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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly transmissible virus that causes Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Temperature and humidity are two essential factors in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 affect the respiratory system of human. This study aimed to investigate the effects of temperature and humidity on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and the Spread Covid-19. The daily number of SARS-CoV-2 infected new cases, and the number of death due to Covid-19 are considered the response variables. Data are collected from March 08, 2020 to January 31, 2021. A flexible regression model under the Generalized Additive Models for Location Scale and Shape framework is used to analyze data. The temperature and humidity have a significant impact on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The temperature is highly significant in the number of SARS-CoV-2 infected new cases and number of death due to COVID-19. In contrast, the humidity is significant on the number of SARS-CoV-2 infected new cases, but it is insignificant on the number of death due to COVID-19 at a 5% level of significance. The analysis revealed that both the temperature and humidity inversely affected the daily number of deaths and new cases of COVID-19.

This study aimed at identification and characterisation of the wilting, leaf spot, stem canker and fruit-blight diseases of okra. Pathogen infected plant samples were sterilised with 2% sodium hych...

The present study was aimed at determining the effect of vernalization and Gibberellic Acid (GA3) on seed yield and quality of summer onion. There were three vernalization treatments viz., no vernalization (control), vernalization at 5°C for 14 days and vernalization at 10°C for 14 days and four GA3 treatment viz., 0, 50, 100 and 150 ppm. The two-factor experiment was laid out in the Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The results of the experiment showed that the vernalization and GA3 had significant influence on all the parameters studied. Solitary Effect of vernalization and GA3 was significant on the parameters such as plant height, number of leaves plant-1, the highest number of flowering stalk, number of umbels plant-1, number of bud umbel-1, percent flowering at 45 and 60 DAP, number of seeds umbel-1, weight of seeds umbel- 1, weight of seeds plant-1, weight of seeds plot-1, 1000 seed weight, seed yield, number of fruits umbel-1, percent of fruit set umbel-1and percent germination. The highest seed yield (248.16 kg ha-1) was obtained from vernalization at 5°C for 14 days. The lowest values of all the parameters were recorded at control treatment. The highest seed yield (191.77 kgha-1) was obtained from 100 ppm GA3. The lowest values of all the parameters were recorded in the 0 ppm GA3 treatment. Use of suitable vernalization of mother bulb and proper concentration of gibberellic acid can be a possible way to expand onion production at the time of summer.

This experiment was conducted to study the influence of planting date and fertilizer management on the growth and yield of tomato cv Ratan. The experiment consisted of two factors; Factor A: three planting dates, viz. 20 October, 5 November, 20 November and Factor B: four different doses of fertilizer, viz., control; 100 kg urea + 75 kg TSP + 100 kg MOP/ha; 200 kg urea + 150 kg TSP + 200 kg MOP/ha and 300 kg urea +225 kg TSP + 300 kg MOP/ha were used in 12 treatment combinations. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Combined effects of planting date and fertilizer management exhibited significant variation on plant height at 30 DAT, 45 DAT, and 60 DAT, number of flowers per plant, number of mature fruits per plant, fruit diameter, weight of individual fruit, weight of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plot and fruit per hectare. The highest fruit yields per plot (23.94 kg) as well as per hectare (73.89 t) were achieved from the treatment combination of planting at 5 November with 200 kg urea + 150 kg TSP + 200 kg MOP/ha.

Asian lineage A/H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) have been responsible for continuous outbreaks in Bangladesh since 2007. Although clades 2.2.2 and 2.3.4.2 HPAIVs have disappeared since poultry vaccination was introduced in 2012, clade 2.3.2.1a viruses have continued to be detected in Bangladesh. In this study, we identified A/H9N2 (n = 15), A/H5N1 (n = 19), and A/H5N1-A/H9N2 (n = 18) mixed viruses from live bird markets, chicken farms, and wild house crows (Corvus splendens) in Bangladesh from 2016 to 2018. We analyzed the genetic sequences of the H5 HPAIVs, to better understand the evolutionary history of clade 2.3.2.1a viruses in Bangladesh. Although seven HA genetic subgroups (B1–B7) and six genotypes (G1, G1.1, G1.2, G2, G2.1, and G2.2) have been identified in Bangladesh, only subgroup B7 and genotypes G2, G2.1, and G2.2 were detected after 2016. The replacement of G1 genotype by G2 in Bangladesh was possibly due to vaccination and viral competition in duck populations. Initially, genetic diversity decreased after introduction of vaccination in 2012, but in 2015, genetic diversity increased and was associated with the emergence of genotype G2. Our phylodynamic analysis suggests that domestic Anseriformes, including ducks and geese, may have played a major role in persistence, spread, evolution, and genotype replacement of clade 2.3.2.1a HPAIVs in Bangladesh. Thus, improvements in biosecurity and monitoring of domestic Anseriformes are needed for more effective control of HPAI in Bangladesh.

Virulent and multi drug resistant (MDR) Salmonellaenterica is a foremost cause of foodborne diseases and had serious public health concern globally. The present study was undertaken to identify the pathogenicity and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of Salmonellaenterica serovars recovered from chicken at wet markets in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 870 cecal contents of broiler, sonali, and native chickens were collected from 29 wet markets. The overall prevalence of S. Typhimurium, S. Enteritidis, and untyped Salmonella spp., were found to be 3.67%, 0.57%, and 1.95% respectively. All isolates were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for eight virulence genes, namely invA, agfA, IpfA, hilA, sivH, sefA, sopE, and spvC. S. Enteritidis isolates carried all virulence genes whilst S. Typhimurium isolates carried six virulence genes except sefA and spvC. A diverse phenotypic and genotypic AMR pattern was found. Harmonic descending trends of resistance patterns were observed among the broiler, sonali, and native chickens. Interestingly, virulent and MDR Salmonella enterica serovars were found in native chicken, although antimicrobials were not used in their production cycle. The research findings anticipate that virulent and MDR Salmonella enterica are roaming in the wet markets which can easily anchor to the vendor, consumers, and in the food chain.

Trichosanthes dioica seed lectin (TDSL), having a molecular mass of 57 ± 2 kDa was purified in an alternative way. For the purification process, the galactose-sepharose-4B affinity column was used. The purified TDSL agglutinated human and mouse erythrocytes at the minimum concentration of 8 μg/ml. d-lactose and d-galactose were the most potent inhibitory sugars as observed. The purified lectin was a glycoprotein having 3.0% of a neutral sugar. The lectin exhibited maximum activity up to 60°C and pH range from 7.0 to 10.0 and stable up to 4.0 M urea as tested. The lectin demonstrated mild toxicity when administered against brine shrimp nauplii, and the LC50 value was calculated to be 84.0 µg/ml. Minimum agglutination of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells caused by the lectin was found at the protein concentration of 1.56 µg/ml. TDSL inhibited 7, 50.2%, and 60.3% of the EAC cells growth in vivo in mice when administered with 0.75, 1.5, and 3.0 mg kg-1 day-1 (i.p.), respectively, for five consecutive days. After lectin treatment, red blood cell (RBC) and hemoglobin levels were increased significantly toward the normal compared with EAC cells-bearing control and normal mice. The tumor burden reduced to 29.5% and 67% after treatment with 1.5 and 3.0 mg kg-1 day-1 of the lectin. TDSL triggered the cell cycle arrest at the G0 /G1 phase, which was observed using flow cytometry. In conclusion, TDSL can be a candidate for the potent anticancer agents that exerts low toxicity toward brine shrimp nauplii. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: A 57 ± 2 kDa lectin (designated TDSL) was purified from Trichosanthes dioica seeds using a galactose-sepharose-4B affinity column. The lectin demonstrated mild toxicity and agglutinated Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells. The lectin inhibited 50.2% and 60.3% of the EAC cell growth in vivo in mice when administered with 1.5 and 3.0 mg kg-1 day-1 (i.p.), respectively, for five consecutive days. The lectin increased RBC and hemoglobin level toward the normal compared with lectin-treated EAC cells-bearing, EAC cells-bearing control and normal mice. The tumor burden reduced to 29.5% and 67% after treatment with 1.5 and 3.0 mg kg-1 day-1 lectin. TDSL triggered the cell cycle arrest at the G0 /G1 phase. The lectin can be a candidate for potent anticancer agents.

Fatty acids, antioxidant and antimicrobial agents have been received attention for their significant medicinal properties. Dillenia indica plant in Bangladesh has been used as a therapeutic agent for the relief of different disease. The present study focused on the assessment of fatty acid, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the methyl extract from sepal fiber of Dillenia indica Iodine, saponification and acid values observed in the study indicate the stability of the oil. The fatty acids profile found in this work indicates the presence of higher amount of unsaturated fatty acids leading the significant antibacterial and antioxidant activity done by agar disc diffusion and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method, respectively. The extract was more active towards the Vibrio cholerae with the inhibition of 29.65±0.14 ppm against DPPH at IC50. The present results suggesting that the extract could be a reliable source of fatty acids for the welfare of mankind.

In this study, we have evaluated the clinical value of the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level in predicting the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in hyperglycemic subjects of Bangladesh. A total of 201 participants were selected for this study and fasting venous blood samples are collected from them for measuring fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), hs-CRP, apolipoprotein A-1, apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein(a). CAD risk of study subjects was estimated with the use of Framingham Risk Score (FRS). Out of 201, 91 study participants are found as normal fasting glucose (NFG), 56 as impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and 54 as diabetes mellitus. The average levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, TC/HDL-C ratio, apolipoprotein A-1, apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein(a) in NFG, IFG and diabetes are not significantly different between each group. Statistically significant (p < 0.001) differences are observed between each group of hs-CRP levels. Among the components of FRS; age, systolic blood pressure and HDL-C are significantly correlated with an increase in concentration of FPG. The estimated Framingham 10-year risk of CAD and hs-CRP levels are significantly increasing with the concentration of FPG. Before and after adjusting for covariates (age, sex, smoking status, TC and HDL-C), it is found that FPG is significantly associated with hs-CRP level. Interestingly, serum hs-CRP levels are significantly increased in the higher FPG groups before and after adjustment by covariates. Finally, this study demonstrates hs-CRP as a stronger predictor of cardiovascular events in hyperglycemic subjects thereby helping to assess the risk of CAD induced by hyperglycemia.

Simple Summary Chickens are raised with the assistance of the regular use of antibiotics, not only for the prevention and treatment of diseases but, also, for body growth. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics in animals are contributing to the rising threat of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, antibiotic-free broiler meat production is becoming increasingly popular worldwide to meet consumer demand. However, numerous challenges need to be overcome in producing antibiotic-free broiler meat by adopting suitable strategies regarding food safety and chicken welfare issues. This review focuses on the current scenario of antibiotic use, prospects, and challenges in sustainable antibiotic-free broiler meat production. We also discuss the needs and challenges of antibiotic alternatives and provide a future perspective on antibiotic-free broiler meat production. Abstract Antibiotic-free broiler meat production is becoming increasingly popular worldwide due to consumer perception that it is superior to conventional broiler meat. Globally, broiler farming impacts the income generation of low-income households, helping to alleviate poverty and secure food in the countryside and in semi-municipal societies. For decades, antibiotics have been utilized in the poultry industry to prevent and treat diseases and promote growth. This practice contributes to the development of drug-resistant bacteria in livestock, including poultry, and humans through the food chain, posing a global public health threat. Additionally, consumer demand for antibiotic-free broiler meat is increasing. However, there are many challenges that need to be overcome by adopting suitable strategies to produce antibiotic-free broiler meat with regards to food safety and chicken welfare issues. Herein, we focus on the importance and current scenario of antibiotic use, prospects, and challenges in the production of sustainable antibiotic-free broiler meat, emphasizing broiler farming in the context of Bangladesh. Moreover, we also discuss the need for and challenges of antibiotic alternatives and provide a future outlook for antibiotic-free broiler meat production.

Suitable germplasm and breeding for zinc (Zn)-efficient genotypes has been prioritized to combat Zn deficiency problem. Six maize genotypes were grown in a nutrient solution with or without Zn to identify genotype tolerance to low Zn and its mechanism. Zhongnong 99 was found to be about 2-fold more Zn-efficient than L69 × 178. Young shoot Zn concentration and content was significantly correlated with Zn efficiency (ZE). Furthermore, Zn-efficient genotype as Zhongnong 99 distributed more Zn into young parts of shoot and also developed longer and thinner roots (≤ 0.2 mm) under -Zn conditions than inefficient genotypes. The close relationship (0.82***, 0.88***, 0.90***) between Zn content of young shoots and fine roots indicated that fine roots (≤ 0.2 mm) contributed more efficient Zn uptake into old parts which distributed to young parts. In conclusion, the analysis of young shoots and fine roots (≤ 0.2 mm) represent a suitable screening technique for ZE evaluation of under -Zn conditions.

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is an important viral as well as transboundary disease affecting almost all cloven-hoofed animals. The aim of the present study is the focused on determination of biological titer by tissue culture infective dose50 (TCID50) assay of currently available FMD virus serotype in Bangladesh. For adaptation of FMD virus (FMDV), BHK-21 cell line was used. BHK-21 cell subculture was done from preserved cultured bottle of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Research Laboratory of Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), Savar, Dhaka. RT-PCR confirmed selected three different positive serotypes (O, A and Asia 1) of FMD virus were inoculated into BHK-21 cell culture and cytopathic effects (CPE) were observed after adaptation into BHK-21 cell from 3rd to 5th passages. Clear infectious BHK-21 cell culture fluid was collected and preserved at -80℃ temperature. The TCID50 assay was performed to determine the biological titer of the three positive serotype of FMDV. The biological titer of this study was found 106.5/ml viral titer for O type, 106.75/ml viral titer for A type, 106.66/ml viral titer for Asia-1 type. These three specific serotypes can be used as vaccine seed against FMD virus. The effective vaccination of susceptible animals is considered to be the corner stone to the disease in our country Bangladesh. The findings of this study can be helpful for the trivalent vaccine development in Bangladesh and it may effective in limiting the spread of FMD.

Nutrient contents of sugar palm (Borassus flabellifer) fruit pulp (SPFP) cultivated in Bangladesh are yet to be well-reviewed. Moreover, the nutrient contents of other popularly consumed edible portions of sugar palm fruit, i.e., immature endosperm (IE), and germinated endosperm (GE) are not studied yet. The current study showed that SPFP, IE, and GE were rich in carbohydrate, fiber, sodium, potassium, and zinc. IE contained the highest amount of fiber, while SPFP contained the highest amount of copper. Twenty-five phytochemicals having known antidiabetic effects were investigated for their presence in pulp, immature & germinated endosperm. GE contained the highest number of phytochemicals (23) followed by IE (19) and SPFP (14). Diabetic patients usually avoid edible portions of sugar palm, fearing that these may further deteriorate existing hyperglycemia. In the present study, this suspicion was investigated in alloxan-induced diabetic rats through supplementary feeding of SPFP, IE, & GE in addition to the regular diet for the nine consecutive weeks. Study results clearly showed that SPFP, IE, & GE significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels of experimental rats. GE showed maximum antidiabetic effects followed by IE and SPFP, respectively. GE, and IE returned the FBG levels within normal range by the end of the sixth week but not by the SPFP. Endosperms supplemented diabetic rats maintained the normal FBG levels even after withdrew the supplementary diets. These results suggested that supplemental feeding of the GE and IE to the experimental diabetic rats may restore alloxan damaged pancreatic β-cell function, and the reasons might be the presence of fiber, zinc and phytochemicals content of the endosperm.

Baby Hamster Kidney-21(BHK-21) cells are the most commonly used cell for viral seed preparation and vaccine production. The aim of the present study was to adapt BLRI three different field isolates of foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotypes (O, A, Asia 1) into baby hamster kidney-21 cell line for FMD trivalent master seed preparation. For this, samples were collected from the tongue epithelium, saliva, milk and inter digital tissues of the suspected animals from different districts of Bangladesh during the year 2011-2014. All samples were subjected to RNA extraction and RT-PCR for detection and serotyping of FMDV. BHK-21 cell subculture was done from a previously cultured flask containing BHK-21 cells. Prepared inocula (positive for serotype O, A, Asia 1) were inoculated into BHK-21 cell culture and cytopathic effects (CPE) were observed in BHK-21 cell line characterized by rounding and flattening of the cells, multinucleated giant cells formation, breaking down of the intracellular bridges and finally cell death indicated the presence of FMDV. Adaptation of the virus into baby hamster kidney-21 cell line was confirmed by detection of viral infection in infected cells by RT-PCR with serotype specific primers. The cell adapted foot and mouth disease virus in the present study provides a scope to undertake further research on foot and mouth disease virus in Bangladesh towards development of trivalent FMD vaccine for use in the country.

Background: Brucellosis is an endemic disease in Bangladesh which has economic impacts attributable to humans and animals. To control bovine brucellosis two types of vaccines are available- vaccine S19 and vaccine SRB51 but they have some adverse effects. On the other hand the heat killed vaccine produces less immunity but no adverse effect. Vaccination against brucellosis in Bangladesh has not yet been initiated and not recommended in subsistence management systems due to very low level of prevalence. But in commercial management systems the prevalence is reported to be higher and vaccination may be initiated. Before importing live vaccine which have some adverse effects locally prepared killed vaccine can be tested for its immune response. Hence this study was undertaken to evaluate the immune response of heat killed vaccine prepared from local isolate in guinea pig. Methods: Brucella abortus recently isolated from aborted fetal membranes (unpublished data) was used for vaccine production. Pour plate technique was used by tenfold serial dilution of the isolate to count cfu (colony forming unit)/ml of Brucella abortus for dose calculation of heat killed vaccine. Bacterial pellet was prepared by centrifugation of 200ml of the cultured broth at 10,000 rpm for 10 mins. The bacterial pellet was mixed with required amount of PBS (phosphate buffer saline) to obtain 40×1010 cfu organisms in 2ml dose for guinea pig inoculation. Then heat killed vaccine was prepared by heating the organism at 80˚C for 90 minutes and the prepared vaccine was inoculated subcutaneously 2ml (4×1010cfu) in each of the guinea pig. The sera of guinea pigs were collected at 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th and 9th week after inoculation to determine the reciprocal antibody (Ab) titre by Rose Bengal test (RBT) and to examine the rise of antibody level by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: The antibody level started to rise significantly (p

Barhl1, a mouse homologous gene of Drosophila BarH class homeobox genes, is highly expressed within the inner ear and crucial for the long-term maintenance of auditory hair cells that mediate hearing and balance, yet little is known about the molecular events underlying Barhl1 regulation and function in hair cells. In this study, through data mining and in vitro report assay, we firstly identified Barhl1 as a direct target gene of Atoh1 and one E-box (E3) in Barhl1 3&rsquo, enhancer is crucial for Atoh1-mediated Barhl1 activation. Then we generated a mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) line carrying disruptions on this E3 site E-box (CAGCTG) using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and this E3 mutated mESC line is further subjected to an efficient stepwise hair cell differentiation strategy in vitro. Disruptions on this E3 site caused dramatic loss of Barhl1 expression and significantly reduced the number of induced hair cell-like cells, while no affections on the differentiation toward early primitive ectoderm-like cells and otic progenitors. Finally, through RNA-seq profiling and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, we found that this E3 box was indispensable for Barhl1 expression to maintain hair cell development and normal functions. We also compared the transcriptional profiles of induced cells from CDS mutated and E3 mutated mESCs, respectively, and got very consistent results except the Barhl1 transcript itself. These observations indicated that Atoh1-mediated Barhl1 expression could have important roles during auditory hair cell development. In brief, our findings delineate the detail molecular mechanism of Barhl1 expression regulation in auditory hair cell differentiation.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. However, there are no peripheral biomarkers available that can detect AD onset. This study aimed to identify the molecular signatures in AD through an integrative analysis of blood gene expression data. We used two microarray datasets (GSE4226 and GSE4229) comparing peripheral blood transcriptomes of AD patients and controls to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene set and protein overrepresentation analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI), DEGs-Transcription Factors (TFs) interactions, DEGs-microRNAs (miRNAs) interactions, protein-drug interactions, and protein subcellular localizations analyses were performed on DEGs common to the datasets. We identified 25 common DEGs between the two datasets. Integration of genome scale transcriptome datasets with biomolecular networks revealed hub genes (NOL6, ATF3, TUBB, UQCRC1, CASP2, SND1, VCAM1, BTF3, VPS37B), common transcription factors (FOXC1, GATA2, NFIC, PPARG, USF2, YY1) and miRNAs (mir-20a-5p, mir-93-5p, mir-16-5p, let-7b-5p, mir-708-5p, mir-24-3p, mir-26b-5p, mir-17-5p, mir-193-3p, mir-186-5p). Evaluation of histone modifications revealed that hub genes possess several histone modification sites associated with AD. Protein-drug interactions revealed 10 compounds that affect the identified AD candidate biomolecules, including anti-neoplastic agents (Vinorelbine, Vincristine, Vinblastine, Epothilone D, Epothilone B, CYT997, and ZEN-012), a dermatological (Podofilox) and an immunosuppressive agent (Colchicine). The subcellular localization of molecular signatures varied, including nuclear, plasma membrane and cytosolic proteins. In the present study, it was identified blood-cell derived molecular signatures that might be useful as candidate peripheral biomarkers in AD. It was also identified potential drugs and epigenetic data associated with these molecules that may be useful in designing therapeutic approaches to ameliorate AD.

A double-edged rice paddy herbicide A useful herbicide kills weeds but spares the crop of interest. For many rice paddies, the herbicide benzobicyclon (BBC) serves this purpose. But some rice strains are susceptible to BBC, which diminishes its value in weed control. Maeda et al. uncovered the genetic cause controlling the response to the herbicide: resistant rice cultivars have an oxidase that detoxifies BBC herbicides. Susceptible rice varieties carried genetic mutations that disabled the oxidase. The gene HPPD INHIBITOR SENSITIVE 1 , which encodes the oxidase, may be useful for developing BBC-resistant crops. Science , this issue p. 393

Aedes aegypti is a major vector of arboviruses such as dengue (DENV), Chikungunya (CHIKV) and Zika (ZIKV) that may be controlled on an area-wide basis using the sterile insect technique (SIT). Larval diet is a major

In this present study, the extracted oil from the mesocarp fibers was characterized by the determination of iodine, free fatty acid, ester and acid value found in a reasonable range which contained a remarkable amount of fatty acids. The Reichert-Meissl values were found zero indicating the lower rancidity properties of these oils. B. flabellifer crude oil contains lauric, tetradecanoic, palmitic, palmitoleic, octadecanoic, cis-9-oleic, linoleic, linolenic, docosanoic acid whereas the N. fruticans contains the same fatty acids with an extra arachidic, except palmitic acid. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannin, phenolic, and flavonoid content for both samples. Antioxidant results showed that the IC50 for B. flabellifer was lower than N. fruticans suggesting that the B. flabellifer was more effective than N. fruticans as a preservative which might be due to the presence of phenolic and flavonoid contents that could be used as potential medicinal and preservative agents.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is paroxysms of vertigo occurring with certain head movements, typically looking up or turning over in bed comprising about 20% of Dizziness cases. This study was carried out to evaluate the Efficacy of canalith repositioning procedure(CRP) in BPPV. A randomized clinical trial including 80 patients with BPPV was performed Medicine & Neurology Outpatient Department, Chittagong Medical College Hospital. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group A treated by anti-vertigo drug and CRP, Group B treated by anti-vertigo drug alone. All patients were followed up in hospital at one week after & 4 weeks. The rates of effectiveness of CRP treatment and the control treatment for were 86.8% and 59.4%, respectively. There was a significant difference (27.4%) in the outcomes of the CRP & control groups (P

In tropical climate, huge amount of fertilizer need to be used for the cultivation of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) in Beach Ridges Interspersed with Swales (BRIS) soil, however this approach is not cost effective and environmental friendly. Therefore, the optimizing of fertilizer rate for BRIS soils and selection of suitable soil amendments are crucial to get a higher yield. In this study, the effects of different combinations of urea, chicken manure and biochar on soil properties, growth performance and physiological characteristics of kenaf cultivated on the BRIS soil were investigated. Eight treatments were conducted namely: control (T1), biochar (T2), chicken manure (T3), urea (T4), chicken manure + urea (T5), biochar + chicken manure (T6), urea + biochar (T7) and biochar + chicken manure + urea (T8). The biomass and physiological characteristics of kenaf were recorded every month, while the soil was analyzed following a standard laboratory procedure. The application of organic and inorganic...

Chitinases are a group of enzymes that show differences in their molecular structure, substrate specificity, and catalytic mechanism and widely found in organisms like bacteria, yeasts, fungi, arthropods actinomycetes, plants and humans. A novel chitinase enzyme (designated as TDSC) was purified from Trichosanthes dioica seed with a molecular mass of 39±1 kDa in the presence and absence of β-mercaptoethanol. The enzyme was a glycoprotein in nature containing 8% neutral sugar. The N-terminal sequence was determined to be EINGGGA which did not match with other proteins. Amino acid analysis performed by LC-MS revealed that the protein was rich in leucine. The enzyme was stable at a wide range of pH (5.0-11.0) and temperature (30-90 °C). Chitinase activity was little bit inhibited in the presence of chelating agent EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraaceticacid), urea and Ca(2+). A strong fluorescence quenching effect was found when dithiothreitol and sodium dodecyl sulfate were added to the enzyme. TDSC showed antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma sp. as tested by MTT assay and disc diffusion method.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of vernalization and GA3 on seed yield and reproductive quality of summer onion. There were three vernalization treatments viz., no vernalization (control), vernalization at 5°C for 14 days and vernalization at 10°C for 14 days and four GA3 treatment viz., 0, 50, 100 and 150 ppm. The two-factor experiment was conducted in the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Combination between vernalization and GA3 was significant on the parameters such as plant height, number of leaves plant-1, the highest number of flowering stalk, number of umbels plant-1, number of bud umbel-1, percent flowering at 45 and 60 DAP, number of seeds umbel-1, weight of seeds umbel-1, weight of seeds plant-1, weight of seeds plot-1, 1000 seed weight, seed yield, number of fruits umbel-1, percent of fruit set umbel-1and percent germination. Combined effect of vernalization & GA3 was considered the highest seed yield (280.42 kgha-1) was obtained from vernalization at 5°C for 14 days with 100 ppm GA3. The lowest values of all the parameters were recorded in the control treatment. No limitation is found in the present experiment. Combined use of proper vernalization of mother bulb and suitable concentration of gibberellic acid can be one possible way to expand onion production during the summer.

Every year huge quantity of mangoes is lost due to lack of proper postharvest storage condition. Various treatments are used to minimize postharvest losses and extend shelf life. So, an experiment was carried out at the Laboratories of the Department of Horticulture and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from July to October, 2018 to investigate the effect of variety and different postharvest treatments to extend shelf life of mango. The two-factor experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block design with three replications. The factors taken for the experiments were (i) three varieties of mango, viz., V1= Langra, V2= Fazli and V3= Ashwina and (ii) six postharvest treatments, viz., T1 = control; T2 = perforated low density polythene (LDPE) bag with KMnO4; T3 = perforated LDPE bag without KMnO4; T4 = mustard oil coating; T5 = hot water treatment (50º C) for 5 minutes; T6 = garlic extracts. Freshly harvested mango was treated with those different treatments. Untreated mango was considered as control. The treated fruits showed significant differences in case of peel color, firmness, total weight loss, disease incidence and severity, and shelf life compared to control fruits. Among the treatments, T2 perforated LDPE with KMnO4 showed the longest shelf life (12 days), less disease incidence and severity and the lowest weight loss at 9 DAS days after storage. The treatment T5 (hot water treatment @ 50º C for 5 minutes) was also found effective for maintaining postharvest quality of mango stored at ambient conditions. [J Bangladesh Agril Univ 2020; 18(1.000): 40-46]

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. However, there are no peripheral biomarkers available that can detect AD onset. This study aimed to identify such AD biomarkers through an integrative analysis of blood cell gene expression data. We used two microarray datasets (GSE4226 and GSE4229) comparing blood cell transcriptomes of AD patients and matched controls to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Geneset and protein overrepresentation analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI), DEGs-Transcription Factor interactions, DEGs-MicroRNAs interactions, protein-drug interactions, and protein subcellular localizations analyses were performed on DEGs common to the datasets. We identified 25 common DEGs between the two datasets. Integration of genome scale transcriptome datasets with biomolecular networks revealed hub genes (TUBB, ATF3, NOL6, UQCRC1, SND1, CASP2, BTF3, INPP5K, VCAM1, and CSTF1), common transcription factors (FOXC1, ZNF3, GEMIN7, and SMG9) and miRNAs (mir-20a-5p, mir-93-5p, mir-16-5p, let-7b-5p, mir-708-5p, mir-24-3p, mir-26b-5p, mir-17-5p, mir-4270, and mir-4441). These included 8 previously identified AD markers (BTF3, VCAM, FOXC1, mir-26b-5p, mir-20a-5p, mir-93-5p, let-7b-5p, mir-24-3p) and 13 novel AD biomarkers. Evaluation of histone modification revealed that hub genes and transcription factors possess several histone modification sites associated with AD. Protein-drug interactions revealed 10 compounds that affect the identified AD candidate markers, including anti-neoplastic agents (Vinorelbine, Vincristine, Vinblastine, Epothilone D, Epothilone B, CYT997, and ZEN-012), a dermatological (Podofilox) and an immunosuppressive agent (Colchicine). The subcellular localization of markers varied, including nuclear, plasma membrane and cytosolic proteins. This study identified blood-cell derived molecular biomarker signatures that might be useful as peripheral biomarkers in AD. This study also identified drug and epigenetic data associated with these molecules that may be useful in designing therapeutic approaches to ameliorate AD.

Heavy metal pollution of the soil environment has become a major source of concern and continues to pose serious health problems to both humans and ecological systems worldwide. Phytoremediation is a biological treatment whereby plants are used to remove pollutant from the environment. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of Melastoma malabathricum as a phytoremediator to absorb heavy metals from soil contaminated with sewage sludge. Melastoma malabathricum seedlings were planted on six different growth media: T0 - Control (100 % soil), T1 (80 % soil + 20 % sewage sludge), T2 (60 % soil + 40 % sewage sludge), T3 (40 % soil + 60 % sewage sludge), T4 (20 % soil + 80 % sewage sludge) and T5 (100 % sludge). There were differences found in both growth parameters and plant biomass. The highest growth performance such as plant height and number of leaves was found in T3. Iron was highly accumulated in the roots, Cu in the stems in T3, while Pb was accumulated in leaves in T5. The results showed the lowest Translocation Factor (TF) and highest Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) values in relation to the following elements: Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn. Melastoma malabathricum roots are able to uptake and translocate the elements into the plant's shoots. Therefore, it can be considered a good accumulator plant due to its capability of concentrating contaminants in aerial tissue. Melastoma malabathricum were thus found to be suitable for absorbing heavy metals in contaminated soils, and this species can also be considered an effective phtyoremediator of contaminated soil and mitigator of soil pollution.

Amylolytic inhibition is one of the most potential strategies in controlling hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic subjects. Okra, a popular vegetable, contains an appreciable medicinal value. In Asia, vigorous cooking vegetables cause loss of some bioactive properties of immense health benefit. This paper describes whether cooking of okra affects its reported carbohydrase inhibitory action. Methanolic extract of fresh and cooked okra was assayed for total phenolic content, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The phenolic content and inhibitory activity were reduced on cooking but were not completely destroyed even after 10 min of baking at 180 °C. The inhibition was of competitive type against mammalian α-glucosidase and of mixed type against mammalian α-amylase. The results indicated okra pods to be a potential anti-hyperglycemic agent even if eaten after cooking. The total phenolic content (146.36±0.12 mg% GAE) and in vitro IC50 value (86±0.98 µg) suggest that regular intake of 100 g fresh okra as salad can vitally help maintain blood sugar level of a moderate type 2 diabetic subject.

Depressive illness is a significant risk factor for ovarian cancer development (OC). The underlying mechanism is unclear (perhaps involving altered neuroendocrine factors), but identifying associated alterations in gene expression of OC in depression sufferers may uncover novel factors that affect OC progression. We thus analyzed microarray gene expression data from OC tissue taken from patients diagnosed with and without depression. We identified 34 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of depression from OC patients. Gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses indicated several molecular pathways including complement and coagulation cascades, the hippo signaling pathway, ether lipid metabolism, the MAPK signaling pathway, and antigen processing and presentation were overrepresented among DEGs. Subsequent, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis revealed pathway hub proteins (FOS, EGR1, JUNB, HSPA1B, FGFR3, TRIB1, CTSB, SERPINE1), regulatory transcription factors (TFs; FOS, EGR1, JUNB) and one miRNA, miR-101-5p from TFs-miRNAs coregulatory networks. The prognostic survival analysis of the DEGs revealed CXCL12, ARL4C, NQO2 associated with worse OC survival outcomes. Protein-metabolite interaction network analysis showed that upregulated protein CHPT1 (a choline phosphotransferase) interacts with four important phospholipid synthesis and signaling metabolites. Protein-drug interaction analysis revealed SERPINE1 and PLAT proteins interact with compounds that include thrombolytic drugs, plasmin inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, NSAIDs, and hypertension treatments. Thus, we identified evidence for factors and pathways altered in OC tissue when patient depression is evident, and characterized important aspects of these OC-depression links that may be instrumental in developing new treatments for OC patients. Keywords: Ovarian cancer, Depression, Drug targets, Biomarker signatures, Differentially expressed genes, Protein-protein interaction, Protein-metabolite interaction, Protein-drug interactions, Survival analysis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a severely disabling disease affecting the brain and spinal cord. The detection of MS at an early stage is difficult. However, detection of MS from blood cell gene expression may ameliorate the early identification of MS. The present study addressed overlapped genes between blood cell and brain tissues of MS patients. We analyzed microarray gene expression brain tissue datasets and eQTL data to identify overlapped genes in the blood and brain of MS patients. We identified 23 overlapped differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (PWP2, UPK3BL, NFATC3, NPIPA5, KNOP1, PIK3C2B, LDLRAP1, HN1L, FAM226B, STAG3L2, ZNF814, BMS1P5, SDCCAG8, CLN8, ARHGEF7, NEAT1, ANKRD42, C5orf34, DOK6, PKN2, SP1, DBF4B, VAMP3) in the blood cells and brain tissues of MS patients. The axon guidance mediated and postsynaptic differentiation associated pathways were enriched by the DEGs. The significant regulatory transcription factors (TFs) including SP1, ARNT, MEF2A, YY1, EGR1, MIF, FOS, NFYA, TFAP2A, MYC, USF, MXI1, JUN, MAX, E2F1, POU3F2, GABPA, TFAP2C, CUX1, 2623, SPI1 and microRNAs (miRNAs) including miR-650, miR-223, miR-9, miR-181b, miR-190, miR-561, miR-520c-3p, miR-658, miR-199b-5p, miR-660, miR-20 were identified in MS. The candidate drugs were determined from drug target overrepresentation analysis. This study provides biomarkers at protein levels (hub proteins and TFs) and RNA levels (mRNAs, miRNAs) in MS subjects that were similarly dysregulated in both blood and brain tissues. Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, Molecular biomarkers, Blood-brain common gene, Differentially expressed genes, Protein-protein interaction, cis-eQTL, Transcription factors, microRNAs

The Sundarbans, the world’s largest single expanse of natural mangroves located in southern Bangladesh, is the most productive mangrove ecosystem in the world. Ceriops decandra (Griff.) Ding Hou is the dominant shrub in the strong saline zone of the Sundarbans and is mainly extracted for fuel wood, charcoal and tannin. The harvest of C. decandra has decreased by about 50 % in the Sundarbans during the last 10 years creating a major concern. This study derived allometric models of above-ground biomass and estimated of above-ground standing and harvestable biomass and nutrient stock in C. decandra in dominant forest types (C. decandra and C. decandra–Excoecaria agallocha) in the Sundarbans. Allometric relationships between collar girth (CG) and biomass of plant parts (leaf, branch and stem) were tested using linear, power and logarithmic equations. The power equation was found to be most suitable. The density and the estimated total aboveground biomass of C. decandra in C. decandra and C. decandra–E. agallocha forest types were 33,237 and 965 stems/ha (density) and 33.49 and 14.36 t/ha (biomass), respectively. Also, 13.56 and 6.61 t/ha of harvestable biomass were estimated, from C. decandra and C. decandra–E. agallocha forest types, respectively. Nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus concentrations in the leaves, branches and stems showed significant (p < 0.05) variation. The findings of the present study will help to quantify the impact of present harvesting techniques and alteration of different silvicultural intervention like fixation of felling cycle, felling criterion, and regeneration and slash treatment.

Geographically, Bangladesh is considered to be one of the most cyclone-prone areas in the world. The super cyclone Sidr in 2007 was one of the most devastating disasters to have ever occurred in Bangladesh, having wind speeds of 223 km/h with a tidal surge of 6.1–7.6 m high. In order to draw a pre- and post-Sidr damage and management scenario, a survey was conducted at Dumki upazila, Patuakhali district in Bangladesh with a pretested questionnaire. Primary data were collected through a questionnaire, while secondary data were collected from pertinent offices as well as academic journals. The major focus of this study was to assess the state of pre-Sidr tree plantations (woody and fruit trees), the devastation caused by Sidr on these tree plantations, and post-Sidr recovery and further sustainable management initiatives to counteract a possible future neo-Sidr. The post-Sidr study showed that about 16.84 million woody and fruit trees were uprooted by Sidr. A total of 3,120 rain tree (Samanea saman L.), 7,548 mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni L.), 1,444 royal siris (Albizzia richardiana L.), 702 white siris (Albizzia procera L.), 1,214 mango (Mangifera indica L.), 1,092 coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), 1,380 jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.), and 7,640 betel nut (Areca catechu L.) trees were sampled among which 922, 1,662, 382, 210, 106, 38, 362, and 1,652 trees, respectively, were markedly damaged by Sidr. Sexually propagated woody trees with a damaged taproot were vulnerable to heavy wind during the cyclone. Fruit trees were more resistant to the cyclone than other types of trees, and the lack of proper tree training and pruning was one of the principal causes of the severe damage to woody trees. Hence, plantations of woody tree saplings with damaged taproots are strongly discouraged. However, proper training and pruning of homestead trees together with plantation of fruit trees rather than woody trees is suggested as a possible effective management strategy to protect the homestead ecosystem from devastation by future cyclones in Bangladesh.

Soil aggregation is an important ecosystem process mediated by soil organisms. Collembola and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are major soil biota representing different functional groups, and are known as two key promoters of soil aggregation. Although several studies have experimentally demonstrated that AM fungi and, more recently, collembola affect soil structure, there is no study investigating how both soil organisms affect soil aggregation excluding the influence of plant roots, another important driver of soil aggregation. Considering the importance of AM fungi and collembola in terrestrial ecosystems, here we asked if both organisms have any influence on soil aggregation when roots are not present. In order to examine this question we conducted a completely factorial greenhouse study manipulating the presence of both collembola and AM fungi and excluded the roots of Plantago lanceolata using a 38 μm nylon screen compartment. We quantified soil aggregation as water stable soil aggregates in four size classes in the hyphal compartment and monitored a number of other explanatory variables, including AM (and non-AM) fungal soil hyphal length. The soil in the hyphal compartment showed greater soil aggregation with larger mean weight diameter when collembola were present, and a similar result was found in the presence of AM fungi, compared to control treatments. Moreover, combined presence of both AM fungi and collembola resulted in a non-additive increase of soil aggregation. Our study clearly indicated that collembola can enhance soil aggregation, that they can partially complement effects of AM fungi, and that these effects are independent of roots.

With increasing water shortages in China, rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation is gradually shifting away from continuously flooded conditions to partly or even completely aerobic conditions. The effects of this shift on the growth and iron (Fe) nutrition of different aerobic and lowland rice genotypes are poorly understood. A field experiment was conducted to determine the effects of cultivation system (aerobic vs. flooded), genotype (five aerobic rice varieties and one lowland rice variety), and Fe fertilization [no Fe and 30 kg ha−1 ferrous sulfate (FeSO4·7H2O] on rice grain yield and Fe nutrition. Plants were sampled at tillering and physiological maturity. In both aerobic and flooded plots, Fe application significantly increased shoot dry weight, shoot Fe concentration, and shoot Fe content at tillering but not physiological maturity. At physiological maturity, grain yield and Fe and grain harvest indices were significantly lower in aerobic than in flooded plots. Shoot dry weight and shoot Fe content d...

Soil aggregation is a principal ecosystem process mediated by soil biota. Collembola and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are important groups in the soil, and can interact in various ways. Few studies have examined collembola effects on soil aggregation, while many have quantified AM effects. Here, we asked if collembola have any effect on soil aggregation, and if they alter AM fungi-mediated effects on soil aggregation. We carried out a factorial greenhouse study, manipulating the presence of both collembola and AM fungi, using two different plant species, Sorghum vulgare and Daucus carota. We measured root length and biomass, AMF (and non-AMF) soil hyphal length, root colonization, and collembolan populations, and quantified water stable soil aggregates (WSA) in four size classes. Soil exposed to growth of AMF hyphae and collembola individually had higher WSA than control treatments. Moreover, the interaction effects between AMF and collembola were significant, with non-additive increases in the combined application compared to the single treatments. Our findings show that collembola can play a crucial role in maintaining ecological sustainability through promoting soil aggregation, and point to the importance of considering organism interactions in understanding formation of soil structure.

BACKGROUND: Zinc (Zn) deficiency, a major problem limiting crop production worldwide, is common on calcareous soils of China. Using such a Zn-deficient soil supplied adequately with plant mineral nutrients, with or without Zn, 30 Chinese maize genotypes were grown for 30 days in a greenhouse pot experiment and assessed for Zn efficiency (ZE), measured as relative biomass under Zn-limiting compared with non-limiting conditions. RESULTS: Substantial variation in tolerance to low Zn nutritional status was observed within the maize genotypes. Tolerant genotypes did not show Zn deficiency symptoms at the studied early seedling growth, and there was a well-defined relationship between shoot dry matter and the ZE trait. ZE values ranged on average from 45 to 100% for shoot dry weight. Under low available soil Zn conditions, shoot and root dry weights, shoot Zn concentration and content, leaf superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, leaf area and plant height were all correlated with ZE. Shoot Zn and phosphorus (P) concentrations were negatively correlated. CONCLUSION: Three genotypes (L55 × 178, L114 × 178 and Zhongnong 99) were identified as highly Zn-efficient and three (L53 × 178, L105 × 178 and L99 × 178) as very low in ZE. This selection allows further work to evaluate ZE based on grain yield and grain Zn concentration, including field experiments likely to benefit farmers producing maize on Chinese soils low in available Zn. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry

In many regions, drought during flowering and grain-filling inhibits micronutrient acquisition by roots resulting in yield losses and low micronutrient concentrations in cereal grains. A field and a greenhouse experiment were conducted to study the effect of foliar applications of zinc (Zn), boron (B), and manganese (Mn) at late growth stages of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown with or without drought stress from booting to maturity. Foliar applications of Zn, B, and Mn did not affect grain yield in the absence of drought. However, under drought, foliar application of Zn and B in the field increased grain yield (15% and 19%, respectively) as well as raising grain Zn and B concentration, while Zn and Mn sprays in the greenhouse increased grain yield (13% and 10%, respectively), and also increased grain Zn and Mn concentrations. Furthermore, under drought stress both in the field and greenhouse experiment the rate of photosynthesis, pollen viability, number of fertile spikes, number of grains per spike, and particularly water-use efficiency (WUE) were increased by late foliar application of micronutrients. These results indicate that by increasing WUE foliar application of Zn, B, and Mn at booting to anthesis can reduce the harmful effects of drought stress that often occur during the late stages of winter wheat production. These findings therefore are of high relevance for farmers' practice, the extension service, and fertilizer industry.

In this study, the response of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Acacia mangium kraft pulp to different options of ECF bleaching was investigated. Oxygen-delignified pulps of both species having similar kappa number (c.a. 12) were used. Both the pulps were prebleached using conventional ClO2 stage (D0), combined use of ClO2 and O3 (DZ), hot acid treatment before D0 (AhotD0) and hot acid treatment before (DZ) i.e., Ahot(DZ), hot ClO2 treatment (DHT) and Ahot followed by DHT (AhotDHT). All prebleached pulps were finally bleached to 90%+ ISO brightness using D1 option. The overall benefits of other options were not considerable compared to D0 and (DZ). From the ClO2 consumption point of view, for a certain species, the option Ahot(DZ) was the best. Instead of D1 in final bleaching, pressurized hydrogen peroxide (PO) was also investigated in the case of D0 and (DZ) prebleached pulps. (PO)-bleached pulp produced higher brightness stability but lower viscosity compared to D1.

At the onset of flowering, the Arabidopsis thaliana primary inflorescence meristem starts to produce flower meristems on its flank. Determination of floral fate is associated with changes in the growth pattern and expression of meristem identity genes and suppression of a subtending leaf called a bract. Here, we show a role in floral fate determination and bract suppression for the PUCHI gene, an AP2/EREBP family gene that has previously been reported to play roles in lateral root morphogenesis. Mutations in PUCHI cause partial conversion of flowers to inflorescences, indicating that PUCHI is required for flower meristem identity. PUCHI is transiently expressed in the early flower meristem and accelerates meristem bulging while it prevents the growth of the bract primordium. The function of PUCHI in floral fate determination and bract suppression overlaps that of the BLADE-ON-PETIOLE1 (BOP1) and BOP2 genes, which encode a pair of redundant regulatory proteins involved in various developmental processes, including leaf morphogenesis and flower patterning. We also show that PUCHI acts together with BOP1 and BOP2 to promote expression of LEAFY and APETALA1, two central regulators of floral meristem identity. Expression patterns of the PUCHI and BOP genes point to a role in spatial control of flower-specific activation of these meristem identity genes.

Polyphenol-rich marine macroalgae are gaining dietary importance due to their influence over diabetes mellitus and the role as a vital source of high-value nutraceuticals. Their assorted beneficial effects on human health include competitive inhibition of digestive enzymes, varying the activity of hepatic glucose-metabolizing enzymes, lowering the plasma glucose levels, and lipid peroxidation, delaying the aging process.In this paper, we review the health beneficial effects of polyphenols and phlorotannins from brown seaweeds with special emphasis on their inhibitory effects on carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes.A survey of literature from databases such as Sciencedirect, Scopus, Pubmed, Springerlink, and Google Scholar from the year 1973 to 2013 was done to bring together the information relating to drug discovery from brown seaweeds as a source for diabetes treatment.Over the past two decades, 20 different bioactive polyphenols/phlorotannins have been isolated and studied from 10 different brown algae. Discussion of the positive effect on the inhibition of enzymes metabolizing carbohydrates in both in vitro and in vivo experiments are included.Despite the recent advancements in isolating bioactive compounds from seaweeds with potential health benefit or pharmaceutical behavior, studies on the polyphenol effectiveness on glucose homeostasis in human beings are very few in response to their functional characterization. Added research in this area is required to confirm the close connection of polyphenol rich seaweed-based diet consumption with glucose homeostasis and the exciting possibility of prescribing polyphenols to treat the diabetes pandemic.

Effluent loads from different traditional and emerging ECF bleaching sequences were investigated. Oxygen delignified Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Acacia mangium kraft pulps having similar kappa number, ca 12.0 were used in this study. Different ECF bleaching sequences were compared with reference sequence, D 0 EopD 1 in terms of effluent load, such as AOX, COD and TOC. Depending on the nature of sequences 6.0 to 63.0% chlorine dioxide consumption was reduced and as a result the amount of AOX formation was also reduced. The effluent from sequences (DZ)EopD 1, DHTEopD1, AhotD0EopD1, Ahot(DZ)EopD1 and ZEopD1 showed marginally higher COD and TOC in comparison with reference sequence, D 0 EopD 1 . Sequences like, D 0 EopQ(PO) and (DZ)EopQ(PO) having (PO) instead D 1 of reference sequence reduced AOX in effluent substantially; but COD and TOC loads were increased. In all cases acacia gave marginally higher effluent loads compared to eucalyptus.

α-Amylase, a starch splitting enzyme, was purified to homogeneity from post-harvest Pachyrhizus erosus L. tuber by successive chromatography on DEAE- and CM-cellulose columns. Purification achieved was 110 fold from the crude extract with a yield of 22.8%. SDS-PAGE showed a molecular weight of 40 kDa for the enzyme. The enzyme is of α-type as it lost total activity in the presence of EDTA, a chelating agent. It is a glycoprotein that contains 2.6% sugar as estimated by the phenol-sulfuric acid method. The enzyme displayed optimum activity at pH 7.3 and 37 °C with an apparent Km value of 0.29% for starch as substrate. The enzyme was strongly inhibited by Cu2+, Fe2+ and Zn2+, moderately by Li2+, Hg+ and Cd2+ and slightly by Ag+, Mg2+ and K+. Calcium ion almost doubled the activity whereas Fe3+, Mn2+ and Na+ enhanced it appreciably.

Objective: The present research work was undertaken with the objectives to investigate the prevalence and molecular detection of the causal agents of sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) in cows at milk shed areas in Sirajganj and Pabna districts, Bangladesh. Materials and methods: A total of 300 milk samples were randomly collected from Baghabari milk shed areas of Sirajganj and Pabna districts. The milk samples were subjected for California Mastitis Test (CMT) for identifying SCM. Total 81 positive samples were then used for the isolation and identification of associated bacteria and fungi using conventional microbiological examination and biochemical tests, followed by confirmation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers. Besides, universal primers were used for amplification and sequencing of PCR products where specific primers were not used. Results: The overall prevalence of SCM was 51% (n=153/300). Based on bacteriological examination and biochemical tests, several bacteria were identified in this study; the orgnaisms included Staphylococcus sp. (45.68%) , Streptococcus uberis (14.81%) , Escherichia coli (9.88%), Proteus sp. (19.75%) , Salmonella sp. (1.23%) , Acinetobacter sp. (7.41%), and fungus (1.23%). PCR technique confirmed the bacteria as Staphylococcus aureus (279-bp), Streptococcus uberis (884-bp), E. coli (16SrRNA 585-bp, stx 1 606-bp, rfbO157 497-bp) and Salmonella sp. ( Inv-A gene796-bp). Conclusion: This study reveals that SCM in dairy cattle is persisting in Sirajganj and Pabna districts of Bangladesh. Hygienic practices should be improved, and providing technical intereventions may reduce the rate of SCM in the study areas. http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2017.d238

Arsenic exposure is associated with cancer and vascular diseases. Angiogenesis is an important step for the pathological development of cancer and vascular diseases. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a specific marker for angiogenesis. However, human study showing the association between arsenic exposure and serum VEGF levels has not yet been documented. This study was aimed to investigate the association between arsenic exposure and serum VEGF levels in the arsenic-endemic individuals in Bangladesh. A total of 260 individuals were recruited for this study. Arsenic exposure levels were measured by ICP-MS and VEGF levels were quantified using VEGF immunoassay kit. The study subjects were stratified into tertile (low, medium and high) groups based on the arsenic in water, hair and nails. Serum VEGF levels were correlated with water (rs = 0.363, p0.001), hair (rs = 0.205, p0.01) and nail (rs = 0.190, p0.01) arsenic. Further, VEGF levels showed dose-response relationships with water, hair and nail arsenic. Mean VEGF levels in ⩽ 10 μg L(-1), 10.1-50 μg L(-1) and50 μg L(-1) groups were 91.84, 129.54, and 169.86 pg mL(-1), respectively, however, significant (p0.01) difference in VEGF levels was only found in50 μg L(-1) versus ⩽ 10 μg L(-1) groups. Significant associations of arsenic exposure with VEGF levels were found even after adjusting with relevant covariates. Therefore, these results provide evidence that arsenic exposure has a pro-angiogenic effect on humans, which may be implicated in arsenic-induced tumorigenesis and vascular diseases.

The molecular mass distribution, amino acid composition and radical-scavenging activity of collagen hydrolysates prepared from collagen isolated from the sea cucumber Stichopus vastus were investigated. β and α1 chains of the collagen were successfully hydrolysed by trypsin. The molecular mass distribution of the hydrolysates ranged from 5 to 25 kDa, and they were rich in glycine, alanine, glutamate, proline and hydroxyproline residues. The hydrolysates exhibited excellent radical-scavenging activity. These results indicate that collagen hydrolysates from S. vastus can be used as a functional ingredient in food and nutraceutical products.