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The widespread cycad Cycas pectinata was first discovered in the Bengal region by William Griffith in Baroiyadhala forest of Chattogram in 1838. In Bangladesh, this species is confined to a few hills at Baroiyadhala, Sitakunda upazila of Chattogram district. Though the Baroiyadhala forests were declared a national park in 2010, the loss of this native gymnosperm from this forest is alarming. The present study aimed to assess the status of C. pectinata populations in its native range, identify the drivers responsible for ongoing losses, and identify locations of C. pectinata occurrence in Baroiyadhala National Park suitable for in situ conservation. A random quadrat survey with 21 sample plots of 100 x 100 m was conducted during April-June 2018 in Baroiyadhala National Park. Population and growth data for C. pectinata were collected from each sample plot, along with observations of disturbances. Four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with adjacent local people. The study revealed presence of 12 C. pectinata individuals per hectare and five seedlings per hectare in the study area, and significant numbers of dead and burned Cycas were also found in some sites. Based on density, five C. pectinata hotspots were identified for in situ conservation programs. Habitat destruction, indiscriminate fire, and unsustainable harvesting of leaves and male and female cones are responsible for rapid declines in C. pectinata populations in its wild habitat. Measures for protection and restoration of the species are creating awareness among the local people about ecological importance of this species; enhancing protection; banning trade of Cycas; creating opportunities of sustainable livelihood for local people to reduce dependency on forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The reproductive physiology of goat is least understood compared to cattle, sheep and pig and most of the description of goat is usually made as if it is identical to sheep. The biometric and histomorphometric analyses of female reproductive system of Black Bengal goats were performed in this study. Methods: During October 2016 to February 2019 a total of 200 female reproductive tracts (50 from each age category of = 6 months (m), 7-12 m, 13-18 m and 19-24 m) were collected and examined from various slaughter houses of Kishoreganj district of Bangladesh. For biometric study the length, width and weight of different segments of female reproductive tracts were measured. In addition, the morphometry of different parts of female genitalia was analyzed at histology. One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni's Multiple Comparison Test was performed to compare between different age groups and paired organs. Results: Overall the size of most parts of the reproductive tract of goats increased with ages and 19-24 m group had the highest values. In paired organs such as ovaries, uterine tubes and uterine horns, the right organs were significantly bigger than the left one. Similarly, at morphometric analysis, the length of all histologic parts such as cortex and medulla of ovary, tunica mucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica serosa of uterine tube, uterus, vagina and vulva increased significantly with ages and the highest values observed at age category of 19-24 m. Conclusion: The knowledge of the biometrical and morphometric parameters of female genitalia of Black Bengal goats would help in performing artificial insemination, pregnancy diagnosis and treating infertility related problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the importance of developing suitable laws and regulations to experience socio-economic development in Bangladesh. It notes the large economy of the country in terms of gross domestic product (GDP), however, it lacks solid regulations that ensure speedy resolutions to corporate and financial disputes. It also recommends steps for the government to improve its legal mechanism to fuel sustainable growth, stronger economy, and pro-people of governance.

Objective: To assess trends of smoking and the relation between smoking behavior of undergraduate medical students and their attitudes towards smoking and treatment of tobacco dependence. Methodology: Data was collected from the medical students of Rajshahi Islami Bank Medical College, Bangladesh. A total of 200 male students completed the anonymous questionnaire. Response rate was 80.0%. Results: Of the respondents 20% and 80% were regular smokers and non-smokers respectively. Only 32.50 % of the regular smokers smoke less than ten cigarettes, 30.0 % smoke ten to twenty cigarettes whereas, 37.50% smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day. 25% started smoking at nineteen years of age, 22.5% started before this age and 27.5% and 25.0 % started at twenty and twenty one years of ages respectively. 70% started smoking just for pleasure. Only 29.72% smoke light cigarettes whereas 33.78% and 36.48% smoke medium and heavy cigarettes respectively. Almost 75% smokers agreed with the fact that smoking is harmful to health and 45% realized that their cigarette smoke bother others and again 70% of smokers have attempted to quit smoking but failed and 42.5% still wanted to quit smoking. About 55% of smokers complained that they suffer from chronic cough, 60% were lacking concentration in their studies and 45% felt that they were short of memory. Conclusions: Attitudes of smokers were significantly different on most items of tobacco, but knowledge of tobacco problem in the undergraduate medical students was not sufficient. Teaching about tobacco and related issues remains essential in the undergraduate medical course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue fever is very common in Bangladesh. Every year a large number of urban populations suffer from this viral infection. Various presentations of dengue fever have been documented. Neurological complications in dengue fever are relatively uncommon. Among these, Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) has been observed in very few cases. Here we present a case of 13 year old girl suffering from ADEM following dengue fever. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Between August and December 2017, more than 625,000 Rohingya from Myanmar fled into Bangladesh, settling in informal makeshift camps in Cox's Bazar district and joining 212,000 Rohingya already present. In early November, a diphtheria outbreak hit the camps, with 440 reported cases during the first month. A rise in cases during early December led to a collaboration between teams from Médecins sans Frontières-who were running a provisional diphtheria treatment centre-and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine with the goal to use transmission dynamic models to forecast the potential scale of the outbreak and the resulting resource needs.Methods: We first adjusted for delays between symptom onset and case presentation using the observed distribution of reporting delays from previously reported cases. We then fit a compartmental transmission model to the adjusted incidence stratified by age group and location. Model forecasts with a lead time of 2 weeks were issued on 12, 20, 26 and 30 December and communicated to decision-makers.Results: The first forecast estimated that the outbreak would peak on 19 December in Balukhali camp with 303 (95% posterior predictive interval 122-599) cases and would continue to grow in Kutupalong camp, requiring a bed capacity of 316 (95% posterior predictive interval (PPI) 197-499). On 19 December, a total of 54 cases were reported, lower than forecasted. Subsequent forecasts were more accurate: on 20 December, we predicted a total of 912 cases (95% PPI 367-2183) and 136 (95% PPI 55-327) hospitalizations until the end of the year, with 616 cases actually reported during this period.Conclusions: Real-time modelling enabled feedback of key information about the potential scale of the epidemic, resource needs and mechanisms of transmission to decision-makers at a time when this information was largely unknown. By 20 December, the model generated reliable forecasts and helped support decision-making on operational aspects of the outbreak response, such as hospital bed and staff needs, and with advocacy for control measures. Although modelling is only one component of the evidence base for decision-making in outbreak situations, suitable analysis and forecasting techniques can be used to gain insights into an ongoing outbreak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bangladesh is a country having high density of population in the world. Its fertility rate ranges from 4.1 to 5.49. This study was conducted to investigate socio-demographic characteristics, type of used contraceptive method, reasons for non use of contraceptive methods and also the side effects due to use of contraceptive method among the married women in some villages of Keranigonj Upazila, Dhaka. Material and Methods: This descriptive cross sectional survey was carried out among 240 married women of reproductive age from July to December, 2012 in some villages of Keranigonj, Upazila, Dhaka. Results: The mean age of the study population was 29±6.5 years with the mean age at marriage of 17.18±2.7 years. 73(31%) were practicing some methods of contraception, while 167 (69%) were not using it. OCP (Oral Contraceptive Pill) was the commonest method of contraception followed by Condoms 12(5%), Injectable 12(5%), Implant 12(5%) & Tubectomy 6(3%). None was found using IUCD and Traditional method ( withdrawal, rhythm method ) and emergency contraceptive method. The use of contraceptives were more common in grand multipara (p<0.01), >35 years old ladies (p<0.05). No statistical association was found between the use of contraceptive method and educational status of the respondents and their husband. Non users of contraceptives in this study were 167 (69%) and the major reasons for the non use were intention to have more children 53(31.46%) followed by pressure from the husband 21(12.35%), prohibition by the religion 18 (10.9%) and desire for son 17 (10.11%). Among the 73 contraceptive users 38 (52%) experienced side effects with the use of contraceptives. The commonest side effects were menstrual irregularities 17(23.8%) followed by change in body weight 8(11.19%). Conclusion: Frequency of contraceptive use was found comparatively low among rural married women despite high level of awareness. Desire for larger family, religious concerns and fear of side effects were the main factors responsible for non users. Religious scholars must play their role in clarifying many aspects regarding contraceptives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurocysticercosis (NCC), the infection caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia solium, is the most common parasitic disease of the nervous system (NS) in humans, where it is the leading cause of late-onset seizures in the endemic areas. Fortunately it is still rare in Bangladesh due to some religious binding in eating pork. Here we present a young man who came to us with Neurocysticercosis as the cause of recurrent seizure and various neurological manifestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developing countries, acute respiratory infections (ARIs) cause a significant number of deaths among children. According to Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS), about 25% of the deaths in children under-five years are caused by ARI in Bangladesh every year. Low-income families frequently rely on wood, coal, and animal excrement for cooking. However, it is unclear whether using alternative fuels offers a health benefit over solid fuels. To clear this doubt, we conducted a study to investigate the effects of fuel usage on ARI in children. In this study, we used the latest BDHS 2017-18 survey data collected by the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) and estimated the effects of fuel use on ARI by constructing multivariable logistic regression models. From the analysis, we found that the crude (the only type of fuel in the model) odds ratio (OR) for ARI is 1.69 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-2.71]. This suggests that children in families using contaminated fuels are 69.3% more likely to experience an ARI episode than children in households using clean fuels. After adjusting for cooking fuel, type of roof material, child's age (months), and sex of the child-the effect of solid fuels is similar to the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for ARI (OR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.05-2.72). This implies that an ARI occurrence is 69.2% more likely when compared to the effect of clean fuel. This study found a statistically significant association between solid fuel consumption and the occurrence of ARI in children in households. The correlation between indoor air pollution and clinical parameters of ARI requires further investigation. Our findings will also help other researchers and policymakers to take comprehensive actions by considering fuel type as a risk factor as well as taking proper steps to solve this issue., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Islam, Hasan, Ahammed, Anjum, Majumder, Siddiqui, Mukharjee, Sultana, Sultana, Jakariya, Bhattacharya, Sarkodie, Dhama, Mumin and Ahmed.)

It was previously reported that coronavirus caused myocardial injury in hospitalized patients. However, delayed cardiac involvement in symptomatic patient recovery from COVID-19 is not yet well known. The objective of this study was to evaluate cardiac involvement by using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in symptomatic post-COVID-19 recovered patients. Thirty (30) patients who recovered from COVID-19 and had recently reported cardiac symptoms were studied in a prospective observational study performed at Popular Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from March 2021 to September 2021. They underwent CMR examinations. CMR scanning protocol included the following: black blood, cine sequence, both short-axis and long-axis, T2-weight short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequence, T2- weighted imaging (T2WI) and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and quantitative mapping sequences-native T1/T2 mapping and post-contrast T1 mapping. Myocardial edema and late gadolinium enhancement were assessed in all patients. Quantitative evaluation of native T1/T2 and ECV value and cardiac function were evaluated. There were 30 people in all in this study. The average age of the participants in the study was 36.6 years. Fourteen (46.6%) of the patients had abnormal cardiac MRI results, while the remaining 15(53.3%) had negative CMR findings. Among positive findings patients, 8(57.1%) of 14 had increased T2 signal. Increased myocardial edema was found in the same no of patients, involving 53.2% (128 of 224) of LV segments. Only 2 cases (2 of 14) showed mid myocardial and subepicardial LGE, involving 18 of 224, 8.03% of myocardial segments. Global native T1, T2 and ECV values are significantly elevated in all CMR positive findings patients. Native T1 1231ms (IQR: 1281.25-1257.5 versus 1155.5 (IQR: 1137.25-1172.75), T2 40 (IQR: 34.5-43.25) versus 35.5 (IQR: 34-37), ECV 31 (29.75-33.25) versus 23.5 (21.25-24.0), p<0.001; p<0.011 and p<0.001 respectively. Reduced RV functional were found in positive as compared with negative CMR findings patients, EF, 32.05 (IQR: 25.25-39.0) versus 54.5 (IQR: 52.0-57.75) and EDV, 117.5 (IQR: 102.0-134.25) versus 95.0 (IQR: 71.75-99.75), p<0.001 and p<0.001 respectively. In this study cardiac involvement was found in the post-COVID-19 recovered patient with cardiac symptoms. Cardiac MRI findings included myocardial edema, fibrosis and reduced right ventricular function. So attention should be paid to symptomatic post-COVID-19 recovered patients.

Aspiration is well recognized as a cause of pulmonary disease and is not uncommon in patients with altered consciousness.The mortality rate of aspiration pneumonia is approximately 1% in outpatient setting and upto 25% in those requiring hospitalization. This study was done to see the pattern of pulmonary involvement and outcome of aspiration pneumonia in patients with altered consciousness admitted in medicine department of a tertiary care hospital in our country. This was a prospective observational study conducted among the 52 adult patients of aspiration pneumonia with altered consciousness admitted in the medicine department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), during June 2010 to December 2010. Aspiration pneumonia was confirmed by clinical examination and laboratory investigations. Hematologic measurements (TC of WBC, Hb%, ESR, platelet count), chest X-ray, blood gas analysis, blood urea, creatinine and random blood sugar, sputum for Gram staining, sputum for culture sensitivity and blood culture were done in all patients.Assessment of altered conscious patient was done by application of the Glasgow Coma Scale. Case record forms with appropriate questionnaire were filled for all patients. The mean±SD age was 57.42±13.63 years with ranged from 25 to 90 years. Out of 52 patients, 37(71.15%) patients were male and 15(28.85%) patients were female. Following aspiration 76.92% patients developed pneumonitis, 13.46% patients developed lung abscess and only 9.62% patients developed ARDS. Most (33) of the patients had opacity in right lower zone and 13 patients had opacity in the left lower zone, 6 patients had opacity in right mid zone. Only 10 patients had opacity in both lower zones. In this study overall mortality rate was 23%. If only one lobe was involved radiologically, mortality was 8.33%. If two or more lobes on one or both sides were involved, mortality was in the range of 25-91%.

The aim of A1chieve was to remedy the deficit of data on the efficacy and safety of insulin analogues in routine clinical care in less well-resourced developed countries. To present results from the Bangladesh cohort of the A1chieve study receiving BIAsp 30 ± oral anti diabetic drugs. A1chieve was a 6-month, observational study of 66,726 people with type 2 diabetes, started on insulin detemir, insulin aspart or biphasic insulin aspart (BIAsp 30) in 28 countries across four continents. A total of 1,093 subjects were recruited from 49 sites in Bangladesh and 580 subjects initiated on BIAsp 30 were studied. In the entire cohort, treatment with BIAsp 30 for 24 weeks significantly reduced mean HbA(1c) (2.8%, p < 0.001), fasting plasma glucose (4.0 mmol/L, p < 0.001) and post prandial plasma glucose (6.6 mmol/L, p < 0.001) levels from baseline. The rate of overall hypoglycaemic events in the entire cohort also reduced significantly at 24 weeks (1.86 to 0.02 events/person year, p < 0.0001). BIAsp 30 can be considered as a safe and effective option for initiating as well as intensifying insulin therapy for type 2 diabetes.

The successful outcome of an insemination is a combination of both male and female fertility-linked factors. We investigated the first service conception rate of cows at artificial insemination (AI) in the smallholder dairy farms in Bangladesh. Frozen straws were prepared from ejaculates of Bos indicus (n = 7) and Bos indicus × Bos taurus (n = 7) AI bulls. Fertility was determined from 6101 first services in cows that were performed by 18 technicians in four regions between April 2004 and March 2005. Pregnancy was diagnosed by rectal palpation between 60 and 90 days post-insemination. The Asian version of Artificial Insemination Database Application (AIDA ASIA) was used for bulls-, cows- and AI-related data recording, and later retrieved for analysis. The mean ± SD number of inseminations performed from individual bulls and their conception rates were 436.0 ± 21.6 and 50.7 ± 1.9%, respectively. Logistic regression demonstrated body condition scores (BCS), heat detection signs, months of AI and their interactions had greatest effects (odds ratios: 1.24-16.65, p < 0.04-0.001) on first service conception rate in cows. Fertility differed (p < 0.02-0.001) between the regions, previous calving months, months of AI, BCS, parity and heat detection signs of cows. Inseminations based on mounting activity (n = 2352), genital discharge (n = 3263) and restlessness and/or other signs (n = 486) yielded a conception rate of 53.6%, 48.8% and 50.1%, respectively (p < 0.05). Conception rate between technicians ranged between 43.4% and 58.6% (p < 0.05). The days interval from calving to first service (overall mean ± SD = 153.4 ± 80.6) had relationship (p < 0.001) with BCS, months of previous calving and parity of the cows. Fertility at AI in smallholder farms can be improved by training farmers on nutrition and reproductive management of the cows., (© 2012 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

In patients with Addison's disease, diagnosis of Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is suggested by the abrupt development of neuropsychiatric symptoms, associated with Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmation of extensive, usually symmetric, white matter demyelinating lesion. In these two cases, diagnosis of ALD was strongly supported by symptoms, disease progression, MRI findings. The emergence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in a patient with a prior history of Addison's disease should prompt evaluation for this disorder. Early diagnosis of the disease is required for delaying the progression of the disease. Genetic counseling, carrier detection and antenatal diagnosis can reduce the incidence of this disease, which prognosis is grave in most of the cases.

A recent outbreak of dengue in Bangladesh was marked by many fatal complications. As clinical virulence varies among the genotypes of dengue virus, a study was conducted to investigate the molecular genotypes of dengue in Bangladesh. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to determine viral genotypes using oligonucleotide generic primers that produce a 511 bp product. The resulting product was typed by nested PCR with strain-specific primers, yielding 482 (DEN-1), 119 (DEN-2), 290 (DEN-3) and 392 (DEN-4), visualized on UV transilluminator after electrophoresis on 2% agarose gel stained with ethidium bromide. Of 45 clinically diagnosed dengue patients (mean age 28 years; male/female 30/15), 19 (42.2%) had detectable viral RNA in their blood. However, during the first 5 days of fever in 30 patients, the frequency was 60% (18/30), implying that the sooner serum is drawn after the fever, the greater the chances of detecting viral RNA. DEN-3 was detected in all except 2 patients who were infected with DEN-2. DEN-2 (two cases) and DEN-4 (one case) were present as co-infections with DEN-3. All of the patients presented with fever, anorexia and vomiting; many had headache and general body ache; a few had a rash. About a quarter had suffered episodes of bleeding, while ascites, pleural effusion and CNS symptoms were found in a few patients Patients positive for viral RNA were also positive for anti-dengue IgM (p=0.007) in subsequent sampling. The study suggests the predominance of DEN-3 infection with occasional co-infection with other types, during the recent outbreak of dengue in Bangladesh.

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B and C, viral infections with shared percutaneous, mucosal and perinatal routes of transmission, are responsible for serious morbidity and mortality globally. In Bangladesh there is a dearth of research on prevalence and risk factors for these diseases. This study examines the prevalence of HIV and hepatitis (B, C, D) and risk factors associated with infection in men in Bangladesh's trucking industry (drivers and helpers on trucks), a population at risk for sexually transmitted infections., Methods: The study population comprised 388 men (245 drivers, 143 helpers) working out of Tejgaon truck stand in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Subjects were selected through a two-tiered sampling strategy. Of 185 trucking agencies 38 were randomly selected and a of 10 subjects was recruited from each agency. Subjects were interviewed, underwent a comprehensive physical examination and had blood samples taken. Gold standard laboratory tests were conducted to detect HIV, hepatitis B, C, and D infections. To assess risk factors associated with current hepatitis B infections or being a carrier (HBsAg) and lifetime exposure to hepatitis B infection (anti-HBc), simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed., Results: The prevalence of diseases were: HIV 0%, hepatitis C <1%, hepatitis B surface antigen 5.9%, antibody to hepatitis B core antigen 48.1% (with 5 of the 23 HBsAg positive cases testing positive for HBeAg and 18 for anti-HBe), and hepatitis D 0%. Having ever received a therapeutic injection and having had relations with a commercial sex worker (CSW) in the past year were both significantly associated with lifetime exposure to hepatitis B (anti-HBc); having received a therapeutic injection in the past year was associated with being either currently infected with hepatitis B or a carrier (HBsAg)., Conclusions: The results of the study illustrate the importance of educating health care practitioners about the dangers of unsterile injections, and of educating men in the trucking industry as well as their partners (CSW in particular) about the importance of condom use, especially in high-risk sexual contacts.

Individuals seeking jobs abroad need health fitness certificates before entering into those countries. Medical screening of 43,213 Bangladeshi job seekers (M/F: 42,290/923) was carried out in our reference center during the period August, 1994 to May, 1996. Albeit male predominance, they represented middle and lower middle socio-economic class of the population from all over the country. All were young adults (age: 27.05+/-3.56 years; mean+/-SD) applying for job visas to different Asian countries. Physical examination and laboratory investigations including markers for several infectious diseases and drugs of abuse were carried out as required by countries recruiting the workers. Serological tests revealed that 1,884 (4.4%) of individuals were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), 737 (1.7%) for Treponema pallidum hemagglutination (TPHA) and only 83 (0.2%) for antibody to human immunodeficiency virus (anti-HIV). However, we could not confirm any case of infection with HIV. Chest X-ray suggestive of pulmonary tuberculosis was found in 162 (0.4%) and on blood film, malarial parasites could be observed only in 4 cases. Their urine analysis revealed the presence of opiates or cannabinoids in 471 (1.1%) individuals. HBsAg-positive cases (p = 0.003) and abuse of opiates (p = 0.024) or cannabinoids (p = 0.002) were significantly higher among males. TPHA reactivity and chest X-ray suggestive of tuberculosis were found to be higher among opiates (p = 0.002 and 0.027) and cannabinoids (p = 0.000 for both) abused as well as with increasing age (p = 0.000). These results may represent a cross-sectional view of the prevalence of different infectious diseases and abuse of drugs among the young adult population of Bangladesh.

An energy-dense supplementary food, together with nutrition education, was given to a group of moderately malnourished children aged 6-12 months in a poor slum community of urban Bangladesh. An age- and sex-matched control group received only nutrition education. Both groups were followed monthly with respect to weight gain and morbidity. The purpose of the study was to assess the differential impact of a targeted supplementary feeding programme with nutrition education and a nutrition education programme alone on monthly weight gain during 6 months. During the 1st 3 months of the intervention, the monthly weight gain of the supplemented children was 205 g vs 159 g in the control children (p less than 0.05). In the following 3 months, differences in weight gain were no more significant. Several possible explanations for this transient impact are discussed. It is suggested that nutrition education in the control group may have been responsible for the limited difference between the two groups, but seasonal and epidemiological factors may also have played a part.