Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University

Understanding the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant women and their neonates is crucial for understanding maternal and fetal outcomes, particularly the extent of passive immunity against SARS-CoV-2 which can be imparted to the neonates. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the transplacental transfer of maternal SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies against the spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins to neonates and understand whether factors like maternal comorbidities, gestational weeks, and neonatal birth weight have an influence on placental transfer ratios (PTR). A total of 57 pregnant women were assessed for SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibodies at delivery, and corresponding antibody titers were also measured in their neonates immediately after delivery. The PTRs for anti-S and anti-N IgG were calculated, and statistical analyses were performed for identifying potential influencing factors. The mean PTR for anti-S IgG was 1.38, suggesting effective placental transfer, whereas anti-N IgG had a lower PTR of 1.13, indicating limited transfer. A strong positive correlation was observed between maternal and neonatal anti-S IgG (r = 0.558, p < 0.01), whereas maternal and neonatal anti-N IgG correlated weakly (r = 0.402, p = 0.02). No significant associations were found between PTRs and maternal age, gestational weeks, neonatal birth weight, or comorbidities. Our study inferred the efficient transfer of maternal anti-S IgG, potentially conferring early neonatal immunity against SARS-CoV-2. However, the long-term persistence of these neonatal antibodies are questionable and remains an important research prospect. This study underscored the critical role of maternal vaccination for neonatal protection and can help form evidence based rational vaccination strategies for maximum neonatal protection.

Arnold-Chiari 1 malformation is a congenital anomaly of the craniovertebral junction, often presenting with diverse neurological, endocrine, and musculoskeletal manifestations. Growth and pubertal delay may coexist with neurological deficits, making early recognition essential. Here we report a 17-year-old male, 3rd issue of non-consanguineous parents, admitted to BMU with growth failure for 6-8 years and progressive difficulty in walking along with gait abnormality for 4 years. He experienced chronic occipital headaches, blurring of vision, and occasional dizziness. Pubertal delay was evident by underdeveloped secondary sexual characteristics, notably scanty facial hair and an underpitched voice. Examination reveals short stature (H-147 cm, SDS -2.6) and delayed puberty (Tanner-P2, left testis 10 ml, right undescended testis palpable in the inguinal region). Neurological signs included dysarthria, tongue fasciculation with wasting, exaggerated deep tendon reflex, plantar extensor, positive ankle clonus, wide-based gait, and other cerebellar dysfunctions. Biochemically, GH deficiency was found. MRI of the spine showed dysplastic occipital condyle with foramen magnum stenosis, cervico-medullary compression indicating Arnold-Chiari 1 malformation. This case illustrates an unusual presentation of chairi-1 malformation with growth retardation and delayed puberty, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for timely diagnosis and management. [J Assoc Clin Endocrinol Diabetol Bangladesh, 2025;4(Suppl 1): S67]

Due to protean presentations, poor sensitivity of radiographs and variable reliability of synovial fluid analysis, diagnosis of Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD) is a challenge. This study addressed the diagnostic performance of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK-USG) in identifying CPPD features in hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage, tendon, and synovial fluid. We compared ultrasound findings in CPPD to those in osteoarthritis (OA) and gout and healthy control. In this retrospective exploratory study, MSK-USG performed between February 2022 and July 2023 were reviewed. Patients retrospectively fulfilled the ACR/ EULAR classification criteria 2023 (score ≥ 56) were included (n = 16). Clinical phenotypes included acute CPP arthritis (44%), CPPD with OA (44%), and chronic CPP arthritis (12%). Ultrasound images were evaluated at common CPPD target sites: hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage of the knee, wrist triangular fibrocartilage, metacarpophalangeal joints, joint capsules, tendons, and synovial membranes. Ultrasound images of CPPD cases were compared to those of OA, gout, and healthy controls. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated for Ultrasound features. Compared to healthy controls, Ultrasound features showed a sensitivity of 94.12% (CI: 71.31–99.85), specificity of 100% (CI: 86.77–100), positive predictive value of 100%, and negative predictive value of 99.59% in diagnosing CPPD. Ultrasound findings in hyaline cartilage showed a sensitivity & a specificity of 100% each. Fibrocartilage involvement showed a sensitivity of 93.75% and specificity of 86.67%. Whereas these figures were lowest for tendons with sensitivity of 12.5% (CI: 1.55–38.35) and specificity of 86.67% (CI: 69.28–96.24), respectively. Compared to OA, sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 93.75%, respectively. Specificity was lower when compared to gout (40%). MSK-USG demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy in identifying CPPD, especially in hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage. While these findings support the use of Ultrasound as an adjunctive diagnostic tool, particularly in distinguishing CPPD from OA, the small sample size and retrospective design limit generalizability. Prospective studies with larger cohorts and crystal-confirmed cases are needed for validation.

BackgroundThe first 1,000 days of life, spanning pregnancy to two years, are critical for development. We investigated the association of maternal, socioeconomic, environmental, nutritional, and childhood characteristics with cognitive, motor, and language development at two years of age.MethodsThe AMANHI-ACT study enrolled pregnant women between 8 and 19 weeks of gestation from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Tanzania. Data was collected on sociodemographic factors, maternal BMI and co-morbidities during pregnancy, and weight and gestational age at birth. Child characteristics included vaccination history, infections, and physical growth at predefined intervals up to two years. Child development at two years was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Third Edition (Bayley-III). The home environment was assessed using the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment Infant-Toddler (HOME-IT) tool. We performed linear regression and reported site-adjusted regression coefficients with 95% confidence intervals.ResultsWe assessed 3,062 children at two years of age to identify factors associated with their cognitive, language, and motor development scores. Cognitive scores were significantly lower among children whose mothers had no formal education (Adjusted coefficient = -3.8; 95% CI: -5.8, -1.8) and those who had not received any vaccinations (Adjusted coefficient = -6.0; 95% CI: -9.3, -2.6). Language development was similarly affected: children with mothers who had no education (Adjusted coefficient = -4.7; 95% CI: -6.8, -2.5) or only primary-level education (Adjusted coefficient = -4.5; 95% CI: -6.5, -2.5) showed markedly lower scores. Language scores were also reduced in children whose fathers had no education (Adjusted coefficient = -2.4; 95% CI: -4.2, -0.5) or only primary education (Adjusted coefficient = -2.4; 95% CI: -4.1, -0.6). For motor development, children who were stunted (Adjusted coefficient = -2.2; 95% CI: -2.9, -1.4), wasted (Adjusted coefficient = -2.8; 95% CI: -4.3, -1.4), or unvaccinated (Adjusted coefficient = -4.7; 95% CI: -8.0, -1.4) at two years exhibited significantly lower scores.ConclusionPreterm births, vaccination history, parental education, and physical growth significantly affected the first 1000 days of child development, thus identifying areas for targeted intervention to optimize long-term health outcomes in LMICs.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-025-06060-2.

Background: Changes in low frequency waves and altered psychological status were associated with epilepsy. Epilepsy can cause anxiety and depression and many other complications and anti-seizure medication can make the patients lethargic, tired and drowsy.Objective: To assess and quantify cortical brain waves in female patients with epilepsy by power spectral analysis of signals of quantitative electroencephalogram(QEEG). Methods: This study was carried out on 20 female patients with epilepsy aged 20-40 years and 20 healthy female volunteer of similar age were control. EEG was recorded from 22 scalp electrodes in different region all over the head by an EEG data acquisition device, EEG Traveler Brain Tech 32+ CMEEG-01, India in all participants. Power spectral analysis of EEG data was done with Brain Tech 40+ Standard version 4.47a analysis software by calculating relative band power of delta, theta, alpha and beta brainwaves to assess cortical electrical activity. Data were expressed as mean ± SD. For statistical analysis, Independent-Samples t test was used. The P value ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistical significance. Results: Mean values of relative power of delta and theta were significantly higher and values of alpha and beta were significantly lower in all cortical areas of epilepsy patients compared to control. Conclusion: It may be concluded that higher low frequency brain wave and lower high frequency brain wave were associated with epilepsy. J Bangladesh Soc Physiol 2025;20(1): 1-9

PurposeA cross-sectional study was conducted among young female adults aged 18 to 24 years in Bangladesh to assess rubella IgG seropositivity and associated factors.MethodsData were collected on participants’ sociodemographic and family characteristics, residency and age during 2014 Measles-Rubella campaign, and rubella vaccination history. Blood samples were collected and tested for rubella virus-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies (rubella IgG) using chemiluminescence immunoassay.ResultsOf the 250 young female adults aged 18–24 years, 87.20% (95% CI: 83.06%–91.34%) were seropositive for rubella IgG: 89.47% among the vaccinated, 85.93% among the non-vaccinated, and 88.54% among those with unknown vaccination history. Seropositivity was not significantly associated with reported rubella vaccination history. Titer levels were significantly higher in seropositive participants without a vaccination history (Median 66.75 IU/mL; interquartile range (IQR): 42.53–98.47) than those with a history (Median 37.30 IU/mL; IQR: 29.70–65.60). Compared with those from rural locations, participants from urban locations had significantly lower odds of seropositivity (Odds Ratio 0.33; 95% CI: 0.12–0.92; p = 0.035).ConclusionA relatively high prevalence of rubella IgG seropositivity was detected. However, approximately one in ten participants remained susceptible to rubella infection during pregnancy and at risk of related adverse outcomes, including congenital rubella syndrome. Seropositivity was not associated with rubella vaccination history suggesting endemic transmission of the rubella virus. The low proportion of participants with a known vaccination history indicates gaps in vaccination documentation. Therefore, well-recorded vaccination histories and strengthened surveillance systems should be developed.

Mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia, are increasingly prevalent among university students and graduates, especially those involved in academic research. The impact of research-related characteristics on mental health remains underexplored. We examined this relationship using machine learning alongside traditional statistical analyses and GIS mapping. Data from 508 university students and graduates were collected, and encompassed socio-demographics, academic information, research related information, and mental health outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, while spatial analysis was conducted using QGIS and machine learning models were developed with Python with Google Colab. High prevalence rates of depression (39.8%), anxiety (29.3%), and insomnia (12.2%) emerged. Feature selection highlighted research experience (excluding thesis), research courses during the bachelor's program, and interest in a research-related career as significant predictors of mental health outcomes. CatBoost modeling performed best in accuracy and precision of risk prediction of mental health conditions. Support Vector Machine model performed well in predicting depression, while Random Forest showed consistent low log loss, indicating better calibration across mental health issues. GIS mapping revealed no significant regional heterogeneity in mental health outcomes. Research-related factors, such as research experience and academic pressures, significantly impact the mental health of university students and graduates. Machine learning models may enable institutions to more effectively identify at-risk students and provide personalized support to foster a supportive research environment, ultimately improving both mental health outcomes and academic success.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common adolescent problem and its prevalence is rapidly increasing worldwide. Diagnosis of PCOS during this period is difficult due to the overlapping of the diagnostic criteria with normal pubertal development. Currently, the International evidence-based guideline (2018) has recommended using the Rotterdam criteria excluding the polycystic ovarian morphology component. However, the definition of each component depends on the age of the menarche. Similarly, the treatment options are not adequately evidence-based, rather adopted mostly from adult guidelines. Due to several concerns, a combined oral contraceptive pill-sparing combination therapy (spironolactone+pioglitazone+ metformin= SPIOMET) might be a promising therapeutic option. Duration of treatment is another uncertain issue. Prospective studies as well as well-designed randomized controlled trials are required for adequate management of adolescent PCOS. J Assoc Clin Endocrinol Diabetol Bangladesh, July 2022; 1 (2): 55-64