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A study was conducted for four consecutive years from 2014 to 2917 at the Regional Horticultural Research Station (RHRS), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Lebukhali, Patuakhali. Six mango varieties, viz. BARI Aam-1, BARI Aam-2, BARI Aam-3, BARI Aam-4, BARI Aam-5, BARI Aam-8 developed by BARI and six popular cultivars Khirshapat, Langra, Mallika, Gopalbhog, Fazli and Pahutan were evaluation for their performance. The germplasm were planted in 2010. All the cultivars bloomed in 1st to 3rd week of February. Harvesting time ranged from 2nd week of May to 1st week of July and Gopalbhog and BARI Aam-4 were earlier while Fazli was late season cultivar. In the last year of study (2017), maximum number of fruits per plant was recorded 259 in BARI Aam-3 and minimum 11 in BARI Aam-1. Individual maximum fruit weight was 663.09g in BARI Aam-4 in 2016. Average, individual fruit weight ranged from 553.92 to 183.13g where Fazli was the maximum followed by 465.94g in BARI Aam-4. Minimum individual fruit weight was measured in BARI Aam-3. Total Soluble Solids percent (TSS%) ranged from 16.83 to 21 66% and BARI Aam-3 was maximum and BARI Aam- 2 was minimum. Number of fruits per plant, individual fruit and sweetness (TSS%) of variety/and cultivar fluctuated in different year although the trend of results in the succeeding years was consistent. Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 46(1): 13-22, March 2021

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr) has a tremendous value in agriculture as a good source of high-quality plant protein and vegetable oils in one hand and nitrogen fixing ability on the other, now a day largely growing in coastal salt marshes areas of Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to evaluate morphological and physiological responses of soybean varieties (Shohag, BARI Soybean-6, BARI Soybean-5 and Binasoybean-4) to pot grown plants in different concentrations of salinity level i.e., control (0.3), 4, 8 and 12 dS m−1 during 2020-21. Irrespective of the variety, with the increase of salinity levels physiological parameters as well as seed yield were greatly affected. Salinity stress decreased total chlorophyll (Chl a+b) and total dry matter (TDM) was reduced due to salinity stress, which ultimately reduced seed yield irrespective of the variety. Sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca2+), potassium (K+) ion content and the potassium sodium ratios (K+: Na+) in leaf tissue were significantly affected by salinity levels. Under salinity stress, BARI Soybean- 6 showed a higher K+: Na+ ratio in leaf, which indicates higher tolerance to salinity compared to others. However, H2O2 and MDA contents was comparatively lower in the respective variety. This variety also showed higher TDM production, filled pods plant-1 and seed yield plant-1 in all salinity levels compared to other varieties. Results revealed that, soybean var. BARI Soybean-6showedmore tolerance against salinity stress compared to other varieties. Bangladesh Agron. J. 2022, 25(1): 15-22

This study was conducted to investigate the changes in morphology, biomass yield, chemical composition and production cost of Hydroponic Wheat Fodder (HWF) with the advancement of growing days. The HWF was cultivated at low cost sprouting house at the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) Dairy Farm, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Firstly, wheat grains were collected, washed and then soaked in tap water for 12 h. Thereafter, grains were wrapped with a gunny bag for 24 h for germination. Then, grains were spread out in trays and irrigated using tap water up to 8th day morning. Biomass yield, morphological, nutritional parameters and cost of production were determined daily from each of the eight batches (day, 0 to 8) in the sprouting house. An increasing trend was seen in biomass yield, plant height, root length and root number of HWF with the days of advancement and found highest on 8th day (p=0.000). Biomass yield was increased 6 times during this 8 days cycle. On the contrary, a decreasing trend was observed in cost of production (0-5th day) and found lowest (BDT. 5.00) value in day 6th -8th (p < 0.001). A strong positive (r=0.891-0.989) correlation exists between biomass yield and morphological features (p < 0.001). Whereas, cost of production negatively (r=-0.857--0.946) correlated with biomass yield and morphological parameters (p < 0.001). The dry matter content of HWF reduced (p

The goal of this investigation was to compare the physical, chemical and microbial qualities of laboratory made and market spongy rosogolla. Two types of spongy rosogolla were made in laboratory from the cow and buffalo milk chhana to reveal the quality in regards of the species and three types of market spongy rosogolla were collected from three different shops. With regard to the physical attributes, laboratory made spongy rosogolla were found better than the market spongy rosogolla and cow milk spongy rosogolla was the best. In chemical aspects, laboratory made spongy rosogolla had greater pH, fat, protein, and ash content, whereas, market spongy rosogolla showed higher acidity and carbohydrate content. The moisture content of cow milk spongy rosogolla was highest. The mineral contents (Ca, P, and Mg) were also differed significantly (p0.05) in both cow and buffalo milk spongy rosogolla but lower (p>0.05) than other market spongy rosogolla samples. Considering all the findings, it may be concluded that the quality of market spongy rosogolla needs improvement and responsible authorities might take necessary initiatives for monitoring. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science, 51 (2): 81-84.

A study was carried out to investigate the effect of different levels of Chhana binder on the sensory and chemical quality of Rosogolla. Therefore, two (02) types of Chhana binders in different percentage such as 3, 5 and 7% wheat flour as well as 3, 5 and 7% rice flour (w/w) were used to prepare Rosogolla to find out a suitable Chhana binder for manufacturing good quality Rosogolla. Based on sensory evaluation, the highest score was obtained from 5% wheat flour and lowest score was from 5% rice flour, might be due to wheat flour contain gluten. From chemical analysis, the protein and carbohydrate content among the samples differed significantly (p< 0.01) and the highest values were noted for 7% wheat flour and rice flour, respectively. The highest and least mean values of moisture content were recorded for Rosogolla obtained from 3% wheat flour and 7% rice flour, respectively. Among different Chhana binder, 5% wheat flour was found best suitable for quality Rosogolla making. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science. 51(1):12-16

The aloe vera pulp contains more than 98% water and less than 1% total soluble solids (TSS). Blending of pineapple juice and roselle extract with aloe vera may not only increases the TSS level but also add other nutritional properties in the final mixed products. The current study was carried out to investigate the different formulations and the quality of various types of mixed beverages prepared from aloe vera, roselle herb and pineapple juice. Developed products were evaluated for their chemical properties as well as sensory attributes. In addition, selected products were tested for shelf-life potentials. Formulated drinks and juices were found as highly nutritious (maximum of 6.86 mg/100 ml ascorbic acid, 0.045% Ca, 0.26% Mg, 0.154% K, 0.034%Na, and 12.09 ppm Fe). Sensory evaluation revealed that products with 20% and 40% aloe vera pulp with pineapple and roselle extract were highly liked by the consumers. With the storage time, pH and ascorbic acid content decreased (maximum around 40% for pH and around 10% for ascorbic acid respectively) in all the formulated beverages, while TSS increased regardless of the formulations. In addition, aloe vera with pineapple and sugar blend exhibited an acceptable level of microbial load during the shelf-life study. Results from this study suggest that it could be possible to commercially produce aloe vera based value added products, which in turn could play an important role in addressing socioeconomic as well as health conditions. Ann. Bangladesh Agric. (2021) 25 (1) : 43-54

The present study was carried out to know the effect of feeding soybean-based milk replacer on post-weaning growth and blood parameters of milk replacer-fed and naturally suckled goat kids. Twenty four Black Bengal kids were allocated into two groups; treatment group (n=12, 6 male and 6 female) was reared artificially with milk replacer, and control group (n=12, 6 male and 6 female) was kept with their dam for natural suckling. Milk replacer was prepared with powdered milk and soybean powder (1:1). After weaning, the live weight of kids was recorded weekly. The blood samples were collected from the kids to determine haematological parameters. The live weight did not differ significantly between artificially fed and naturally suckled male and female kids. Wither height and heart girth showed significantly (p

Buffaloes have low fertility due to silent estrus, seasonal anestrous, delayed puberty and long calving interval. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of single and double doses of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2a) on synchronization of estrus in buffaloes. A total of 66 buffaloes were selected and subjected to estrus synchronization experiments: single dose PGF2a, and double dose PGF2a. In single dose PGF2a experiment, buffaloes were injected with either 500 or 875 µg of cloprostenol (PGF2a) and all buffaloes were examined to identify corpus luteum through rectal palpation before administration of PGF2a. In double dose experiment, buffaloes were injected with either 500 or 875 µg of cloprostenol (PGF2a) on Day 0 and Day 12 without identifying corpus luteum. The buffaloes were examined for estrus by collecting cervical mucus using universal artificial insemination gun from the mid cervix and timed artificial inseminations (TAI) were done after 72 hrs of last dose of PGF2α injection. The results showed that there were no significant differences in estrus rate (75±3.96% and 85±0.79%) single dose of PGF2α with 500 and 875 µg of cloprostenol, respectively. However, 875 µg of cloprostenol significantly (P

The experiment was conducted to assess the performance of two popular rice varieties with varying spacing at a farmer's field in Darbost union of Jaintapur Upazila under the Sylhet district of Bangladesh during aman season 2016. Two aman rice varieties (BRRI dhan34 and Binadhan-17), and four levels of plant density (15×10 cm, 20×10 cm, 20×15 cm, and 25×15 cm) were tested in a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results indicated that yield and yield attributes of rice differed significantly due to varieties, spacing, and their interaction. It was recorded that var. Binadhan-17 showed maximum flag leaf length (34.33 cm), maximum number of filled grains m−2 (27855), maximum grain weight m−2 (654.58) contributed to increase grain yield (6.55 t ha−1) in closer spacing (20×10 cm), which ultimately increased grain yield. Therefore, the results of the present study suggested that rice var. Binadhan-17 could be transplanted at 20×10 cm spacing for getting maximum yield (6.55 t ha−1) in northeastern region of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Agron. J. 2021, 24(2): 1-12

Background: Vascular access care is a classic example of multidisciplinary team work among nephrologists, vascular surgeons, duplex specialists, dialysis nurses and dialysis staff. The objectives of this study were to determine the complication of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) for hemodialysis (HD) and to find out the role of duplex study for the management of fistula complications. Methods: This was a prospective type of study done on 121 arteriovenous fistulas. All operations were done in different hospitals in Dhaka city. After duplex study of upper limb vessels, the site of fistula creation was determined. All Radio-cephalic, ulnar-basilic and brachiocephalic fistulas were done under local anesthesia. Other fistula of the series was done under brachial block. Immediate postoperative bruit, thrill and distal pulses were monitored. Fistulas were considered mature after at least 6 weeks of fistula creation with good visualization of arterialized vein and good thrill. Patients were advised to report if any complication arises. Results: The most common fistula was Radio-cephalic fistulas (72.73%) and then Brachio-cephalic fistulas (19.84%). The left upper limb was the first choice for fistula creation as a non-dominant limb. Most fistula was created in left upper limb (76.86%). The most common complication was stenosis of arterialized veins (4.13%) and another type of stenosis was found at anastomotic site (2.48%). Second most common complication was cannulation site infections (3.31%). Another common type of infection was found at the site of fistula creation (2.48%). Thrombosis, aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm were identified as the most detrimental complications. Conclusion: Arteriovenous fistula is an important issue for hemodialysis patient as the life line. Dialysis nurses and technician should have knowledge about antisepsis and potential complication of AVFs. Early diagnosis and early treatment prevent loss of vascular access and reduce serious morbidity and mortality. Both the patients and dialysis staffs should give highest care for the AVF to reduce the complications. Bangladesh Heart Journal 2020; 35(2) : 100-105

Tea is one of the most important cash crops in Bangladesh, playing a significant role in food security, poverty alleviation, employment, and the economy. As a rain-fed crop, tea cultivation depends on micro-climatic conditions for optimal growth. Bangladesh observed extreme weather and climate events over the last couple of decades. Bangladesh is experiencing the frequency of climate variations and extreme weather events, like prolonged drought, heavy rainfall, and late winter spells. The study area was carried out at Malnicherra tea estate in Sylhet district to correlate the micro-climatic variables to tea productivity. The study also examines the trend of micro-climatic variables like maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and rainfall by using the time series data from 2012 to 2017. The simple linear regressions reveal that temperature and rainfall influence tea production. Tea production was negatively impacted by drought and excessive rainfall. Heavy rains eroded the top fertile soil and washed away soil nutrients. The yield of tea leaf was declining at the rate of 110.8 kg/ha/year. There was a high negative relationship between mean maximum temperature and yield of tea. The study recommends an integrated adaptive measure to minimize adverse effects.

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate nutritional quality of weaning food from indigenous sources. Three types of weaning food named as F-1 (wheat flour, soya flour, rice flour), F-2 (wheat flour, soya flour, malt extract) and F-3 (malted wheat flour, soya flour, peanuts, lentils, and carrots powder) were prepared for the study. Nutritional quality, functional and sensory characteristics of the developed food were investigated. Functional property as water absorption capacity, bulk density, water binding capacity, solubility, swelling power and viscosity varied from 136.24-145.83 (g/100g), 0.57-0.75 (g/cm3), 410.54-471.07 (g/100g), 35.05-48.81%, 6.16-11.79%, 33.48-39.41 (mp/s), respectively. Essential amino acids content of F-3 such as threonine, alanine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, histidine and lysine were 0.77, 0.67, 0.45, 0.47, 0.51, 0.62, 0.41 and 1.73 (g/100g), respectively. Compositional analysis of fatty acid indicates that it contains 16.01% palmitic acid, 4.27% stearic acid, 45.90% linoleic acid and 25.55% oleic acid in F-3. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res.56(1), 29-38, 2021

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of plant materials against yellow mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus) on jute (Corchorus olitorius) cv. 0–9897 in both greenhouse and field condition at BJRI during the period from March to October 2016. In greenhouse premises, the highest mortality (69.39, 67.77, 63.86, 62.43 and 61.47%) was recorded in extract of neem seed kernel @ 1:20, mehogony seed, pithraj seed, turmeric powder and green neem leaf, respectively. In field condition, the highest reduction (70.20%) of infestation over control, lowest nodes plant–1 (52.50), tallest plant (3.10 m) and highest yield increased (38.60%) over control were observed in neem seed kernel extract @ 1:20. In conclusion, neem seed kernel extract, mahogany seed extracts, pithraj seed extract, green neem leaf extract and turmeric powder extract @ 1:20 can be safely used by the farmers as components of IPM program of Jute. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 12(1&2): 165-170, 2019

Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) enzymes play a crucial role in azathioprine metabolism. Mutations in the enzyme initiate generation of excess thioguanine, which causes suppression of various cell lineages. The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence of TPMT mutation in Bangladeshi patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) requiring azathioprine therapy and its relation to the development of myelosuppression. 250 patients with SLE were enrolled, then monitored for myelosuppression adverse events for 4 months. TPMT*3C (rs1142345), TPMT*3B (rs1800460), and TPMT*2 (rs1800462) polymorphisms were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism. The risk of myelosuppression (i.e., leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia) was estimated as the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and p values. Of the 250 patients, 17 (6.8%) were heterozygous for the TPMT*3 mutation and 233 (93.2%) were homozygous for the wild type; no patients carried a homozygous mutation. Grade III/IV leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia occurred in 12.0%, 12.0%, and 27.9% of wild-type TPMT patients respectively; corresponding rates in heterozygous TPMT*3C patients were 70.6%, 64.7%, and 5.9%. Patients with Grade III/IV azathioprine-induced leukopenia were significantly more likely to have the heterozygous TPMT*3C genotype than the wild-type variant (OR 17.6; 95% CI 5.8–53.6; p

A rapid and non-destructive assessment of quality parameters in tomatoes was evaluated using a portable differential absorbance (DA) meter in order to accurately establish optimum harvest maturity. A commercial tomato variety cv. ‘BARI Tomato-8’ grown in the summer season of Bangladesh was used in this study. Different quality parameters including fruit skin colour, tissue firmness, chlorophyll contents, ascorbic acid, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity and pH of tomatoes were determined using standard reference methods. Correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the difference in absorbance index (IDA) and fruit quality parameters. The correlation coefficients showed good ability in estimating the hue angle, chlorophyll contents, titratable acidity and firmness of tomatoes showing ‘r’ values of 0.93, 0.91, 0.91 and 0.92-0.94, respectively. However, the changes of ascorbic acid contents and TSS of tomatoes did not follow the linear model during fruit maturation. Thus, the DA meter could most accurately predict the major quality attributes and may be used as an efficient technique for in-plant non-destructive assessment of tomato fruit qualities. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 9(2): 42-50, December 2019

Shrimp is one of the leading exportable seafood products in Bangladesh. In the 2017-2018 financial year the country has exported 36168 MT products. Present research work was conducted in three Upazilas (Kaliganj, SyamNagar and Assasuni) in Sathkira district. Three different farming practices (organic, traditional and control) were selected for the research programme. The working farmers in the farming practices were found to follow the traditional farming in the early times. Average production was found 275 kg/ha in the traditional farming practices. This is the lowest shrimp production in the world. Reasons are lack of better technology, dearth of quality seed and feed and effect of shrimp diseases. Small-scale organic shrimp farming practice was found to maintain better production and profitability in the three experimental Upazilas. Three different farming practices (viz. organic, traditional and control/ extensive farming) were taken under interview to collect data. A comparison of the production (kg/ha/yr) of three years’ time (2012 to 2014) was made for analysis in the study. The highest production rate was recorded in organic shrimp farming. It was 13.16% higher than the traditional and 15.14% higher than the control/extensive shrimp farming system. Traditional shrimp farming production was 1.98% higher than that of the control/extensive shrimp farming. Percentage of gross sell of organic system was 14.01% higher than traditional and 15.89% higher than that of the control/extensive shrimp farming. The traditional shrimp gross sell was 1.87% higher than the control shrimp. Interviews and PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) method were used for the collection of data. The main research question was ‘effect dose’ on the overall production, income and impact on biodiversity. Recording data showed that the organic farming practice is more sustainable and environmentally sound system. Organic farming system showed less input cost and higher production value. Organic shrimp farming system increases image value of Bangladesh in the international market. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2019, 5(2): 93-100

A studyof the layout planning of plant facility based on the timed Petri net and systematic layout planning The purpose of thisresearch is to solve the problems of unreasonable layout of the production plant, disorder of the logistics process, and unbalanced production linein discrete manufacturing plants.

Background The situation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the Indian subcontinent is worsening. In Bangladesh, rate of new infection has been on the rise despite limited testing facility. Constraint of resources in the health care sector makes the fight against COVID-19 more challenging for a developing country like Bangladesh. Vascular surgeons find themselves in a precarious situation while delivering professional services during this crisis. With the limited number of dedicated vascular surgeons in Bangladesh, it is important to safeguard these professionals without compromising emergency vascular care services in the long term. To this end, we at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and Hospital, Dhaka, have developed a working guideline for our vascular surgeons to follow during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guideline takes into account high vascular work volume against limited resources in the country. Methods A total of 307 emergency vascular patients were dealt with in the first 4 COVID-19 months (March through June 2020) according to the working guideline, and the results were compared with the 4 pre–COVID-19 months. Vascular trauma, dialysis access complications, and chronic limb-threatening ischemia formed the main bulk of the patient population. Vascular health care workers were regularly screened for COVID-19 infection. Results There was a 38% decrease in the number of patients in the COVID-19 period. Treatment outcome in COVID-19 months were comparable with that in the pre–COVID-19 months except that limb loss in the chronic limb-threatening ischemia patients was higher. COVID-19 infection among the vascular health care professionals was low. Conclusions Vascular surgery practice guidelines customized for the high work volume and limited resources of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and Hospital, Dhaka were effective in delivering emergency care during COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring safety of the caregivers. Despite the fact that similar guidelines exist in different parts of the world, we believe that the present one is still relevant on the premises of a deepening COVID-19 crisis in a developing country like Bangladesh., Highlights • Coronavirus pandemic poses unprecedented challenge for healthcare workers worldwide. • In Bangladesh, we have developed a vascular working guideline for the pandemic. • The guideline reflects the reality of high work volume against limited resources.

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) was removed from aqueous solution by adsorption using chemically modified lignin-rich low-cost coconut coir. The equilibrium time, adsorption isotherm and adsorption kinetics at certain conditions such as pH, particle size and the initial concentration of adsorbate were investigated. The coconut coir was modified by sodium chlorite for adsorption studies. The scanning electron microscopic image depicted the morphology of SCM-CC of different particle sizes whereas the elemental composition of this sort of bioadsorbent was determined by using energy dispersive spectroscopic data. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry analysis indicated that the carbonyl (C=O) groups and hydroxy (O–H) groups from the lignin structure in coconut coir may be involved in the mechanism of Cr(VI) adsorption. The maximum Cr(VI) adsorption capacity of sodium chlorite modified coconut coir (SCM-CC) was found to be 28.03 mg Cr(VI) g-1 SCM-CC at pH 2.00 for the particle size of 75-100 μm with the dose of 7.5 g/L. The equilibrium was established within three hours resulting in the maximum removal (99.92%) of chromium. Freundlich isotherm was better fitted than Langmuir isotherm at pH 2.00 on the basis of the regression coefficient (R2). The kinetic data well-fitted with Ho’s pseudo second order kinetics. The SCM-CC can be treated as an excellent adsorbent for the remediation of chromium toxicity. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res.54(1), 89-98, 2019

The experiment was carried out to assess the effects of feeding apple pomace silage (APS) on blood parameters in Suffolk ewes. Three ewes were used in 3×3 Latin square design over three periods with three dietary treatments as hay diet, low ethanol APS (L-APS, ethanol 48.7 g kg-1 DM) diet and high ethanol APS (H-APS, ethanol 87.2 g kg-1 DM) diet. Alfalfa hay cube and APS provided half of 110% TDN requirement for APS diets. The area upper or under the curve (AUC) of plasma ethanol was greater (P

Patients and Methods: Topotecan was given as a 30-minute infusion daily for 5 days, with carboplatin given immediately after topotecan on day 5. Treatment was repeated every 21 days. Carboplatin and then topotecan were escalated in sequential cohorts of three to six patients. Four dosage combinations of topotecan days 1 to 5 and carboplatin (day 5) were tested: 0.5 mg/m2/d and carboplatin area under the curve (AUC) of 4, topotecan 0.5 mg/m2/d and carboplatin AUC of 5, topotecan 0.75 mg/m2/d and carboplatin AUC of 5, and topotecan 1.0 mg/m2/d and carboplatin AUC of 5.Results: Grade 3 and 4 neutropenia was common at doses of 0.75 mg/m2/d and above, but dose-limiting hematologic toxicity occurred in only one patient. The most common reason for dose reduction or delay was failure of myelosuppression to resolve by day 21. Nonhematologic toxicity was generally mild. The maximum-tolerated dose as defined in the protocol was not reached, but topotecan dose escalation was stopped at 1.0 mg/m2/d, because delayed neutrophil recovery precluded re-treatment on a 21-day schedule.Conclusion: Hematologic toxicity was common but rarely serious, and the combination of topotecan with carboplatin on this schedule was safe and well tolerated. Giving carboplatin to patients after topotecan on day 5, rather than on day 1, allowed dose escalation beyond the levels reported in other studies. The recommended doses for previously treated patients are topotecan 0.75 mg/m2/d, days 1 to 5, with carboplatin at an area under the curve (AUC) of 5 following topotecan on day 5. The combination of topotecan 1 mg/m2/d, days 1 to 5, followed on day 5 by carboplatin at an AUC of 5, merits further examination in untreated patients.TAJ 2016; 29(2): 31-36

Introduction : Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease which may affect coronary arteries, carotid arteries and peripheral arteries. Patients having coronary artery disease may also have lower limb peripheral arteries involvement due to atherosclerosis. This study is to see the prevalence and pattern of lower limb arteries involvement in patients having CAD.Methods: Duplex ultrasonic evaluation of peripheral arteries were done in 210 patients of CAD. Ultrasonic evaluation was done by B Mode image and on the basic of haemodynamic change.Result : Mean age of respondents was was 51.3 ± 10.4 years. 90% patient did not show any clinical sign or symptoms of PAD. 5.2% of patient has critical level of stenosis in one or multiple segments of lower limb arteries, 0.5 % patients had stenosis below the critical level. All the patients suffering from PAD were male patients. No statistical significant relation was found between occurrence of PAD and severity of CAD.Conclusion : Patient of CAD may have hidden PAD without any clinical presentation. Duplex ultrasonography can be a non invasive initial study to rule out the possibility of lower limb arterial insufficiency.TAJ 2016; 29(2): 62-65

Chronic diarrhoea is one of the most common conditions facing both primary care clinicians and gastroenterologistsThe present study was a cross-sectional study conducted on 100 patients at the Department Medicine and Gastroenterology of Sir Salimullah Medical College, Mitford Hospital, Dhaka. Patients with chronic diarrhoea of at least 4 weeks duration were enrolled in the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The mean age was 39.14± 14.74 years with a range of 18 to 70 years. The male to female ratio was roughly of 2:1. Among the female 24% were housewives. Equal percentages of patients had abdominal pain, anorexia & significant weight loss (64%). Other clinical features were anemia (34%) fever and rectal bleeding (24%). The leading diagnoses were irritable bowel syndrome (34%), ulcerative colitis (18%), intestinal tuberculosis (12%), chronic pancreatitis (6%), carcinoma colon, intestinal lymphoma, non specific colitis &Crohn’s disease (4% each). Endoscopy of upper GIT was done in 14% patients, colonoscopy 66%, double balloon enteroscopy 6% and specific histological diagnosis found in 56%, 10% was non-specific, 6% was diagnosed by ultrasound and 1% by stool routine examination. It was found that IBS, inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal tuberculosis are the leading cause in our country. Aetiology of chronic diarrhoea can be diagnosed by good history, clinical examinations and an appropriate investigation of which colonoscopy is most useful.TAJ 2016; 29(1): 43-48

Background: After coronary artery disease and cancer, stroke is the third commonest cause of death in the developed countries. Mortality risk is quite variable among stroke patients. Careful and early risk evaluation of each patient is therefore important. Electrolyte imbalance is a common phenomenon after stroke, particularly in the elderly. This research will provide the information regarding electrolyte imbalance in stroke patients.Objective: To find out prevalence of different type of electrolyte imbalance between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients. Method: This short term prospective observational study was done in Medicine dept. of MMCH. We valuated 50 patients of Stroke admitted in hospital. Venous blood sample was collected for electrolyte. Additional clinical data was recorded including detailed complications of Stroke.Results: Out of 50 patients of Stroke the percentage of hypernatremia, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hyperchloremia, hypochloremia, metabolic acidosis and metabolic alkalosis were higher in patients with Hemorrhagic stroke (27.3%,18.2%, 9.1%,18.2%, 45.5%, 18.2% and 9.2% respectively) than ischemic stroke patients (3.6%,7.1%, 3.6%, 0%, 3.6%, 0%, and 2.6% respectively).TAJ 2016; 29(1): 39-42

Objective: Diabetes mellitus is a growing public health problem in the world. Health education by health workers is a key factor in the prevention of this chronic disease. The objective of the study was to determine nurses understanding of diabetes mellitus.Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out at Rajshahi Medical College hospital from August 2010 to February 2011. Registered nurses were questioned about the clinical features, diagnosis, complications and management of diabetes mellitus. The results were analyzed using appropriate statistical method.Results: A total of 86 nurses completed the questionnaire. Majorities were below 50 years and were ward nurses. About 97.7% correctly identified the definition of diabetes mellitus (p < 0.01) and 94.2% identified

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the major health problems and causes of chronic morbidity and mortality in Bangladesh as well as worldwide. Echocardiogram was performed to observe changes among the patients of COPD. Objectives: To observe echocardiographic changes among the patients of COPD. Methods: It was a cross-sectional observational study carried out in the Department of Medicine, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Rajshahi from July, 2010 to June, 2012. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria 64 people aged 40-70 years having COPD were selected. Thorough history, physical examination and spirometric along with echocardiographic assessment were done. Results: In case of COPD, 22(34.4%) cases showed echocardiographic changes and 42(65.6%) cases showed normal echocardiogram. Conclusion: In this study, Echocardiographic changes were 34.4% in COPD patients which would help in early detection of cardiac morbidity among those patients and to manage them accordingly.TAJ 2015; 28(1): 16-20

Stroke is the third most common cause of death and is the main cause of neurological disability today. This is an observational study conducted at the department of Medicine, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Rajshahi, to observe the risk factors of ischaemic stroke and their presentation during hospital admission. Fifty patients of stroke with cerebral infarction confirmed by CT scan of brain were included. Hypertension (74%), diabetes (42%), overweight (22%), alcoholic (12%), past history of stroke (10%), previous history of TIA (16%), Carotid bruit (20%) and hypercholesterolemia (48%) were found as risk factors. Hemiplegia (96%), facial weakness (34%), deglutition problem (38%), speech difficulty (60%) and coma (14%) were observed during hospitalization.TAJ 2015; 28(2): 40-43

Stroke patients have significant lipid abnormality and it is associated with formation of carotid artery plaque. This is an observational study conducted at the department of Medicine, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Rajshahi, to observe the frequency of carotid artery plaque in ischaemic stroke patients and its correlation with dyslipidaemia. Fifty patients of stroke with cerebral infarction confirmed by CT scan of brain were included. The frequency of significant carotid artery plaque was on right side 52%, on left side 40% and on both side 34%. Both Left and right internal carotid artery showed positive correlation with serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol but it was not statistically significant (r

An experiment was conducted to assess the influence of edible coatings on postharvest quality of mandarin during 20 days of ambient storage. Sorted fruits were washed; fruit surface water was removed and then coated with 100% liquid paraffin wax, 0.5% chitosan, 1.0% chitosan, 1.5% chitosan, and 100% coconut oil. After coating, fruit surface was air dried and kept at ambient condition (25±3 °C, 60–70% RH) and analyzed periodically for weight loss, respiration rate, firmness, decay incidence, TSS, pH, ascorbic acid content, and sensory properties. The results revealed that coconut oil had immense effect on the reduction of the weight loss and respiration rate and preserved firmness, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, total sugar and reducing sugar and no incidence of moulds & their growth was found up to 16 days of storage.Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 8 (1): 18-25, June, 2018

In this article, two cases of non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) occurring at an unusual site were reported. The first case was a male patient aged 60 years hailing from Debidwar, Comilla came with the complaint of gradually increasing mass in the left eyelid for two years. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and histopathology of his lesion revealed NHL, which on immunohistochemistry showed to be of B-cell origin. A debulking operation was done in National Institute of Ophthalmology & Hospital, Dhaka and he was sent for chemotherapy. The second case was also a male aged 35 years from Muladi, Barisal who presented with gradually increasing bilateral masses on both the upper eyelids for six months. The results of FNA of the eyelid tumors were suggestive of NHL that was subsequently confirmed by histopathology. Immunohistochemistry showed the tumor to be of B-cell origin.Mediscope Vol. 5, No. 2: Jul 2018, Page 36-41

AIM Inflammatory back pain (IBP) is the earliest symptom of axial and other forms of spondyloarthritis (SpA). However, there are no published data on prevalence of IBP among patients suffering from chronic low back pain (CLBP) in Bangladesh. In this study, we estimated the prevalence of IBP and the subtypes of SpA in a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh. METHODS This 1 year cross-sectional study was conducted among 240 CLBP patients in a rheumatology outpatient clinic. Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society classification criteria of IBP and predefined recognized classification criteria were followed to define different subtypes of SpA. Means and standard deviations were reported for continuous variables. Descriptive and bi-variate analyses were accordingly performed. RESULTS Of 240 CLBP patients, 60 (25%) had IBP and 180 (75%) had mechanical back pain (MBP). Among the 60 IBP patients, 52 (86.6%) had predominantly axial SpA (axSpA) and eight (13.4%) had predominantly peripheral spondyloarthritis. In the axSpA group, 49 (94.2%) had radiographic axSpA (rd-axSpA) also known as AS and three (5.8%) had non-radiographic axSpA (nr-axspA). AxSpA patients could be divided into eight (15.35%) with psoriasis, two (3.8%) with reactive arthritis and one patient (1.9%) had arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Fifty (83.3%) IBP and 73 (40.6%) MBP patients had age at onset of back pain < 40 years. Forty-two (70%) of the IBP and 100 (55.6%) of the MBP patients had normal body mass index. All these differences were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Inflammatory back pain is common among patients presenting with CLBP. The commonest cause of IBP is AS, followed by PsA and nr-axSpA.

On-farm experiment was carried out for four consecutive seasons: Boro (dry season) 2011-12, Transplanted Aman (T. Aman, wet season) 2012, Boro 2012- 13 and T. Aman 2013 at the farmer’s field in Londonipara, Sonagazi, Feni to develop fertilizer recommendation for rice-based cropping systems in saline and charland ecosystem in Bangladesh. The experiments were designed with eight treatments and laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatment combinations were: T 1 = 100% NPKSZn (STB), T 2 = T 1 + 25% N, T 3 = T 1 + 25% NP, T 4 = T 1 + 25% NK, T 5 = T 1 + 25% PK, T 6 = T 1 + 25% NPK, T 7 = 75% of T 1 and T 8 = Absolute control. Results indicated that application of different fertilizers significantly affected the grain yield at all of the seasons. In Boro 2011-12, the highest grain yield was found in treatment T 1 (100% STB) while T 3 (T 1 + 25% NP) gave highest grain yield in Boro 2012-13. Statistically identical yield was observed in Boro 2011-12 with all treatments except control (T 8 ). Highest grain yield was found with T 6 (T 1 + 25% NPK) treatments in both of T. Aman 2012 and 2013 seasons. Annual straw yield was found more in T 6 (T 1 + 25% NPK) treatment. All the treatment combinations gave significantly higher yield over the control in all seasons. However, on the basis of yield performance, economic analysis and nutrient absorption, the treatment T 6 = T 1 + 25% NPK (N 225 P 30 K 17.5 S 15 Zn 4 for Boro and N 121 P 15 K 9 S 10 Zn 3 for T. Aman) performed the best among the treatments. Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 42(3): 521-529, September 2017

Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulphur (S) strongly influence rice plant nutrition. Present experiment was conducted at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) farm, Gazipur in a permanent layout in wet season of 2014. Objectives of the research were to study the effects of NPKS on grain yield, plant nutrition, requirement of NPKS to produce one ton grain and to estimate the indigenous nutrient supply of the soil. BRRI dhan49 was tested with NPKS (complete), PKS (-N), NKS (-P), NPS (-K) and NPK (-S) fertilizer packages. The NPKS were applied @ 100-7-80-3 kg ha-1. Omission of each nutrient from the complete treatments significantly reduced grain and straw yields of BRRI dhan49. The highest yield reduction was recorded because of N omission followed by K. Nutrient concentration in grain and straw as well as nutrient uptakes were significantly affected by major plant nutrients. Nutrient uptake was directly related to the biomass production. About 87% of total K uptake remained in straw and thus a good K source for rice cultivation. Nitrogen, P, K, S and Zn required to produce one ton rice were 20.88, 5.04, 18.77, 2.08 and 0.07 kg, respectively. The indigenous N, P, K and S supply capacity of this soil was 37, 13, 41 and 6 kg ha-1, respectively.Bangladesh Rice j. 2016, 20(2): 39-47

The present study was carried out to evaluate the combined effect of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, Rhizobium and Sclerotium rolfsii on Grasspea ( Lathyrus sativus ) in the net house of Soil Science Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Joydebpur, Gazipur during 2014-2015 through 2015-2016. The experiment was designed in RCBD with 8 treatments and 4 replications. Grasspea variety BARI Khesari-1 was used as a test crop. Peat based rhizobial inoculum (BARI RLs-10) was used in this experiment @ 50 g kg -1 seed. The AM fungi used in this experiment were Glomus fusianum, Glomus macrocarpum, Glomus warcuppi, Acaulospora foveata, Acaulospora denticulate, Gigaspora albida, Gigaspora rosea, Glomus spp. etc. Soil based AM inoculum containing about approximate 252 spores and infected root pieces of the host plant was used pot -1 . There were eight treatments viz. T 1 : Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM), T 2 : Rhizobium , T 3 : AM + Rhizobium , T 4 : Sclerotium rolfsii , T 5 : Sclerotium rolfsii + AM, T 6 : Sclerotium rolfsii + Rhizobium , T 7 : Sclerotium rolfsii + AM + Rhizobium and T 8 : Control. Dual inoculation (AM + Rhizobium ) significantly increased germination (%), nodule number and dry weight, root colonization by AM fungi and spore population in rhizosphere soils of grasspea compared to single inoculation or any other treatments. Dual inoculation increased germination after 23 DAS (20% in 2014-2015 and 23% in 2015-2016) compared to control. It increased nodule number plant -1 (172% in 2014-2015 and 72% in 2015-2016) over AM treatment, and (112% in 2014-2015 and 26% in 2015-2016) over Rhizobium treatment. It also increased root infection (20% in 2014-2015 and 56% in 2015-2016) over AM treatment, and (200% in 2014-2015 and 100% in 2015-2016) over Rhizobium treatment. It reduced foot and root rot disease (48% in 2014-2015 and 44% in 2015-2016) compared to control. On the contrary, Sclerotium rolfsii + Rhizobium, Sclerotium rolfsii + AM, and Sclerotium rolfsii + AM + Rhizobium reduced 12-17%, 16-20% and 28-31% foot and root rot disease, respectively compared to only Sclerotium rolfsii treatment. Therefore, use of these bio-control agents could be promoted as an active component of bio-intensive Integrated Disease Management Program (IDMP) under organic mode. The Agriculturists 2017; 15(1) 143-155

Rice crops uptake large amounts of potassium (K), which is mainly supplied from inorganic fertilizer. Alternate K sources are essential to preserve natural reserves and to recycle unused K containing stubbles. We have evaluated the performance of rice straw (RS) in farmers’ field following integrated plant nutrient system (IPNS) for supplementing K requirement of rice and compared with agro-ecological zone (AEZ)-based chemical fertilizer and farmers’ practice in Tista Meander Floodplain soils of Bangladesh during 2013–2015. Application of RS @ 4.5 t ha−1 + IPNS-based fertilizer replaced full dose of chemical K fertilizer without significant reduction in grain yield of Boro rice. The K uptake with RS incorporation was similar to AEZ-based chemical fertilizer use. Considering soil health and environmental issue, RS + IPNS-based fertilizer management was the best option for growing wetland rice.

Analysis of workshop facility layout planning based on the timed Petri net and systematic layout planning To addressproblems in production planning for largediscrete manufacturing workshops, such as unreasonable layout of the production workshop, disorder of the logistics process, and the excessive quantitiesof products and unbalanced production line, this study analyzed the production process and characteristics.

Ulcerative colitis is an idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that starts in the rectum and extends proximally. Ulcerative colitis is considered frequent in majority of European and North American population and exceptional in most of the developing Asian countries. The present study was designed to estimate the disease severity and colonic involvement of ulcerative colitis in a tertiary care hospital of Rajshahi Medical College. The study population includes of 60 ulcerative colitis patients. Patients were categorized on the basis of disease severity ; moderate : 34, and severe: 26 and involvement of colon: 28 (46.40%) pancolitis, 20 (33.96%) left sided colitis and had 12 (19.61%) proctosigmoiditis.TAJ 2015; 28(2): 58-60

not availableTAJ 2015; 28(1): 45-47

Diabetes care is now available everywhere in our country. But achievement of optimal level glycemic control and adherence to diabetic therapy is still questionable. This observational cross sectional study was done to observe the glycemic status of diabetic patients .The mean (±SD) serum HbA1c concentration of total subjects (n=100) was 7.84±2.0 with a range of 4.8-15.1%. The mean serum HbA1c concentration in group-1 subjects was 5.9±0.587% with a range of 4.8-6.9%, in group-2 subjects was 7.44±0. 304% with a range of 7.0-7.9%, in group-3 subjects was 9.55±1.52% with a range of 8.1-15.1%. Statistically significant difference (p=.001) was observed on serum HbA1c values in between the groups of subjects. Glycemic control was not satisfactory of these diabetic patients. Awareness and motivation through counseling and identifying certain factors influencing glycemic control might be able to overcome this situation.TAJ 2014; 27(2): 33-35

Stroke is one of the commonest causes of death and disability in the world. Hypertension is the greatest treatable risk factor for both ischernic and hemorrhagic stroke. This study was carried out in Rajshahi Medical College Hospital to observe the incidence of stroke among hypertensive patients and to compare the occurrence of stroke among patients who were taking anti-hypertensive drugs regularly and those who were taking irregularly. Hundred stroke patients with hypertension were selected randomly. Ischemic stroke 66% and hemorrhagic stroke 34% was observed. Majority (64%) of hypertensive patient was treated irregularly and only 36% patients were treated regularly with drugs. Incidence of ischemic (66.6%) and hemorrhagic (58.8%) stroke was increased in irregularly antihypertensive treatment patients.TAJ 2014; 27(2): 30-32

Septic arthritis is an uncommon form of arthritis in children. A five years old boy presented with pain and swelling of both knee joints for 7 days. His joints swellings were disproportionate to pain. He had no history of trauma to the joints. On examination, there was soft tissue swelling of both knee joints. Investigation showed features of acute inflammation. Plain radiograph showed soft tissue swelling. Ultrasonography showed fluid accumulation in joints space. After 7 days of antistaphylococcal therapy, the child improved significantly. Physicians treating the children need to be aware of taking proper history and doing physical examination and checking laboratory findings of the children with septic arthritis for appropriate case management. Mediscope Vol. 6, No. 1: Jan 2019, Page 41-43

A rapid and non-destructive assessment of quality parameters in tomatoes was evaluated using a portable differential absorbance (DA) meter in order to accurately establish optimum harvest maturity. A commercial tomato variety cv. ‘BARI Tomato-8’ grown in the summer season of Bangladesh was used in this study. Different quality parameters including fruit skin colour, tissue firmness, chlorophyll contents, ascorbic acid, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity and pH of tomatoes were determined using standard reference methods. Correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the difference in absorbance index (IDA) and fruit quality parameters. The correlation coefficients showed good ability in estimating the hue angle, chlorophyll contents, titratable acidity and firmness of tomatoes showing ‘r’ values of 0.93, 0.91, 0.91 and 0.92-0.94, respectively. However, the changes of ascorbic acid contents and TSS of tomatoes did not follow the linear model during fruit maturation. Thus, the DA meter could most accurately predict the major quality attributes and may be used as an efficient technique for in-plant non-destructive assessment of tomato fruit qualities.

Heart failure is a major public health issue with a current prevalence of over 23 million worldwide. Epidemiologic studies suggest that nearly one-half of patients with heart failure have a normal ejection fraction that is now termed HFpEF. Prevalence of HFpEF is approximately 50% (range 40-71%). Most pathophysiologic abnormalities in patients with HFpEF are related to diastolic function. Doppler echocardiography is the choice of investigation for evaluation of Diastolic function. Tissue Doppler Imaging is a new dimension in this concept. Natriuretitic peptides are widely accepted biomarker in HFrEF patients. Now a days, it is also considered for HFpEF patients for diagnosticprognostic purpose. Aim of this study was to find out the association of Diastolic dysfunction with N-terminal Pro B-type Natriuretic Peptide level in HFpEF patients. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the department of Cardiology in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from October 2016 to September 2017. Total 120 HFpEF patients were included after considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sample population was divided into two groups, Group I: HFpEF patients with normal Diastolic function. Group II: HFpEF patients with diastolic dysfunction in this study mean NT-pro BNP value of Group I and Group II were 104.07±7.2pg/ml and 943.19±112.51pg/ml respectively, which was statistically significant (p value0.05). Among the echocardiographic parameters LV hypertrophy, Left atrial volume index (LAVI), TDI derived mitral annular velocity, e' septal velocity, E/e' (septal) ratio, Decelaration time were statistically significant. In this study, it was also shown that the levels of NT-proBNP had positive correlation with Doppler parameters. Statistically significant moderate positive correlation was observed between NT-proBNP level and LAVI value, correlation coefficient (r=0.553, p=0.001) suggesting that the higher the level of NT Pro BNP level, the higher value of the LAVI value. Statistically significant moderate positive correlation was also observed between NT-proBNP level and E/e' (septal), correlation coefficient (r=0.526, p=0.001) suggesting that the higher the level of NT Pro BNP level, the Higher value of the E/e' (septal) value in HFpEF patients with diastolic dysfunction. In subgroup analysis of Group II ,mean NT-proBNP level showed affirmative relation with severity of diastolic dysfunction grades ranging from grade I (340.76±24.42) to grade III (3727.83±306.50) Diastolic dysfunction is associated with elevated NT-proBNP level in HFpEF patientsNT-proBNP value rises with gradual deterioration of Diastolic dysfunction among the HFpEF patients.

The study was conducted to determine the effect of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer on the physio-chemical changes in composition of jute seed under applied N and P Tossa jute (S.N.) cv. O-9897 was grown at five levels of nitrogen (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 Kg N ha-1) and five levels phosphorus (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 Kg P ha-1) in late sown condition as seed crop. After harvesting seeds were categorized in to five groups viz. low vigour, medium low vigour, medium vigour, medium high vigour and high vigour which were used for analyzing the chemical composition of jute seed. Results revealed that the chemical composition of jute seed was changed under applied nutrient where combination of 120 kg N ha-1and 40 kg P ha-1 gave the highest soluble protein, soluble sugar and ash content while the lowest soluble protein, soluble sugar and ash content and the highest free amino acid and oil content were estimated from the treatment with no nitrogen and no phosphorus fertilizer.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2016 19(2): 29-38