Sexually transmitted infections among brothel-based sex workers in bangladesh: high prevalence of asymptomatic infection

OBJECTIVE AND GOAL: The goal of this study was to study the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)/reproductive tract infections (RTIs) among brothel-based sex workers (SWs) in Bangladesh. STUDY: A cross-sectional study was conducted among SWs in 4 randomly selected brothels. A sociodemographic and behavioral survey and pelvic examination was conducted. Specimens including endocervical swab, high vaginal swab, and blood were collected and were examined for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, bacterial vaginosis candidiasis, and syphilis. RESULTS: A total of 439 SWs were enrolled and 49.6% had genital symptoms. Among all SWs, 17.5% were positive for N. gonorrhoeae; 15.5% for C. trachomatis; 7.5% for T. vaginalis, and 6.6% had active syphilis. A total of 67.4% SWs were positive for at least 1 cervical and/or vaginal infection. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of STIs/RTIs among SWs in brothels in Bangladesh is high. An intervention strategy addressing both symptomatic and asymptomatic infections and periodic screening of SWs for RTIs/STIs is essential for successful HIV and STIs prevention programs.     

Combinations of resveratrol, cisplatin and oxaliplatin applied to human ovarian cancer cells

In this study, combinations of resveratrol with platinum drugs cisplatin and oxaliplatin were administered to human ovarian A2780, A2780(cisR) and A2780(ZD0473R) cell lines with the aim of offering a means of overcoming drug resistance. Cell viability was quantified using the 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay. Combination indices and dose response curves were used as measures of the combined drug action. Greatest synergism was observed when resveratrol was administered first followed by the platinum drug (cisplatin or oxaliplatin) 2 h later, and the least synergism was achieved when the two types of compounds were administered as a bolus. The results can be explained by assuming that the administration of resveratrol 2 h before the platinum drug may sensitize the ovarian cancer cells to platinum-induced apoptosis, thus providing a means of overcoming drug resistance. If the results are confirmed in vivo, they may be significant clinically.     

Adequacy of nutrient intake among elderly persons receiving home care

This study examines the adequacy of the dietary intake based on age, sex, and level of nutritional risk among 98 frail elderly persons receiving home care through Community Care Access Centres. The dietary intakes were measured using 24-hour recalls and were compared with the dietary reference intake. The participants' intakes of both macronutrients and micronutrients were found to be inadequate. On average, elderly persons were consuming more than the recommended amount of protein, but the average intakes of many vitamins and minerals were less than optimal based on the average intakes. Paradoxically, more than half of elderly participants were overweight or obese. The results highlight the need for appropriate nutrition, education, and support for elderly persons receiving home care.     

Diagnostic accuracy measures for vertical and transverse scalp biopsies in cicatricial and non-cicatricial alopecias

Background

Scalp biopsy provides worthwhile diagnostic clues to diagnose the noncicatricial or cicatricial type of alopecia. Although a pair of vertically and horizontally sectioned pathology samples would be ideal, the diagnostic yield of vertical (V) or transverse (T) sectioning in different types of cicatricial and non-cicatricial alopecia is not studied. Also, when a single biopsy is submitted and/or the sample is not large enough for a combined V and T sectioning from a single specimen (such as HoVert technique), the decision to make the most appropriate sectioning would be challenging, specifically depending on the type of alopecia suspected clinically.

Birth kits for safe motherhood in Bangladesh.

Tetanus infection remains the leading cause of high neonatal mortality in Bangladesh. Birth kits which instruct and assist in a clean, safe birth are seen as a key measure in reducing the high incidence of neonatal deaths. A multisectoral programme has developed a simple kit and tested its potential for distribution to pregnant women. Initial results are positive and development is continuing.