Fine root decomposition in forest ecosystems: an ecological perspective.

Fine root decomposition is a physio-biochemical activity that is critical to the global carbon cycle (C) in forest ecosystems. It is crucial to investigate the mechanisms and factors that control fine root decomposition in forest ecosystems to understand their system-level carbon balance. This process can be influenced by several abiotic (e.g., mean annual temperature, mean annual precipitation, site elevation, stand age, salinity, soil pH) and biotic (e.g., microorganism, substrate quality) variables. Comparing decomposition rates within sites reveals positive impacts of nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and negative effects of lignin concentration. Nevertheless, estimating the actual fine root breakdown is difficult due to inadequate methods, anthropogenic activities, and the impact of climate change. Herein, we propose that how fine root substrate and soil physiochemical characteristics interact with soil microorganisms to influence fine root decomposition. This review summarized the elements that influence this process, as well as the research methods used to investigate it. There is also need to study the influence of annual and seasonal changes affecting fine root decomposition. This cumulative evidence will provide information on temporal and spatial dynamics of forest ecosystems, and will determine how logging and reforestation affect fine root decomposition.

Role of TaqMan array card in determining causative organisms of acute febrile illness in hospitalized patients.

BACKGROUND: Acute febrile illness (AFI) is a prevalent disease in developing countries that is difficult to diagnose due to the diversity of infectious organisms and the poor quality of clinical diagnosis. TaqMan array card (TAC) can detect up to 35 AFI-associated organisms in 1.5 h, addressing diagnostic demands. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of TAC in determining the causative organisms in hospitalized AFI patients. METHODS: The study had a cross-sectional design and enrolled 120 admitted patients with persistent fever for three or more days from the medicine ward of Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) and Bangladesh Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases Hospital (BITID). Blood samples were collected and then subjected to automated BacT/Alert blood culture, microbial culture, TAC assay, and typhoid/paratyphoid test. RESULTS: The total number of study participants was 120, among them 48 (40%) samples showed a positive result in TAC card, 29 (24.16%) were TP positive and nine (7.51%) were culture positive. The number of organisms detected by the TAC card was 13 bacteria, three viruses, one protozoan, and one fungus. The sensitivity and specificity of the TAC assay for different bacterial pathogen compared to blood culture was 44.44%, and 90.99%, respectively. In contrast, the TP test had a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 80%, respectively, compared to the blood culture test. CONCLUSION: TAC can be a handful tool for detecting multiple organisms in AFI with high specificity which can facilitate early diagnosis of different pathogens contributing to AFI.

A Mechanical Performance Study of Dual Cured Thermoset Resin Systems 3D-Printed with Continuous Carbon Fiber Reinforcement.

Additive manufacturing (AM) is one of the fastest-growing manufacturing technologies in modern times. One of the major challenges in the application of 3D-printed polymeric objects is expanding the applications to structural components, as they are often limited by their mechanical and thermal properties. To enhance the mechanical properties of 3D-printed thermoset polymer objects, reinforcing the polymer with continuous carbon fiber (CF) tow is an expanding direction of research and development. A 3D printer was constructed capable of printing with a continuous CF-reinforced dual curable thermoset resin system. Mechanical performance of the 3D-printed composites varied with the utilization of different resin chemistries. Three different commercially available violet light curable resins were mixed with a thermal initiator to improve curing by overcoming the shadowing effect of violet light by the CF. The resulting specimens' compositions were analyzed, and then the specimens were mechanically characterized for comparison in tensile and flexural performance. The 3D-printed composites' compositions were correlated to the printing parameters and resin characteristics. Slight enhancements in tensile and flexural properties from some commercially available resins over others appeared to be the result of better wet-out and adhesion.

Structural and Functional Annotation and Molecular Docking Analysis of a Hypothetical Protein from Neisseria gonorrhoeae: An In-Silico Approach.

Background: Worldwide, Neisseria gonorrhoeae-related sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to be of significant public health concern. This obligate-human pathogen has developed a number of defenses against both innate and adaptive immune responses during infection, some of which are mediated by the pathogen's proteins. Hence, the uncharacterized proteins of N. gonorrhoeae can be annotated to get insight into the unique functions of this organism related to its pathogenicity and to find a more efficient therapeutic target. Methods: In this study, a hypothetical protein (HP) of N. gonorrhoeae was chosen for analysis and an in-silico approach was used to explore various properties such as physicochemical characteristics, subcellular localization, secondary structure, 3D structures, and functional annotation of that HP. Finally, a molecular docking analysis was performed to design an epitope-based vaccine against that HP. Results: This study has identified the potential role of the chosen HP of N. gonorrhoeae in plasmid transfer, cell cycle control, cell division, and chromosome partitioning. Acidic nature, thermal stability, cytoplasmic localization of the protein, and some of its other physicochemical properties have also been identified through this study. Molecular docking analysis has demonstrated that one of the T cell epitopes of the protein has a significant binding affinity with the human leukocyte antigen HLA-B∗15 : 01. Conclusions: The in-silico characterization of this protein will help us understand molecular mechanism of action of N. gonorrhoeae and get an insight into novel therapeutic identification processes. This research will, therefore, enhance our knowledge to find new medications to tackle this potential threat to humankind.

Vitamin D deficiency in Bangladesh: A review of prevalence, causes and recommendations for mitigation.

Vitamin D is essential for the maintenance of calcium homeostasis and bone mineralization. Overt deficiency of vitamin D causes rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Vitamin D deficiency is an important public health problem worldwide. This review examines the available published data from all peer-reviewed original research articles of community and hospital-based research carried out on vitamin D status in different population groups in Bangladesh. Baseline data of intervention trials are also included. The available selected articles were in English and retrieved from 2002 to January 2022. The paper concentrates on underlying factors for increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Bangladesh. Studies uniformly report very high prevalences of hypovitaminosis D among different population groups. Age and sex-specific comparisons indicate that prevalence is higher for the elderly and women. Hypovitaminosis D ranged from 21 to 75 % for infants, children, and adolescents, 38 to 100 percent for premenopausal women, 66 to 94.2 % for pregnant women, 6 to 91.3 % for adult men and 82 to 95.8 % for postmenopausal women. Important underlying factors related to this silent epidemic include dark skin colour, homebound and sedentariness, insufficient sunlight exposure, atmospheric pollution, clothing style, obesity, use of sunscreen and no supplementation. A comprehensive strategy to alleviate and control the health consequences of vitamin D deficiency is needed. This would include the creation of public awareness, refrain in sunscreen usage, exposure to sunlight, regular exercise, food fortification, and supplementation with vitamin D (bearing in mind potential differences between them and food-based sources).

Effect of vitamin D, calcium and multiple micronutrients supplementation on lipid profile in pre-menopausal Bangladeshi garment factory workers with hypovitaminosis D.

Elevated total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in sera are both well-known risk factors of coronary heart disease. Adequate vitamin D status is important for optimal function of many organs and tissues of our body. There is continuing controversy about the effect of adequate vitamin D consumption on serum lipids and lipoproteins. The present study assessed the effect of vitamin D, calcium and multiple micronutrients supplementation on the lipid profile in Bangladeshi young female garment factory workers who have hypovitaminosis D. This placebo-controlled intervention trial conducted over a period of one year randomly assigned a total of 200 apparently healthy subjects aged 16-36 years to 4 groups. The subjects received daily supplements of 400 IU of vitamin D (VD group) or 400 IU of vitamin D+600 mg of calcium lactate (VD-Ca group), or multiple micronutrients with 400 IU of vitamin-D+600 mg of calcium lactate (MMN-VD-Ca group), or the group consuming placebo (PL group). Serum concentrations of lipid and lipoprotein, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were measured at baseline and after one year of follow-up. No significant changes in the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-C/HDL-C ratio were observed in the supplemented groups compared to the placebo group. Supplementation had a positive effect (p<0.05) on very low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and triacylglycerol (TAG). A negative correlation between changes in serum iPTH and HDL-C was observed, which indicated that subjects with the greatest decline in S-iPTH had the greatest increase in HDL-C. The results suggest that consumption of adequate vitamin D with calcium or MMN for one-year may have no impact on serum lipid profile in the subjects studied. Longer-term clinical trials with different doses of supplemental vitamin D are warranted in evaluating the effect of intervention.

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism during winter in pre-menopausal Bangladeshi and Somali immigrant and ethnic Finnish women: associations with forearm bone mineral density.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is one of the outcomes of vitamin D deficiency that negatively affects bone metabolism. We studied the ethnic differences in vitamin D status in Finland and its effect on serum intact parathyroid hormone (S-iPTH) concentration and bone traits. The study was done in the Helsinki area (60°N) during January-February 2008. A total of 143 healthy women (20-48 years of age) from two groups of immigrant women (Bangladeshi, n 34 and Somali, n 48), and a group of ethnic Finnish women (n 61) were studied in a cross-sectional setting. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (S-25OHD) and S-iPTH were measured. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography measurements were taken at 4 and 66 % of the forearm length. In all groups, the distribution of S-25OHD was shifted towards the lower limit of the normal range. A high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (S-25OHD < 50 nmol/l) was observed (89·6 %) in the Somali group. The prevalence of SHPT (S-iPTH>65 ng/l) was higher (79·1 %) in Somali women than in Finnish women (16 %). There was a significant association between S-25OHD and S-iPTH (r - 0·49, P < 0·001). Ethnicity and S-25OHD together explained 30 % of the variation in S-iPTH. The total bone mass at all sites of the forearm, fracture load and stress-strain index was higher (P < 0·001) in Bangladeshi and Finnish women than in Somali women. The high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D, SHPT and low bone status in Somali women indicates a higher risk of osteoporosis.

Effect of vitamin D, calcium and multiple micronutrient supplementation on vitamin D and bone status in Bangladeshi premenopausal garment factory workers with hypovitaminosis D: a double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled 1-year intervention.

Due to little outdoor activity and low dietary intake of vitamin D (VD), Bangladeshi low-income women are at risk for osteoporosis at an early age. The present study assessed the effect of VD, Ca and multiple micronutrient supplementation on VD and bone status in Bangladeshi young female garment factory workers. This placebo-controlled 1-year intervention randomly assigned 200 apparently healthy subjects (aged 16-36 years) to four groups: VD group, daily 10 microg VD; VD and Ca (VD-Ca) group, daily 10 microg VD+600 mg Ca; multiple micronutrient and Ca (MMN-Ca) group, 10 microg VD and other micronutrients+600 mg Ca; a placebo group. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (S-25OHD), intact parathyroid hormone (S-iPTH), Ca, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase were measured. Bone mineral density and bone mineral content were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. All measurements were made at baseline and at 12 months. Significantly (P < 0.001) higher S-25OHD concentrations were observed in the supplemented groups than in the placebo group after the intervention. Supplementation had an effect (P < 0.001) on S-iPTH in the VD-Ca and MMN-Ca groups compared with the placebo group. Bone mineral augmentation increased at the femur in the supplemented groups. Supplementation with VD-Ca should be recommended as a strategic option to reduce the risk of osteomalacia and osteoporosis in these subjects. MMN-Ca may have analogous positive health implications with additional non-skeletal benefits.

Vitamin D deficiency and low bone status in adult female garment factory workers in Bangladesh.

The manufacture of garments is the main industry in Bangladesh and employs 1.6 million female workers. Due to the indoor lifestyle and low dietary intake of calcium, we hypothesised that they are at risk of low vitamin D and bone mineral status. Two hundred female garment workers (aged 18-36 years) were randomly selected. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (S-25OHD), serum intact parathyroid hormone (S-iPTH), serum calcium (S-Ca), serum phosphate (S-P) concentration and serum alkaline phosphatase activity (S-ALP) were measured from fasting samples. Bone indexes of hip and spine were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The mean S-25OHD (36.7 nmol/l) was low compared to that recommended for vitamin D sufficiency. About 16% of the subjects were found to be vitamin D-deficient (S-25OHD 21 ng/l) was associated with progressive reduction in bone mineral density at the femoral neck and lumbar spine. According to the WHO criteria, the mean T-score of the femoral neck and lumbar spine of the subjects were within osteopenic range. We observed that subjects with a bone mineral density T-score < -2.5 had a trend of lower values of BMI, waist-hip circumference, mid-upper-arm circumference, S-25OHD and higher S-iPTH and S-ALP. The high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and low bone mineral density among these subjects are indicative of higher risk for osteomalacia or osteoporosis and fracture.

Hypovitaminosis D is common in both veiled and nonveiled Bangladeshi women.

The present cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate the vitamin D status in three groups of women in Bangladesh by using serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (S-25-OHD), alkaline phosphatase (S-ALP), calcium (S-Ca) and phosphate (S-P). Sampling was undertaken at three locations in the city of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Representative subjects of three groups of women aged 18-60 years were studied. Study subjects included nonveiled young women = group A (N = 36, mean+/- SD age 22.3 +/- 1.9 years), veiled women =group B (N = 30, mean+/- SD age 47.7+/- 9.4 years) and nonveiled diabetic women = group C (N = 55, mean +/- SD age 50.2 +/- 5.9 years). The mean value of S-25-OHD was not significantly different in the groups. The distribution of S-25-OHD concentration in all groups was shifted overall toward the lower limit of the normal range. Vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-OHD level <25 nmol/l) was detected in 39% of young women (university students), 30% in veiled women and 38% in diabetic women, respectively. Vitamin D insufficiency defined as serum 25-OHD concentration <40 nmol/l was detected in 78% of group A, 83% in group B and 76% in group C, respectively. As indicated, prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was a bit higher in group B compared with the other groups studied although it was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In the present study, there were several independent predictors of serum 25-OHD, i.e. both increasing parity (r = 0.286; P < 0.005) and increasing time spent outdoors (r = 0.515; P < 0.001) were associated with significant increase in serum 25-OHD. A strongly significant inverse correlation between serum ALP and 25-OHD (r = -0.303;P<0.001) was observed. The results showed that women in Bangladesh, regardless of different age-groups, lifestyle and clothing, were at risk of developing hypovitaminosis D. The results emphasize the appropriate health message for vitamin D needs in Bangladeshi women, since vitamin D insufficiency significantly affects bone integrity.

Nutritional status of women in Bangladesh: comparison of energy intake and nutritional status of a low income rural group with a high income urban group.

This study evaluated the influence of socio-economic status on energy intake (EI), anthropometric characteristics and body composition (BC) of premenopausal Bangladeshi women in two socio-economic groups. This cross-sectional study measured height, weight, biceps and triceps skinfolds by standard procedures. A three-day dietary record was used to estimate EI. The biceps and triceps skinfolds were used to calculate total body fat (TBF), fat-free mass (FFM) and body fat percentage (BF%) according to Durnin and Womersley. FAO/WHO/UNU equations were used to calculate basal metabolic rates (BMR). Two locations in Bangladesh were studied; the Dhaka city area and the west region of the subdistrict Nandail (Betagair Union) in the district of Mymensingh. Study subjects were premenopausal women (N =191) aged 16(40 years. The high socio-economic group (group H, N =90) consisted of women with high income and educational level. The low socio-economic group (group L, N =101) consisted of rural, low income, illiterate women. Both groups contained three subgroups (non-pregnant, non-lactating =1, pregnant =2, lactating =3). Socio-economic status had a significant effect on body weight, height, biceps and triceps skinfolds, BMI, TBF, FFM and BF% (P<0.001). These variables were significantly higher (P<0.001) in all subgroups of group H than in the corresponding subgroups of group L. The influence of physiological status on most of these variables was not significant. EI was, however, influenced by both socio-economic (P<0.001) and physiological(P<0.05) status. The mean EI was significantly lower (P<0.001) in all subgroups of group L than in the corresponding subgroups of group H. The contributory sources were different in high and low income groups. In both groups, EI was lower than the recommended level. Based on the dietary and anthropometric results, we conclude that malnutrition is a common feature among low income rural women. This contradicts findings in western countries, where obesity is prevalent in low income groups.