvents. The minor phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by RP–HPLC–DAD. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) variation in the phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties was observed with respect to cultivar, solvent and the extraction conditions. For the methanolic and ethanolic extracts, the antioxidant properties generally increased upon subcritical treatment but decreased drastically for subcritical water extraction. Besides correlation among hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and oleuropein, the multivariate analysis revealed high correlation of antioxidant properties with hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, tyrosol and apigenin. The principal components analysis (PCA) revealed two components explaining 86.6% variability. PCA separated aqueous and organic solvents both at ambient and subcritical conditions in the score plot. The loading plot exhibited maximum positive loadings of the analyses. It is concluded that subcritical water extraction could be manipulated for the recovery of oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol from olive oil.

This study was undertaken for the microencapsulation of Lactobacillus plantarum NCDC201 and L. casei NCDC297 into double alginate coatings. Microencapsulated probiotics showed significant improvement in their survivability after simulated gastrointestinal passage and exposure to heat treatments. The resistance in simulated gastric juice (SGJ) (120 min) was 47.50% and 45.82% higher as compared to free cells of L. plantarum NCDC201 and L. casei NCDC297, respectively. After incubation in simulated intestinal juice (SIJ) (120 min), the viable probiotic population was 6.34 log CFU/ml and 6.92 log CFU/ml for microencapsulated L. plantarum NCDC201 and L. casei NCDC297, respectively. Similarly, microencapsulated probiotics showed relevant counts at higher heat exposure (75 °C for 1 and 10 min). SEM results indicated the absence of free bacteria confirming the formation of microcapsules, with spherical morphology, continuous and compact surfaces. ATR-FTIR analysis confirmed the cross linking of the microcapsules by calcium chloride and successful immobilization of the probiotics into the polymer microcapsules. DSC suggested the formation of cross-linking and structure of “egg box” and increase in the melting temperature of microcapsules. This study has concluded that double alginate coating technique enhanced the stability of probiotics at high temperature (75 ± 1 °C) and in simulated gastric and intestinal conditions.

The aim of this chapter is to present and update the existing knowledge on proteins from plant and animal sources as the encapsulation wall material of various ingredients or additives used by the food industry. This chapter also summarizes the materials, their chemical and physical properties, as well as the encapsulation of a specific compound by a suitable technology. Microencapsulation is a technique that involves the incorporation of food ingredients, nutraceuticals, enzymes, cells, or other materials in capsules. It can be used to protect sensitive food ingredients, ensure against nutritional loss, incorporate time-release mechanisms into the formulation, mask or preserve flavors and aromas, and transform liquids into easily handled solid ingredients. A multitude of materials are known which can be used to entrap, or encapsulate solids, liquids, or gases of different types, origins, and properties. Both plant and animal proteins as a vital macronutrient in food possess unique functional properties which allow them to be an ideal material for the encapsulation of bioactive compounds. The versatile functions of proteins are due to their ability to self-associate, dynamic structure, biocompatibility, amphiphilic properties, and biodegradability, awarding it technical-functional properties such as emulsifying, foaming, and gelling agents.

Rosemary (REO), mint essential oil (MEO), nisin and lactic acid were incorporated at 0.5% to develop a novel functional packaging film including chitosan pectin and starch polymers (0.75:1.5:0.75 w/w). Inclusion of REO and nisin significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved water barrier properties (0.014 g.mm/m224h), tensile strength (25.95 MPa) and thermal stability as compared to control. ATR-FTIR spectra and XRD pattern elucidated structural interaction between EO's and biocomposite films. Addition of REO of and nisin increased microsctructural heterogeneity and opacity (2.78). Incorporation of REO and nisin exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against all tested pathogenic strains (Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes). The antioxidant properties of biocomposite films were analyzed using reducing power, metal chelation, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, which enhanced significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with the addition of MEO and REO. This study validated that incorporation of natural additives in active biocomposite films offers promising functional ingredients for packaging materials for various food applications.

The effects of thermal processing/canning and storage on fatty acids (FAs) contents and cholesterol oxidation of traditional low-fat meat product (goshtaba) of Jammu and Kashmir (JK India prepared from meat emulsion with added fat (20–30%), salt, spices and condiments and cooked in the curd based gravy. The FAs composition i.e. SFAs, MUFAs, PUFAs and TFAs during processing and storage showed non-significant difference in all goshtaba products (P > 0.05). The dominant FAs were C16:0 (palmitic acid) and C18:0 (stearic acid) among SFAs, C18:1n9 (n-9-oleic acid) among MUFAs, C18:2n6 (n-6- linoleic acid) followed by C18:3n3 (n-3-α-linolenic acid) among PUFAs and C18:1t11 (vaccenic acid) among the TFAs in all products. The cholesterol content decreased significantly after thermal processing in all products (P

The effects of reducing fat level from 20% to 10% and addition of guar gum powder at the levels of 0–1.5% on proximate composition, pH, color, lipid and protein oxidation, texture, microstructure and sensory characteristics of mutton goshtaba was investigated. Low fat goshtaba samples containing guar gum powder were significantly (P 0.05) difference between high fat control and low fat products. The significant increase of TBARS value, protein carbonyl groups and loss of protein sulphydryl groups in high fat (20%) goshtaba reflect the more oxidative degradation of the lipids and muscle proteins than low fat treatments (P

Molar pregnancy occurs when the fertilization of the egg by the sperm goes wrong and leads to the growth of abnormal cells or clusters of water filled sacs inside the womb. This condition is one of a group of conditions known as gestational trophoblastic tumours (GTTs). Molar pregnancies used to be called hydatidiform mole but now most people call them molar pregnancies. Molar pregnancies are rare but they are the most common type of gestational trophoblastic tumour. In the UK, about 1 in 590 pregnancies is a molar pregnancy. In Asian women, molar pregnancies are about twice as common as in Caucasian women. Most molar pregnancies are benign. They can spread beyond the womb in some women, but are still curable. Molar pregnancies can either be complete or partial. In case of complete mole, no parts of foetal tissue are formed. In case of partial mole there may be some foetal tissue in the womb, alongside the molar tissue. By measuring the levels of ?hCG in blood and urine in high dilution helps to diagnose a molar pregnancy; an ultrasound scan can also diagnose many women with molar pregnancy. The molar tissue needs to be surgically removed. Afterwards, in around 10 to 15 out of 100 women, some molar tissue remains in the deeper tissues of the womb or other parts of the body. This is called a persistent gestational tumour. Invasive mole, choriocarcinoma, and placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT) termed as “gestational trophoblastic neoplasia” (GTN), which can progress, invade, metastasize, and lead to death if left untreated.These women need to have chemotherapy completely get rid of the abnormal cells.Bangladesh Med J. 2015 Jan; 44 (1): 51-56

In this study Crocus sativus L. stigmas obtained from two ecogeographical zones of Jammu and Kashmir, India were evaluated for proximate composition and antioxidant assays. Protein, carbohydrate and caloric value were slightly higher in Kishtwar Jammu cultivar (J) while, moisture, fat and ash contents were higher in Pampore pulwama (K) cultivar but, the difference was non-significant (P > 0.05). In vitro antioxidant assays of methanolic extracts of the C. sativus stigma samples of the two cultivars was evaluated by total phenolic contents (TPC), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, reducing power, 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), ferrous ion-chelating potential (metal chelating activity)and the lipid peroxidation methods at different concentrations (100, 200 and 300 µg/mL). The results showed that TPC, ABTS, FRAP values were significantly higher in J cultivar (P 0.05). The study concluded that saffron from Kishtwar Jammu showed strong antioxidant potential than pampore pulwama cultivar. Thus the selections of saffron from different ecogeographical zones of Jammu and Kashmir are heterogeneous.

For many years, the diagnosis of diabetes has been made through the laboratory- based measurement of fasting or random blood glucose levels or using OGTT. In the case of diabetes, the major outcome of interest is long term micro vascular complications for which a large body of data has been accumulated leading to the endorsement of HbA1C for diagnosis in many countries worldwide, with some variations in cut-offs and testing strategies.Faridpur Med. Coll. J. Jan 2016;11(1): 30-32

The effects of reducing the fat level and adding a gum mixture (1:1 ratio) on the physicochemical, textural, microstructural and sensory characteristics of goshtaba were investigated. Reduction of fat and incorporation of the gum mixture resulted in a product with higher protein and moisture content (P

Goshtaba is a restructured meat product of Kashmiri wazwan prepared from meat emulsion with added fat (20 %), salt, spices and condiments and cooked in the curd. The present study was undertaken for the development of low fat goshtaba with the addition of xanthan gum as a fat replacer and was evaluated for proximate composition, pH, colour, lipid and protein oxidation, texture, microstructure and sensory properties. Low fat goshtaba formulations containing xanthan gum were higher in protein and moisture contents but, lower in fat content and pH value than the high fat control (p

Introduction: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer (10.4 % of all cancer incidence, both sexes counted) and the fifth most common cause of cancer death in the world. In 2005, breast cancer caused 502,000 deaths worldwide. Clinical evaluation could function as a valuable diagnostic tool. Clinical evaluation, however, is a simple method to detect cases as it is inexpensive and non-invasive and if found to be accurate, might be of great value. Aim: To evaluate patients referred to colposcopy clinic in BSMMU for breast symptoms by clinical breast examination (CBE). Material and method: The study design was cross sectional study done in the colposcopy clinic in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, under the ‘Establishment of National centre for cervical and breast cancer screening and training at BSMMU’ and ‘Cervical and breast cancer screening and training in BSMMU’ projects. Result : A total of 752 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria , demographic features are demonstrated in mean age of the patients was 35.1±9.2 years, mean BMI was 22.5±2.1, about 30% subjects were postmenopausal and about 2% patients had history of breast cancer. Presenting complaint was a self-detected breast mass and found to have a mass on examination by her physician in 204 patients. 308 subjects complained of mastalgia; 34 patients complained of nipple discharge. Only 5 patients complained of axillary lymph node enlargement. Nipple abnormalities like retracted and cracked nipple was complained by 4% cases. Most patients (58%) were found to have normal findings. Palpable mass was found in 121 cases and bilateral in one case. Nipple abnormalities found in 10 cases. Tenderness and nipple discharge found in 15% and 4% cases respectively. Regarding the characteristics of the masses proved by cytology (FNAC), 109 were benign and 12 were malignant. Conclusion : CBE is an important screening procedure to identify breast pathology. Out of 752 patients breast pathology were identified in about 41% of patients and 10% breast lumps were malignant. So CBE should be done every three yearly in

Apple pomace powder was evaluated as a fat replacer at different levels (1–5 %) in low fat goshtaba formulations and was subjected to physico-chemical, texture and sensory analysis. Low fat control (TC) and products formulated with apple pomace powder (T1, T2 and T3) were significantly higher in protein, moisture and ash contents but, lower in fat content than the T0 (p

The physicochemical, oxidative, texture and microstructure properties were evaluated for low fat meat emulsions containing varying levels of guar/xanthan gum mixture (1:1 ratio) as a fat substitute. Partial replacement of fat with guar/xanthan gum resulted in higher emulsion stability and cooking yield but lower penetration force. Proximate composition revealed that high fat control had significantly higher fat and lower moisture content due to the difference in basic formulation. Colour evaluation revealed that low fat formulations containing gum mixture had significantly lower lightness and higher yellowness values than high fat control formulation. However non-significant difference was observed in redness values between low fat formulations and the high fat control. The pH values of the low fat formulations containing gum mixture were lower than the control formulations (T0 and TC). The MetMb% of the high fat emulsion formulation was higher than low fat formulations. The significant increase of TBARS value, protein carbonyl groups and loss of protein sulphydryl groups in high fat formulation reflect the more oxidative degradation of lipids and muscle proteins during the preparation of meat emulsion than low fat formulations. The SEM showed a porous matrix in the treatments containing gum mixture. Thus, the guar/xanthan gum mixture improved the physicochemical and oxidative quality of low fat meat emulsions than the control formulations.

Starch isolated from four kidney bean cultivars (Yellow bean, Red bean, Black bean and White bean) were physically and chemically modified in order to prepare resistant starch (RS3/RS4). Following the Heat-moisture treatment (HMT) and Citric acid modification (CT) of the native starch, the amylose content got decreased whereas bulk and tapped density (g/ml) increased. Both HMT and CT reduced the swelling power and the solubility of native starch. Pasting temperature increased and peak, breakdown, final, and set-back viscosity decreased after both the modifications. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis displayed peaks at 1020cm(-1) in HMT and 1724cm(-1) in CT starches. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed that samples were more stable after modification. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed reordering of chain segments to more crystalline structure. These results suggested modifications resulted in starch with improved properties and could be a possible method for the RS preparation with better thermal stability.

Viral hepatitis is a global problem affecting millions of people including pregnant females. Viral hepatitis during pregnancy is associated with both maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. This study was an attempt to assess the seropositive status of hepatitis-B and C infection among pregnant women in Karachi, Pakistan.This cross sectional observational study was conducted at Sir Syed College of Medical Sciences and Trust Hospital, Karachi from January to September 2012. Patients were recruited by consecutive sampling. At the booking visit, blood was drawn and tested for HbsAg and Anti HCV by Eliza method.Among the screened population, 2% were reactive for HBV and 13.3% were found reactive for HCV. All HbsAg and HCV positive pregnant patients had one or more than one delivery.In our study sample, high frequency of HBV and HCV is suggestive of the importance of antenatal screening of these viral diseases, which has impact on the mother as well as the new born baby. HCV was more common as compared to HBV which is quite alarming.

We compared anaerobic lytic (AL) and pediatric aerobic resin-containing (Peds Plus/F) blood culture media for the isolation of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi or Paratyphi A from children. The yields from AL and Peds Plus/F media were the same with equal volumes of blood, but recovery was faster from AL medium than Peds Plus/F medium (10.7 and 16.4 h, respectively) ( P < 0.001).