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Aim: Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in subtropical cropping systems is low causing a large quantity of reactive N loss to the environment. However, the mechanisms and pathways of such losses are poorly understood. The objectives of the research were to quantify N volatilization rates and corresponding NUE in a biochar and nitrapyrin-treated cabbage field using N-control as well as a 15N-based approach. Methods: The treatments consisted of: N-control, urea alone, urea with nitrapyrin (UN), urea with biochar (UB), and urea with biochar and nitrapyrin (UNB). In each plot, 15N-labeled urea was applied in 1 m2 micro-plots to repeat the treatments. Results: The UNB had higher (p < 0.001) crop yields than other treatments by 29, 23 and 16% over the urea, UN and UB treatments, respectively, while the UN and UB were also higher than the urea alone. The estimated 15N-based NUE was higher (p < 0.01) in the UNB (40%) than in the urea alone (32%) but similar to the UN (36%) and UB (38%). The N-control based calculation overestimated NUE by 2–13% relative to the 15N-based approach. The UNB treatment reduced NH3 volatilization by 37, 22, and 33% over urea alone, UB and UN, respectively (p < 0.01). Post-harvest soil organic carbon (SOC) and total N were higher (p < 0.001) in the UNB and UB treatments than the other treatments. Conclusion: Our results with a subtropical crop suggest that biochar alone or co-applied with nitrapyrin improves NUE and mitigates NH3 volatilization while increasing SOC and TN contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue myositis is a recently recognized category of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies manifested as symmetric proximal muscle weakness with severe limb pain and high serum creatine kinase (CK) levels, in dengue patient (NS1 positive or IgM positive). A total 4 cases of dengue myositis were admitted at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College during the period from August to October, 2023. All were male & they presented mainly with severe limp pain with inability to walk they were diagnosed as dengue fever serologically. Two cases presented during febrile phase & two following fever. Their S. CPK level were high with mildly low platelet count. None of Journal of Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons Vol. 41, Dengue Fever Supplement Issue, October 2023 them developed shock or hemorrhagic manifestation. They were treated supportively and all 4 cases recovered without any sequelae. Dengue myositis in children is usually benign and is differentiated from other causes of flaccid paralysis by tenderness of calf and thigh muscles and raised CPK levels with other normal neurological findings. But sometimes it may result in serious consequences, so all children with dengue infection should be followed up carefully with S.CPK level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kombucha tea is a consortium of yeasts and bacteria (predominantly acetic acid ones). One caffeine-degrading yeast was isolated from kombucha tea, identified using 18S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, and classified as Pichia manshurica CD1 (GenBank accession number KY799109). The strain was found to able not only to degrade caffeine, but also to use it as a sole source of carbon and nitrogen. In such a caffeine medium the strain required about two days of incubation to reach maximum growth. An NBT-dependent (nitro blue tetrazolium chloride), caffeine dehydrogenase activity assay was established and the enzyme was purified. It was found that the caffeine dehydrogenase was a monomer of approximately 85 kDa and had optimal activity at pH 7.5. Interestingly, the enzyme showed high activity and stability over a wide range of temperatures, with almost 71% of activity being retained after incubation at 55°C for 20 min and 54% of its initial activity was retained even after incubation at 100°C. The purified caffeine dehydrogenase had high substrate specificity towards caffeine (Km 11.2 µM and Vmax 0.372 nmol/(mL min)) at 0.5 mM concentration. The enzyme activity was partially inhibited in the presence of Cr2+, Pb2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Hg2+, and Mg2+ at 1 mM, and completely inhibited by Cu2+. The enzyme activity was also strongly suppressed by β‑mercaptoethanol, SDS, DTT and EDTA. These interesting industry-oriented properties of caffeine dehydrogenase isolated from Pichia manshurica CD1 may be useful for many biotechnological processes in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Late-onset neonatal sepsis is one of the most common causes of neonatal deaths in hospital as well as community in developing country like Bangladesh. It can present asmeningitis, pneumonia, pyelonephritis, or gastroenteritis. Various risk factors play important role in its causation. In this study our main goal was to evaluate the risk factors of late onset neonatal sepsis in SCANU (Special Care Newborn Unit) of a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in the SCANU of Dr. M.R. Khan Shishu Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Mirpur-2, Dhaka for 6 months. A total of 59 neonates with late onset sepsis in SCANU were included during the study period. Results: The socio-demographic status of the neonates with late onset sepsis shows that, most of the neonates (44.1%) were between 24 to 28 days. Also, 54.24% patients were male and 57.6% patients belong to middle economic status group. In the study, 79.7% had Cough with respiratory distress followed by 23.7% had cough only, 6.8% had fever, 52.5% had vomiting, abdominal distension, and 8.5% patients had Jaundice. Only 1.7% patients used bottles for feeding. Among neonates, the highest (49.15%) came with the risk factor of poor hygiene. The Majority (95%) of low-birth-weight neonates had patchy opacity resembling pneumonia in chest x-ray. Conclusion: Poor hygiene is a high-risk factor for neonates with late onset sepsis. Bottle feeding had comparatively higher risk in developing late onset sepsis than formula feeding with spoon. Poor cord care is another risk factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural, mechanical, electronic, and optical properties of AlAs were carried out at ambient and under pressure using the ab -initio technique for the first time. The mechanical stability was ensured Under Born stability criteria. The Pugh's ratio and Pettifor's condition confirm that the brittle nature of the AlAs compound exists at the equilibrium condition whereas at 2 GPa pressure, it shows ductile behaviour. Above 8 GPa, the phase change occurs which is observed from elastic constant (C 44) and compressibility analysis. The refractive index was found in excellent agreement with the available theoretical and experimental reported data. From the electronic band structure, at equilibrium condition, there exists a band gap ensuring that the material was non-metallic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of monochromatic lights was investigated on meat quality in 1-d-old straight-run broiler chicks (n = 360), divided into 6 light sources with 6 replicates having 10 chicks in each replicate. Six light sources were described as incandescent bulbs (IBL, as a control) and light-emitting diode (LED) light colors as white light (WL), blue light, red light (RL), green light, and yellow light. Among LED groups, the RL increased the concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.001), saturated fatty acids (P < 0.001), and the saturated:polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio (P < 0.001), but reduced the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acid, n-3 fatty acid, and n-6 fatty acid. The IBL increased the n-3 and sulfur-containing amino acids but reduced the n-6:n-3 nonessential amino acids. The WL improved the concentration of most of the essential amino acids (P < 0.01) and nonessential amino acids (P < 0.01) of breast meat. It can be extracted that the light produced by LED responded similar to the IBL light in influencing nutrient contents of meat. Moreover, LED is not decisive in improving fatty acid composition of meat. However, the role of IBL in reducing n-6:n-3 ratio and enhancing n-3 cannot be neglected. Among LED, WL is helpful in improving essential and nonessential amino acid contents of broiler meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In developing countries, thermal protection of the newborn is not properly addressed. Neonates presented to Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for admission with various problems are frequently found to be hypothermic. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and associated risk factors for neonatal hypothermia on admission to NICU. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study carried over a period of three years at Enam Medical College and Hospital (EMCH) among the newborns admitted to NICU. Hypothermia has been defined as axillary temperature <36.5°C (<97.70 F). Temperature was measured at admission. Data were collected regarding perinatal and socio economic factors. Bivariate and multivariate analysis has been done to see the association of risk factors. Result: A total of 2310 babies between 0 and 680 h of age (mean 43± 12 hours) were studied. Thirty four percent (785) of the neonates had hypothermia. Mean gestation was 34±3 weeks and 42.5% were inborn. Significant determinants of neonatal hypothermia at admission included factors like preterm (p=0.03), low birth weight (p=0.005), normal delivery (p=0.012), birth asphyxia (p=0.001) below average socioeconomic status (p=0.001) and long distance (>10 km) traveled by the neonate (p=0.03). Independent variables are resuscitation at birth [p=.001, Odds Ratio (OR), 2.43; Confidence Interval (CI), 1.47 to 4.00], (p=0.001), age less than 24 hours (p=.02; OR 2.25; CI, 1.13 to 4.47), low birth weight (p=0.03; OR,2.0; CI, 1.06 to 3.82), caesarean section(C/S) delivery (p=.006; OR 1.35; CI, 1.18-2.12) and below average economic status (p=0.001; OR, 2.76; CI, 1.56 to 5.90). Conclusion: Incidence of admission hypothermia among neonates in our NICU was 34%. Independent risk factors are resuscitation at birth, very low birth weight, C/S delivery, age less than 24 hours and poor socio-economic condition. Proper thermal care should be provided for neonates both at home and hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of different monochromatic lights on growth performance and hematological response of growing broiler chickens. A total of 360 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into 6 lighting treatments, which were replicated 6 times with 10 chicks in each replicate. Six light treatments include incandescent bulbs (as a control) and light-emitting diode white light, blue light, red light, green light, and yellow light (YL). The birds were provided with similar nutritional specifications and environmental management facilities, except for the lights throughout the experimental period. Growth performance was evaluated in terms of BW, BW gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio at weekly intervals. At the end of 5 wk, 2 birds from each replicate were randomly selected for blood collection to determine hematological response. The BW and feed intake was numerically higher in YL at 5 wk of age. But interestingly, this did not result in improved feed conversion ratio in YL; nevertheless, numerical values were lower in YL at 5 wk (P > 0.05). Red blood cells, blood platelet count, and percent hematocrit were numerically higher under YL, whereas white blood cell counts and percent hemoglobin remained unaffected due to light treatments. It was concluded that monochromatic light is a potential light source that might provide a beneficial effect on growth performance but is inconclusive for hematological measures of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical study of Ti X2 ( X = Cr, Mn) with C14 Laves phase compounds has been performed by using the first-principles pseudopotential plane-wave method within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The electronic properties (Fermi surface and charge density) have been calculated and analyzed. The optical characteristics (dielectric functions, absorption spectrum, conductivity, energy-loss spectrum and reflectivity) are calculated and discussed. The calculated large positive static dielectric constant indicates good dielectric properties. The reflectivity of Ti X2 ( X = Cr, Mn) is high in the IR-Visible-UV region up to 13 eV showing promise as a good solar heating barrier material. The temperature and pressure dependence of bulk modulus, Debye temperature, specific heats and thermal expansion coefficient are obtained for T = 1200 K and P = 50 GPa through quasi-harmonic Debye model with phononic effects. Fermi surface, optical and thermodynamic properties are very important for practical applications of the materials in optical and other devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of various levels and forms of α-lipoic acid (ALA) on blood biochemistry, immune and stress response, and antibody titers in broiler chickens. The four levels (7.5, 15, 75, and 150 ppm) and 2 sources (powder, P-ALA and encapsulated, E-ALA) of ALA along with negative (C−) and positive control (C+; contains antibiotics) diets consisted of 10 dietary treatments, and these treatments were allocated to 1,200 1-d-old chicks and were replicated 12 times with 10 birds per replicate. Among the blood biochemistry parameters, creatinine levels were almost 3 times lower in E-ALA-supplemented diets compared to the C− diet (0.09 vs. 0.25 mg/dL; P < 0.0001). Neither level nor source of ALA affected blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total protein (TP), albumin, globulin, or albumin to globulin ratio (AGR). The supplemented diets decreased serum levels of the liver enzymes aspartate-aminotransferase (AST; P < 0.006) and alanine-aminotransferase (ALT; P < 0.0003). The Newcastle disease virus (NDV) antibody response in supplemented groups was poor at day zero (P < 0.0001) but increased by d 14 (P < 0.03). Birds did not respond to infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) vaccination at any observed stage (P > 0.05). The concentration of cortisol was reduced in chickens fed ALA-supplemented diets as compared to the C− diet (P < 0.001). Results suggest that ALA-supplemented diets ameliorated blood biochemistry profiles and immune responses and reduced stress in broiler chickens. The encapsulated form of ALA was more effective than the powder form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immunomodulatory effects of the IL-27 and IL-33 and the anti-inflammatory effects of ginger have been reported in some studies. The aim was to evaluate the effects of the ginger extract on the expression of IL-27 and IL-33 in a model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In PBS-treated EAE mice the expression of IL-27 P28 was significantly lower whereas the expression of IL-33 was significantly higher than unimmunized control mice. In 200 and 300 mg/kg ginger-treated EAE groups the expression of IL-27 P28 and IL-27 EBI3 was significantly higher whereas the expression of IL-33 was significantly lower than PBS-treated EAE mice. The EAE clinical symptoms and the pathological scores were significantly lower in ginger-treated EAE groups. These results showed that the ginger extract modulates the expression of the IL-27 and IL-33 in the spinal cord of EAE mice and ameliorates the clinical symptoms of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Specialized freeze-drying process is being used in the field for different thermostable vaccine preparation worldwide. The thermostability remains only in undiluted conditions. If dilution is made at the morning and used for the whole day, the vaccine efficacy is compromised at high ambient temperature. In this study, trehalose based specialized vaccine diluent was used to improve the stability of Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) vaccine in diluted condition. Methods: The available PPR vaccine was reconstituted with conventional diluent and with trehalose based test diluent. The diluted vaccine was kept at ambient temperature without maintaining any cool chain. Stability of diluted vaccine virus was further assessed in vivo and in vitro at different temperatures. Goats were vaccinated and Vero cells were infected with reconstituted vaccines and were assessed at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 24 hours post dilution. Antibody titer was measured and virus infectivity titer was determined in both cultured cell lysate and supernatant. The presence of the virus particles in Vero cell was confirmed by standard RT-PCR targeting Fusion (F) gene of PPR virus. Results: In vivo results revealed that the number of goats possessed antibodies to PPR virus was higher in trehalose based vaccine formulation than the conventional PBS based diluent. Reconstituted vaccine virus (using PBS and trehalose diluent) infected Vero cells produced 70-80% cytopathic effect (CPE) in 5th days of post infection. Both diluents produced and maintained infectivity titer from log10 TCID50 5.5 to log10 TCID50 3.6, until the use of vaccines incubated for 9 hours after dilution. On the other hand, at 24 hours of post dilution only trehalose formulated vaccine produced log10 TCID50 2.5 whereas no infectivity titer was observed at the same time using conventional one. Conclusion: The present study suggests that trehalose preserves the quality of reconstituted vaccine in terms of infectivity titers. Trehalose can be a diluent of choice for reconstitution of PPR vaccine in field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A new simple cubic perovskite superconductor (Ba 0.62 K 0.38)(Bi 0.92 Mg 0.08)O 3 with a T c mag ∼30 K has been recently synthesized by utilizing facile hydrothermal conditions at 220 °C. Here, we have employed the pseudo-potential plane-wave (PP–PW) approach based on the density functional (DFT) theory, within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) to calculate and investigate the physical and electronic properties of this new superconductor. The calculated elastic constants satisfy the Born mechanical stability criterion. Based on the calculated data of Cauchy pressure, Pugh ratio and Poisson's ratio, the compound under investigation is found to be brittle nature. The calculated Peierls stress indicates easier movement of dislocations between glide planes. The energy bands crossing the Fermi level (E F) in electronic band structure reveal metallic behavior of the newly synthesized compound. The contribution of O-2 p orbital electrons at the E F is higher than those of other orbital electrons as seen from partial density of states. The formation of saddle point owing to the flatness of the energy band may enhance the electron pairing which subsequently leads to high- T C superconductivity. The valence electron charge density map shows the isotropic nature of charge distribution. Coexistence of electron and hole like pockets form the multi sheets Fermi surfaces and exhibit the multi-band nature of the compound. Importantly, Fermi surfaces with flat faces are considered as favorable condition for Fermi surface nesting. The calculated value of electron-phonon coupling constant (λ = 1.61) implies that the studied compound can be treated as a strongly coupled superconductor. Further, the thermodynamic properties at elevated temperature and pressure are calculated and analyzed for the first time by using quasi-harmonic model. Highlights • DFT calculations on mechanical, electronic and thermodynamic properties of (Ba 0.62 K 0.38)(Bi 0.92 Mg 0.08)O 3 material. • Elastic properties calculation reveal mechanically stable and brittle nature of compound. • Thermodynamic properties indicate promising material for thermal barrier coating (TBC). • The metallic behavior of this superconductor is confirmed by electronic band structure. • The flatness of the band near E F may enhance electron pairings which consequently reveals superior superconducting behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new single-phase double perovskite superconductor (K 1.00 )(Ba 1.00 ) 3 (Bi 0.89 Na 0.11 ) 4 O 12 with a T c ∼ 31.5 K has been recently synthesized via the hydrothermal route. In the present study, we employ DFT (density functional theory) calculations to investigate the properties (structural, mechanical, electronic, Fermi surface, charge density) of this new superconductor. The calculated lattice constant is in good agreement with the experimental result. The elastic constants, bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young’s modulus, elastic anisotropy of crystal, Peierls stress, and Debye temperature are calculated and used to explain the mechanical behavior of this newly synthesized perovskite. The calculated electron density of states (DOS) indicates strong ionic interactions that are present in the Na-O-Bi planes. Both the electron and hole like bands form the Fermi surface and exhibit the multi-band nature of the compound. The electron charge density map shows the isotropic nature of charge distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical study of the Mo2TiAlC2 compound belonging to the MAX phases has been performed by using the first-principles pseudopotential plane-wave method within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). We have calculated the structural, elastic, electronic and optical properties of Mo2TiAlC2. To confirm mechanical stability, the elastic constants Cij are calculated. Other elastic parameters such as bulk modulus, shear modulus, compressibility, Young modulus, anisotropic factor, Pugh ratio, Poisson's ratio are also calculated. The energy band structure and density of states are calculated and analyzed. The results show that the electrical conductivity is metallic with a high density of states at the Fermi level in which Mo 4d states dominate. Furthermore, the optical properties such as dielectric function, refractive index, photoconductivity, absorption coefficients, loss function and reflectivity are also calculated. Its reflectance spectrum shows that it has the potential to be used as a promising shielding material to avoid solar heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work was conducted to investigate the performance and meat characteristics of commercial Korean native duck (KND). A total of 180 1-d-old ducklings of 2-way crossbreds from A and B lines (from National Institute of Animal Science) were used in this work and divided into 4 groups (3 replicates/group, 15 birds/replicate). The four groups were 4 crossbreds as AA (A line [鞒 ]×A line [鞔]), AB (A line [鞒]×B line [鞔]), BB (Pure line B strains) and BA (B strains [鞒]×A strain [鞔]). Ducks were fed diets based on corn-soybean meal for 0 to 3 wk (22.4% crude protein [CP], 2,945 kcal/kg metabolizable energy [ME]) and 3 to 8 wk (18.4% CP, 3,047 kcal/kg ME). As a result of this study, average body weight of 4 crossbreds were 625, 1,617, 2,466, and 2,836 g at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, respectively, and significantly increased over the period of time (p<0.05). Body weight of BB group was greater than other crossbreds at the age of 6 weeks (p<0.05). There was a significant difference in weekly body weight gains (p<0.05), which were 573, 991, 850, and 371 g at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks old, respectively. Uniformity of 4 crossbreds was 84.9%, 80.5%, and 72.5% at 6, 7, and 8 weeks, respectively, and there was no difference among crossbreds. Body weight gain of BB crossbred was highest among crossbreds (p<0.05). Weekly feed intake significantly increased with weeks as 669, 1,839, 2,812, and 3,381 g at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks respectively (p<0.05). Feed intakes of AA and BB crossbreds were higher at 2 to 4 weeks old than others and that of BB crossbred was highest at 4 to 6 weeks old (p<0.05). Weekly feed conversion ratios were 1.17, 1.86, 3.32, and 9.37 at 0 to 2, 2 to 4, 4 to 6, and 6 to 8 weeks old, respectively, and it increased with age (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in feed conversion ratio among crossbreds. Carcass yields of 4 crossbreds were 73.6%, 71.6%, 73.5%, and 71.7%, respectively, so there was no significant difference among crossbreds. There was no difference in wing, neck, breast and leg ratios among crossbreds. However, back ratios of 4 crossbreds were 17.6%, 18.0%, 15.8%, and 17.6%, respectively, and back ratio of BB was the highest among crossbreds. Finally, these results may provide the basic data on the production, carcass quality, fatty acid and amino acid composition of commercial KND with 2-way crossbreeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The concept of dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) was evaluated using 1-d-old straight-run Hubbard broiler chicks (total, 1472) and 4 dietary K (dK) levels (0.86%, 1.02%, 1.18%, and 1.34%) and 2 sources of dK salt (K2CO3 and K2SO4) in a 4×2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The 4 dK levels corresponded to DEB values of 200, 240, 280, and 320mEq/kg, respectively. Each of the 8 dietary treatments was randomly allocated to 4 replicates with 46 birds per replicate. The experimental diets were prepared separately for each phase, i.e., prestarter (d 1–10), starter (d 11–20), grower (d 21–33), and finisher (d 34–42). Analyzed water characteristics (pH, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solids) and electrolytes were found within the recommended range. Feed intake (P=0.05), daily water intake (P=0.04), and mortality (P=0.02) were increased by replacing K2CO3 with K2SO4. The source and level interaction was found to affect litter moisture (P=0.04). Either varying levels or replacing salts of dK did not result in improved growth performance that was mainly associated with the simultaneously reduced capacity of the digestive (gizzard and proventriculus) and lymphoid (bursa and spleen) organs of the body. The dK and changing salt (K2CO3 with K2SO4) resulted in a greater dressing percentage (P=0.008), abdominal fat (P=0.03), and blood pH (P=0.01) but did not affect body, breast, and thigh weights. Increasing serum K, Na, and HCO3 were compensated with reduced serum Ca and Cl in higher dK diets. It is inferred that lower levels of dK (i.e., 0.86%) could be used to enhance broiler growth. The supplementation of K2SO4 improved feed and water intake, but reduced livability. The increasing supplementation of dietary K from K2SO4 improved carcass responses and reduced the digestive and lymphoid organ capacity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Dhaka Zoo with 2000 animal heads of 184 species from significant genetic diversity and five million visitors' influx round the year is placing it a public health important spot. This study was conducted to investigate histoplasmosis in animals at Dhaka Zoo to ascertain animal health, welfare and public health safety standard. One hundred and two necropsied tissue samples preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin at necropsy from 36 animals of 25 different species were collected from Dhaka Zoo during 2007 - 2009. Twenty five out of 36 study animals were suffering from granulomatous diseases of mycotic and/or bacterial origin. Among them three animals were found suffering from histoplasmosis. Clinical history, nodular lesions from necropsy findings, granulomatous reactions with fungal spores on histopathology; macrophages laden with histoplasma organisms on histopathology and on special staining were revealed histoplasmosis in six rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Present study provides evidence of existing histoplasmosis and similar long standing zoonotic diseases in majority of rest of the animals with health risk that shades health safety standard at Dhaka Zoo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A basal diet (0.8 g/kg dNa) was formulated in which each of the two sources (NaHCO3 and Na2SO4) were supplemented in such a way to attain four levels (1.7, 2.6, 3.5, and 4.4 g/kg) of total dNa, respectively, under 4×2 factorial arrangement. Eight dietary treatments were replicated four times, with 40 birds in each replicate (n = 1,280). The diets supplemented with Na2SO4 to attain higher levels of dNa showed highest BW gain and feed intake (FI) during d 1 to 10 (interaction effects) while 2.6 g/kg dNa exhibited improved BW gain and gain:feed (FG) during d 11 to 20. Linear rise in daily water intake (DWI) was associated with diets containing increasing dNa during d 1 to 42 (p⩽0.036). During the first 10 d, DWI:FI was found highest in NaHCO3 diets while Na2SO4 diets showed highest DWI:FI during last 10 d of the experiment (p⩽0.036). Increasing dNa and changing Na2SO4 with NaHCO3 salt increased pH and resulted in poor growth performance. Dressing weight (p⩽0.001) and abdominal fat (p⩽0.001; quadratic effect) were reduced, whereas breast (p⩽0.001) and thigh (p<0.001) weights were aggravated with increasing dNa (linear effects). Present findings suggested higher levels of dNa from Na2SO4 as the supplemental salt in broiler diets would produce better growth performance, especially in first ten days of life, and improve carcass and body organ characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dhaka Zoo with 2000 animal heads of 184 species from significant genetic diversity and five million visitors' influx round the year is placing it a public health important spot. This study was conducted to investigate blastomycosis in animals at Dhaka Zoo to ascertain animal health, welfare and public health safety standard. One hundred and two necropsied tissue samples preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin at necropsy from 36 animals of 25 different species were collected from Dhaka Zoo. Twenty five out of 36 study animals were suffering from granulomatous diseases. Among them three animals were found suffering from blastomycosis. Clinical history, nodular lesions from necropsy findings, granulomatous reactions with fungal spores on histopathology and spherical yeast cells with double contoured wall and broad base budding on special staining were used for the confirmation of blastomycosis in spotted deer (Cervus axis/Axis axis), nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) and horse (Equus caballus). Present study provides evidence of existing blastomyosis and similar long standing zoonotic diseases in majority of rest of the animals with health risk that shades health safety standard at Dhaka Zoo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the first outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian inafluenza (HPAI) in Bangladesh in February 2007, a total of 519 disease events have been reported till 22 October 2011. Partial HA gene sequences of 11 selected H5N1 HPAI isolates of 2007 to 2011 were determined and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. The study revealed a recent introduction of clade 2.3.2 and 2.3.4 viruses into Bangladesh in 2011 in addition to clade 2.2 viruses that had been in circulation since 2007. Clade 2.3.2 virus isolates from Bangladesh are phylogenetically related to the newly designated clade 2.3.2.1 viruses, reported recently from Asia and Eastern Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The aim of this paper was to ascertain stress experienced by mothers of prospectively followed up preterm infants, and associations with family, child and maternal factors and children's neuro-development. Methods Within a follow-up study of preterm infants <33 weeks gestational age at a Child Development Center in Dhaka Shishu Hospital, mothers were interviewed with the Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ) at each visit. Association between SRQ scores and child, family and maternal variables at first and final visit and children's neuro-developmental outcomes was determined. Results Low income mothers were more compliant (54%) compared with the defaulters (31%) ( P = 0.0001) among the 159 mothers enrolled. Of the 88 mothers who were followed up until a mean age of 22 months of their child, 29.3% were at high risk for psychiatric morbidity at first visit compared with 23.9% on their last visit. Use of abortifacients P = 0.026) and higher maternal age (P = 0.040) were significantly associated with maternal stress at first visit; while at last follow-up, total number of visits had the most significant association (P = 0.041). Twenty-five per cent and 19% of mothers were at risk for psychiatric morbidity in children developing normally and those with neuro-developmental impairments respectively. Conclusions Mothers at risk for psychiatric morbidity can be helped through follow-up support within public hospitals close to their homes, which is most availed by low income families. Neuro-developmental monitoring of high-risk infants closer to homes may be more feasible in resource poor countries than reliance on hospital visits, which increase stress. Biological markers of stress and coping strategies need further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Bangladesh, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been highly prevalent during late 2020, with nearly 500 000 confirmed cases. In the present study, the spike (S) protein of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) circulating in Bangladesh was genetically investigated to elucidate the diversity of mutations and their prevalence. The nucleotide sequence of the S protein gene was determined for 15 SARS-CoV-2 samples collected from eight divisions in Bangladesh, and analysed for mutations compared with the reference strain (hCoV-19/Wuhan/WIV04/2019). All the SARS-CoV-2 S genes were assigned to B.1 lineage in G clade, and individual S proteins had 1–25 mutations causing amino acid substitution/deletion. A total of 133 mutations were detected in 15 samples, with D614G being present in all the samples; 53 were novel mutations as of January 2021. On the receptor-binding domain, 21 substitutions including ten novel mutations were identified. Other novel mutations were located on the N-terminal domain (S1 subunit) and dispersed sites in the S2 subunit, including two substitutions that remove potential N-glycosylation sites. A P681R substitution adjacent to the furin cleavage site was detected in one sample. All the mutations detected were located on positions that are functionally linked to host transition, antigenic drift, host surface receptor binding or antibody recognition sites, and viral oligomerization interfaces, which presumably related to viral transmission and pathogenic capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]