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Biomedical subjects

M Rahman

Publications and source records attributed to M Rahman.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

Gender preference and birth spacing in Matlab, Bangladesh.

Gender preference, particularly son preference, is believed to sustain high fertility in many Asian countries, but previous research shows unclear effects. We examine and compare gender-preference effects on fertility in two otherwise comparable populations in Bangladesh that differ markedly in their access to and use of contraception. We expect, and find, stronger effects of gender preference in the population that has more access to contraception and higher levels of contraceptive use. Thus gender preference may emerge as a significant barrier to further national family planning efforts in Bangladesh. We find that if a woman has at least one daughter, the risk of a subsequent birth is related negatively to the number of sons. Women with no daughters also experience a higher risk of having a subsequent birth; this finding suggests that there is also some preference for daughters. Son preference is strong in both the early and later stages of family formation, but women also want to have at least one daughter after having several sons.

Bangladesh↗

Variability of surface-exposed antigens of different strains of Moraxella catarrhalis.

For serological diagnosis of infection with Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis it is important to determine if there is variability of antigenic properties among different strains. Cross-reactions of nine strains were investigated by an immunofluorescence test using sera from immunized rabbits. All titres but one were 1:256 or higher, the highest being 1:4096. Thus a high degree of antigenic similarity was demonstrated among different strains of Moraxella catarrhalis. However, the homologous titres of six sera were 2 to 16 times higher than the titres for other strains indicating strain variations in antigenic properties of some surface components. There was no correlation between lipopolysaccharide type and titre in the immunofluorescence test.

Animals↗

Effects of petrochemicals and ultraviolet radiation on epidermal IA expression in vitro.

We previously demonstrated that combined treatment of mice with crude oil and longwave ultraviolet radiation (UVA) led to the depletion of IA-positive cells from the epidermis. In the present study, we have developed an in vitro screening assay for combined effects of purified petrochemicals and UVA on epidermal IA and Thy-1 expression. This method involves removal of skin from donor mice prior to treatment with chemicals and UVA (20,000 J/m2), followed by in vitro culture and subsequent immunoperoxidase staining. In this study, a complete correlation was observed in terms of IA-positive cell density among similarly treated cultured skin and live mice. In vivo and in vitro studies both indicated that anthracene but not phenanthrene or benzo[a]pyrene led to significant depletion of both epidermal Langerhans cells and Thy-1-positive dendritic cells when followed by UVA treatment. The in vitro assay developed for this study should prove to be a valuable tool for the screening of a wide variety of chemicals for contact photosensitizing activity.

Animals↗

Rhesus genotype frequency in Bangladeshi population.

The prevalence of Rhesus genotypes in Bangladesh has been studied and several important findings were observed. This being the initial report, includes a population of 1600 only. By using five Rh antisera (Anti-C, Anti-D, Anti-E, Anti-c and Anti-e) a genotype can be deduced since anti-d is not available. More often only a probable genotype can be suggested after reference to the known chromosome frequencies in the population. By using family studies in conjunction, it may be possible to determine genotype with certainty. The prominent Rhesus genotype was CDe/cDE (R1R2), i.e., 39.75%, Rhesus genotype cde/cde (rr) was found to be only 1.75%. The genotype cdE/cde (r"r) was not detected in the present series of Bangladeshi population. These results have been compared with the English and the Indian Bengalee Hindu Population.

Bangladesh↗

Glycaemic index of Pakistani staple foods in mixed meals for diabetics.

Glycaemic index of local staple foods was determined. In first phase, the post prandial blood glucose response of isocaloric portion of wheat chapati and gram flour (baisen) chapati, were compared in 11 type II diabetic patients as a part of mixed meal in fasting state, alternately. The glycaemic index of baisen chapati was 39 as compared with wheat chapati. In second phase of the study, 22 type II diabetic patients were given isocaloric portions of wheat chapati and boiled rice as a part of mixed meal alternately. The glycaemic index of rice was 98 as compared with wheat chapati. This study favours the belief that baisen chapati is better and refutes that rice is bad for diabetics. It also upholds that glycaemic index is useful for planning a diabetic diet.

Blood Glucose↗

Streptomycin and tetracycline resistance plasmids in Staphylococcus hyicus and other staphylococci.

Plasmids associated with resistance to streptomycin, to streptomycin plus chloramphenicol or to tetracycline in Staphylococcus hyicus isolated from the skin of pigs have been compared, by restriction endonuclease digest patterns, with similar staphylococci from human sources and with published DNA base sequences. Several plasmids from Staph. hyicus have proved to have a very similar structure to those described from Staph. aureus but others appeared very dissimilar. This confirms the opinion that staphylococci from animal skin share a pool of plasmids with those from human skin but may also possess some of quite different structure.

Animals↗

Potential role of hands in the spread of respiratory viral infections: studies with human parainfluenza virus 3 and rhinovirus 14.

Hands often become contaminated with respiratory viruses, either directly or through contact with contaminated surfaces. Spread of such viruses could then occur by touching the nasal mucosa or the conjunctivae. In this quantitative study, we compared the survival of mucin-suspended human parainfluenza virus 3 (HPIV-3) and rhinovirus 14 (RV-14) and the transfer of the viruses to and from the fingers of adult volunteers. When each finger pad was contaminated with 10 microliters of either HPIV-3 (1.3 x 10(5) to 5.5 x 10(5) PFU) or RV-14 (2.1 x 10(4) to 1.1 x 10(5) PFU), less than 1.0% of HPIV-3 and 37.8% of RV-14 remained viable after 1 h; after 3 h, nearly 16% of RV-14 could still be detected, whereas HPIV-3 became undetectable. Tests on the potential spread of viruses from contaminated hands or surfaces were conducted 20 min after contamination of the donor surface by pressing together donor and recipient surfaces for 5 s. Transfer of HPIV-3 from finger to finger or finger to metal disk could not be detected, but 1.5% of infectious HPIV-3 was transferred from disk to finger. Irrespective of the type of donor or recipient surface, 0.7 to 0.9% of RV-14 was transferred. The relatively rapid loss of HPIV-3 infectivity on hands suggests that their role in the direct spread of parainfluenza viruses is limited. However, the findings of this study further reinforce the view that hands can be vehicles for rhinovirus colds. These results also suggest a role for nonporous environmental surfaces in the contamination of hands with respiratory viruses.

Adult↗

[Chemostimulation and catecholamine content of the rat adrenal medulla].

Unanaesthetized rats whose arterial chemoreceptors were stimulated by an one hour acute exposition to hypoxic gaseous mixtures with various carbon dioxide concentrations, presented depletion of the catecholamines content of their adrenal glands only when hypocapnia or increased pH was present (non compensated hypoxia). Moreover, exposition to simultaneous hypoxia and hypercapnia increased the epinephrine stock of the adrenal glands. No changes were found in the myocardium amine content in the same conditions. When anaesthetized rats were treated by iv injection of almitrine bismesylate, a peripheral chemoreceptors stimulating drug, adrenal catecholamines content was insignificantly reduced. In the myocardium, the amines remained at control levels. The most powerful factor related to catecholamines depletion in the adrenals seems to be the hypocapnia or the alkalosis induced by the hyperventilation provoked by glomic stimulation. No indication has been found in favor of an effective adrenergic stimulation caused directly by chemoreceptors stimulation.

Adrenal Medulla↗

Diversity of staphylococci exhibiting high-level resistance to mupirocin.

Plasmids mediating high-level resistance to mupirocin (MIC greater than 1000 mg/L) in staphylococci from various sources were studied by restriction endonuclease cleavage. Several patterns were obtained but six plasmids isolated from various Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis strains were indistinguishable. The diversity and spread of these plasmids is illustrated.

Coagulase↗

Cryptosporidiosis: a cause of diarrhea in Bangladesh.

Fecal samples from diarrheal patients and non-diarrheal controls were examined for Cryptosporidium oocysts in a year-long prospective study at a diarrhea treatment center in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 42 (3%) of 1,382 diarrheal patients but in none of 235 non-diarrheal controls. In 32 (76%) of 42 patients, no other enteropathogens were detected. Children less than 5 years of age were more commonly infected than older children (4.8% vs. 1.6%, P greater than 0.05) and adults (4.8% vs. 0.2%, P less than 0.01). A higher number of cases were detected during hot and humid months (April--July). Nineteen children less than 5 years of age (index cases) and their 71 family members were followed for 3 weeks after the release of the index cases from the hospital. Diarrhea continued for greater than 14 days (persistent diarrhea) in 8 (32%) index children. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 1 (12.5%) of 8 family members who developed diarrhea during the follow-up period. Index cases excreted oocysts for 3-28 days (12.37 +/- 8.35 days). Almost all the patients recovered with oral rehydration. Cryptosporidium ssp. cause self-limited diarrhea episodes in children less than 5 years of age in Bangladesh, with a low frequency of intrafamilial transmission.

Adolescent↗

A Bangladeshi family with three sisters 'Bombay' or Oh phenotype.

Three sisters in a same family (MIAH FAMILY) are of 'Bombay' phenotype. These being the first known female examples of 'Bombay' blood group have been detected in Bangladesh. As predicted by current theory their red cells are Le(a+b-) and their saliva do not contain any of the antigens A, B and H except Lea substance. Family studies showed that individuals with 'Bombay' or Oh phenotype may have A or B gene which are not expressed. This very particular type of blood is one of the rarest in any other parts of world except in India. Due to the presence of anti-H antibody in the plasma of Oh phenotype, when considering such patients for transfusion only blood of identical Bombay type can be safely transfused.

ABO Blood-Group System↗