Thyroid Status in Children with Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia in a Tertiary Level Hospital.

Most of the thalassemic children of Bangladesh are receiving repeated blood transfusion. But they do not receive chelation therapy due to financial constraints. As a result, iron overload occurs in various organs of these children. Extra iron that is loaded in thyroid gland causes thyroid dysfunction. This study was undertaken to evaluate thyroid status in children with transfusion dependent Thalassemia patient. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh from September 2016 to April 2018. Children having thalassemia diagnosed by Hb electrophoresis, aged 3-12 years of both sexes were included as study group. Children of same age and sex admitted in indoor of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital with minor illness and without thalassemia were taken as comparison group. Purposive Sampling technique was applied. Serum FT4, TSH and ferritin level were estimated in all children. Data analysis was done with Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21.0. A total of 60 patients were enrolled as study group and another 60 patients were compared as comparison group. Mean ages of study group was 7.88±2.55 years and comparison group were 7.22±2.48 years. The mean pre-transfusion hemoglobin, serum ferritin, serum FT4 and serum TSH level were found 6.23±0.60 gm/dl, 2658.33±879.39 ng/ml, 15.14±4.40 fmol/mL, 4.29±4.60 µIU/mL respectively in study group. The mean serum FT4 was found significantly lower and mean serum TSH was significantly higher in thalassemic children in comparison to non-thalassemic children (p= <0.05). Frequency of subclinical hypothyroidism was found significantly higher in study group (25.0%) compared to comparison group (3.3%) (p=0.001). Mean serum ferritin level was found significantly higher in hypothyroid cases. Mean FT4 level was significantly lower and mean TSH level was significantly higher in hypothyroid thalassemic patients (p= <0.001). Significant positive correlation between serum ferritin level and serum TSH level was found. Higher serum ferritin level was found significantly associated with the development of hypothyroidism in thalassemic patients.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Activities of Aqueous Extract of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L) Seeds against the Gram Positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-Negative Escherichia coli.

Antibiotic resistance (AMR) represents a serious threat to public health and poses challenges in disease prevention and treatment despite various efforts to combat it. Evaluation of the in vitro antibacterial activity of aqueous extracts of black pepper seeds (Piper nigrum L.) against two infectious pathogens: Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli. The Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and the Department of Microbiology of Mymensingh Medical College conducted the study from Octy 2022 to June 2023. The antibacterial activity of Aqueous black pepper seed extract (ABPE) was evaluated at different doses using disk diffusion and broth dilution methods. The extract was prepared using 10.0% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and water as solvent. The commonly used antibiotic ciprofloxacin was used in the broth dilution method and the results were compared with those for aqueous extracts. To confirm a more precise range of antimicrobial susceptibility of the extracts, ABPE was used at seven different concentrations (100, 80, 60, 40, 20, 10 and 5 mg/mL). Selected concentrations were then used as needed. ABPE showed an inhibitory effect on the above bacteria at doses of 90 mg/ml and higher. The Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were 85 and 90 mg/ml ABPE, respectively. The MIC of ciprofloxacin against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was currently 1µg/ml. The MIC of ciprofloxacin was lowest for the organisms tested compared to the MIC of ABPE. This work clearly demonstrates the antibacterial sensitivity of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli to an aqueous extract of black pepper seeds.

Evaluation of Triage System in a Dedicated Covid-19 Hospital.

The global health system faces a substantial burden from the Covid-19 pandemic. To prevent Covid-19 transmission an effective triage system is useful in resource-limited countries like Bangladesh. The purpose of the study was to determine the status of the triage system in a dedicated Covid-19 Hospital. This cross-sectional study was conducted among conveniently selected 150 respondents including 63 doctors, 72 nurses and 15 administrative staff. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire and observation checklist. The collected data were processed and analyzed with the help of SPSS (Version 26.0) and Xcel 2019. The study was conducted at Kurmitola General Hospital, Bangladesh from January 2020 to December 2020. Among study participants, 54.0% of the respondents belonged to the (31-40) age group and 74.0% were female. Half 50.7% of the respondents working duration was (0-4) years. Two-thirds 67.0% of the respondents had training on the triage system. All of the respondents mentioned the presence of a triage system in this hospital but there was no tele-triage. Regarding infrastructure facilities like triage room, sitting facilities with 1-meter distance in waiting area, one-way entrance, and exit, separated ticket counter and washroom, proper hand wash facilities, all were present in this hospital. All of the respondents mentioned the presence of available logistic support for the triage system in this dedicated Covid-19 hospital including a sufficient supply of PPE, thermometer, and pulse oximeter. All doctors and nurses wore PPE. Almost four-fifths 87.30% of the respondents mention that there was no training on donning and doffing procedure of PPE. There was a statistically significant association between training on triage with age group and occupation of the respondents (p<0.05). The ideal working time of healthcare providers was not maintained. There had no facilities of isolated accommodation and health checkups for staff. But RT-PCR for Covid-19 test was done for all staff when he/she returns to normal life after duty. Based on study findings it has been concluded that the infrastructure facilities and logistic supports are sufficient. But staff management has to be improved and the authority should pay special attention to an effective triage system.

Sero-evidence of Rickettsia Infection by ELISA in the Northern-Central Area of Bangladesh.

Detection of rickettsia most commonly done by simple, economical Weil-Felix test which detects IgM antibody. This initial investigation provides limited sound guidance to clinical decisions because of its low specificity and sensitivity. An alternative test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is faster, less complicated, can also be automated. Advancements in molecular method like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are highly specific, sensitive and rapid assays for detection of rickettsiales in many different samples including blood, tissue etc. This study was carried out to diagnose the rickettsial agent in the north-central (Mymensingh division) area of Bangladesh. In laboratory, we performed ELISA and PCR. The agent was diagnosed up to species level by molecular approach. A total of 150 febrile patients were included. All were clinically suspected cases of rickettsial fever attending inpatient and outpatient department of medicine and pediatrics of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital from Octy 2012 to January 2014. The laboratory tests were performed in Microbiology department of Mymensingh Medical College. Following universal safety precautions blood samples were collected, serum separated and both were stored at -20°C. IgM ELISA and Nested PCR were performed. Several genes by PCR were detected for confirmation of the presence of rickettsial agent in the blood. Among 150 clinically suspected cases 76(50.66%) were positive for ELISA, and 69(46.0%) were positive for PCR. The sensitivity and specificity of ELISA were 92.75% and 85.19% respectively taking PCR as gold standard. The prevalence of rickettsial infection found in this study was very much close to other countries of this Sub continent.

Traumatic Brain Injuries and its Outcome at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Northwest Part of Bangladesh.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability globally as well as in Bangladesh; its incidences are growing with an increasing number of high-speed motor vehicles, more movement of the public and mechanization in industry. The aim of the study was to analyze the causes, risk factors and treatment outcomes of traumatic brain injuries in victims reported to emergency and casualty departments following intensive care with or without surgical intervention in a tertiary care hospital. This prospective type of observational study was conducted at the Neurosurgery ward of Rangpur Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh from March 2022 to February 2024. A total of 360 head injury patients with TBI were assessed with gender, age, cause, and type of trauma, Glasgow Coma Scale on admission, associated other injuries, time lapsed from trauma to hospitalization and care given. A total of 360 Cases (n=360) of TBI, male 273(n=273) and female 87(n=87) were included most common group was 16-30 years (45%) and Males (75.83%) victims were more than female (24.16%). Frequency percentage cause is RTA 190(52.7%) and intra-cranial injury (42.77%), Intra and extra-cranial injury 206(57.22%), pathophysiological cause (n=360), SDH 122(33.88%), EDH (28.33%), concussion (15.83%), cerebral contusion (14.16%), diffuse axonal injury (05%) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (2.77%). Traumatic brain injury was common among young adult males and RTA was the leading cause. Many factors influence the better outcome of TBI with reduced mortality and morbidity including the patient's age, the injury's severity, the time between TBI and the start of definitive treatment associated with other major injuries and facilities available for resuscitative care.

Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Variants Are Induced by Coinfections With Dengue.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that emerged in late 2019 has accumulated a series of point mutations and evolved into several variants of concern (VOCs), some of which are more transmissible and potentially more severe than the original strain. The most notable VOCs are Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron, which have spread to various parts of the world. This study conducted surveillance in Jashore, Bangladesh to identify the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 coinfected with dengue virus and their genomic effect on the emergence of VOCs. A hospital-based COVID-19 surveillance from June to August, 2021 identified 9 453 positive patients in the surveillance area. The study enrolled 572 randomly selected COVID-19-positive patients, of which 11 (2%) had dengue viral coinfection. Whole genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 were analyzed and compared between coinfection positive and negative group. In addition, we extracted 185 genome sequences from GISAID to investigate the cross-correlation function between SARS-CoV-2 mutations and VOC; multiple ARIMAX(p,d,q) models were developed to estimate the average number of amino acid (aa) substitution among different SARS-CoV-2 VOCs. The results of the study showed that the coinfection group had an average of 30.6 (±1.7) aa substitutions in SARS-CoV-2, whereas the dengue-negative COVID-19 group had that average of 25.6 (±1.8; P < .01). The coinfection group showed a significant difference of aa substitutions in open reading frame (ORF) and N-protein when compared to dengue-negative group (P = .03). Our ARIMAX models estimated that the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants Delta required additional 9 to 12 aa substitutions than Alpha, Beta, or Gamma variant. The emergence of Omicron accumulated additional 19 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.74, 21.95) aa substitution than Delta. Increased number of point mutations in SARS-CoV-2 genome identified from coinfected cases could be due to the compromised immune function of host and induced adaptability of pathogens during coinfections. As a result, new variants might be emerged when series of coinfection events occur during concurrent two epidemics.

Recent trends and disparities in 24-hour movement behaviors among US youth with mental, behavioral and neurodevelopmental conditions.

BACKGROUND: Meeting 24-h movement behaviors (24-HMB: physical activity [PA], screen time [ST], and sleep [SL]) recommendations may be associated with positive health outcomes among youth with specific mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental (MBD) conditions. However, temporal trends and disparities in meeting 24-HMB guidelines in these higher-risk groups have not been investigated, hampering the development of evidence-based clinical and public health interventions. METHODS: Serial, cross-sectional analyses of nationally National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) data (including U.S. youth aged 6-17 years with MBD conditions) were conducted. The time-trends survey data was conducted between 2016 and 2021. The prevalence of 24-HMB adherence estimates were reported for the overall sample and for various sociodemographic subgroups. The subgroups analyzed included: age group (children[aged 6 to 13 years], adolescents[aged 14 to 17 years]), sex, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity. RESULTS: Data on 52,634 individuals (mean age, 12.0 years [SD,3.5]; 28,829 [58.0 %] boys) were analyzed. From 2016 to 2021 the estimated trend in meeting PA + ST + SL guidelines declined (-0.8 % [95%CI, -1.0 % to -0.5 %], P for trend <0.001), whereas meeting none of 24-HMB guidelines increased (2.2 % [1.8 % to 2.6 %], P for trend <0.001). White participants, children, and boys reported higher estimated prevalence of meeting full integrated (PA + ST + SL) guidelines. DISCUSSION: The temporal trends observed in this study highlight the importance of consistently monitoring movement behavior among MBD youth and identifying variations by sociodemographic groups in meeting 24-HMB guidelines for health promotion within these vulnerable groups.

Synergistic effects of rare-earth ions (Ho, Yb) doping on the photo-catalytic efficacy of V2O5 for removal of pollutants from industrial waste water.

The co-doping of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) with rare-earth (RE) elements, namely 1.5 % holmium (Ho) and 1.5 % ytterbium (Yb) has been conducted using an eco-friendly, straightforward hydrothermal approach to assess the combined effects on structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties. The application of the density functional theory (DFT) approach effectively examined the impact of RE ions on the photocatalytic efficiency of co-doped V2O5. The stable orthorhombic crystal structure of co-doped V2O5 has been confirmed using DFT and X-ray diffraction without a secondary phase. It appears that homogeneous nucleation occurs while heterogeneous nucleation slows down in co-doped samples, as evidenced by the larger crystallite sizes in co-doped samples compared to doped ones. It means a result, the co-doped samples exhibit photodegrades more quickly and have a higher rate constant than the doped samples. This is because they have less dislocation density (4.26 × 10-3 nm-2) and internal micro-strain (4.93 × 10-3). The bandgap and degradation efficiency are determined by the UV-vis spectroscopy and found to be 2.33 eV and 95 %, respectively, at the optimal pH of 7 in the visible range. The co-doped sample has a rate constant of 24 × 10-3 min-1, which is the highest in the RE-doped V2O5 system. This is a good reason to think of co-doped V2O5 as a possible catalyst.

Draft genome sequence of an arsenotrophic Achromobacter aegrifaciens strain isolated from soil in Bangladesh.

We report the draft genome of an arsenotrophic Achromobacter aegrifaciens BAS32 isolated from arsenic (As)-contaminated soil in Bangladesh. This genome contains several predicted gene clusters for As-conversion, namely, As resistance (arsHCsO), arsenite-oxidizing (aioBA), and arsenate-reducing (arsRCDAB) gene clusters along with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs).

Draft genome sequence of Achromobacter aegrifaciens BAW48 isolated from arsenic-contaminated tubewell water in Bangladesh.

We report the draft genome of Achromobacter aegrifaciens strain BAW48, a bacterium with a genome size of 6,877,653 bp. This genome comprises gene clusters for arsenic conversion, such as arsenic resistance (arsHCsO), arsenite oxidation (aioBA), and arsenate reduction (arsRCDAB), along with genes for heavy metal and antibiotic resistance.

Empowering Green Energy Storage Systems with MXene for a Sustainable Future.

Green energy storage systems play a vital role in enabling a sustainable future by facilitating the efficient integration and utilization of renewable energy sources. The main problems related to two-dimensional (2D) materials are their difficult synthesis process, high cost, and bulk production, which hamper their performance. In recent years, MXenes have emerged as highly promising materials for enhancing the performance of energy storage devices due to their unique properties, including their high surface area, excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, and exceptional chemical stability. This paper presents a comprehensive scientific approach that explores the potential of MXenes for empowering green energy storage systems. Which indicates the novelty of the article. The paper reviews the latest advances in MXene synthesis techniques. Furthermore, investigates the application of MXenes in various energy storage technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and emerging energy storage devices. The utilization of MXenes as electrodes in flexible and transparent energy storage devices is also discussed. Moreover, the paper highlights the potential of MXenes in addressing key challenges in energy storage, including enhancing energy storage capacity, improving cycling stability, and promoting fast charging and discharging rates. Additionally, industrial application and cost estimation of MXenes are explored. As the output of the work, we analyzed that HF and modified acid (LiF and HCl) are the established methods for synthesis. Due to high electrical conductivity, MXene materials are showing extraordinary results in energy storage and related applications. Making a composite hydrothermal method is one of the established methods. This scientific paper underscores the significant contributions of MXenes in advancing green energy storage systems, paving the way for a sustainable future driven by renewable energy sources. To facilitate the research, this article includes technical challenges and future recommendations for further research gaps in the topic.

Bioproduction of 3-Hydroxypropionic Acid by Enhancing the Precursor Supply with a Hybrid Pathway and Cofactor Regeneration.

3-Hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) is one of the 12 valuable platform chemicals with versatile applications in the chemical, food, and cosmetic industries. However, the biosynthesis of 3-HP faces challenges due to the lack of robust chassis and the high costs associated with the fermentation process. To address these challenges, we made efforts to augment the robustness of 3-HP-producing chassis by exploiting metabolic regulation, controlling carbon flux, balancing cofactor generation, and optimizing fermentation conditions. First, the malonyl-CoA (MCA) pathway was recruited and rebalanced in Escherichia coli. Subsequently, a hybrid pathway integrating the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway with the nonoxidative glycolysis pathway was systematically modulated to enhance carbon flux to the MCA pathway, followed by fine-tuning NADPH regeneration. Then, by optimizing the fermentation conditions, 3-HP production was significantly improved, reaching 6.8 g/L. Finally, in a fed-batch experiment, the final chassis produced 42.8 g/L 3-HP, corresponding to a 0.4 mol/mol yield and 0.6 g/(L·h) productivity.

Chloroplast capture and range extension after hybridization in taro (Colocasia esculenta).

Complete chloroplast genomes of 17 samples from six species of Colocasia (Araceae) were sequenced, assembled, and aligned together with two previously reported complete genome sequences from taro (Colocasia esculenta). Analysis provides a well-supported phylogenetic tree for taro and closely-related wild Colocasia species in Southeast Asia. Two chloroplast lineages (CI and CII) form a well-defined haplotype group and are found in cultivated taros known as var. esculenta (dasheen, CI), var. antiquorum (eddoe, CII), and in a widespread, commensal wild form known as var. aquatilis (CI). A third lineage (CIII) is also found in wild taros known as var. aquatilis and in the wild species C. lihengiae, C. formosana, and C. spongifolia. We suggest three different scenarios to explain the grouping of CIII wild taros (C. esculenta) with other wild Colocasia species. Chloroplast lineages CI and CIII in C. esculenta and an unknown parent species may be involved in an as yet undated history of hybridization, chloroplast capture, and range extension. Substantial taxonomic revision may be needed for C. esculenta after further studies of morphological and genetic diversity within the crop, in wild populations, and in closely related wild species. The results also point to the Bengal delta as a region of key interest for future research on the origins of tropical wetland taros.

Nascently generated microplastics in freshwater stream are colonized by bacterial communities from stream and riparian sources.

The purpose of this study was to examine bacterial colonization of different types of microplastics through time in a freshwater ecosystem. Microplastics are persistent pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. Bacteria readily colonize microplastic surfaces and may contribute to their degradation, but the taxa involved, and their degradative abilities, differ based on factors such as microplastic chemistry, plastic age, and specific ecosystem types. Four different common types of newly manufactured microplastics, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, were incubated for 7 weeks in a freshwater stream and sampled. Sample collection was timed to examine the development of early and late bacterial biofilm communities. Microplastics were analyzed for changes to buoyancy, weight, contact angles (an indicator of surface roughness), bacterial community composition, and the number of bacterial cells. Time was the only significant contributing factor in the development of bacterial biofilm communities on microplastic disks over the 7-week study. Notably, the Comamonadaceae were abundant early in the study and decreased in abundance with time, while the Methylococcaceae demonstrated the opposite trend. Different physicochemical properties among the various types of microplastics had only a minor effect on bacterial community compositions of biofilms growing on the microplastics. Additionally, the surfaces of all microplastic disks became rougher over time in the stream. Collectively, our results show that microplastic surfaces undergo surface modification and community succession as time progresses, regardless of microplastic type, in a freshwater stream ecosystem.

Development of non-sedating benzodiazepines with in vivo antischistosomal activity.

The neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis infects over 200 million people worldwide and is treated with just one broad-spectrum antiparasitic drug (praziquantel). Alternative drugs are needed in the event of emerging praziquantel resistance or treatment failure. One promising lead that has shown efficacy in animal models and a human clinical trial is the benzodiazepine meclonazepam, discovered by Roche in the 1970s. Meclonazepam was not brought to market because of dose-limiting sedative side effects. However, the human target of meclonazepam that causes sedation (GABAARs) is not orthologous to the parasite targets that cause worm death. Therefore, we were interested in whether the structure of meclonazepam could be modified to produce antiparasitic benzodiazepines that do not cause host sedation. We synthesized 18 meclonazepam derivatives with modifications at different positions on the benzodiazepine ring system and tested them for in vitro antiparasitic activity. This identified five compounds that progressed to in vivo screening in a murine model, two of which cured parasite infections with comparable potency to meclonazepam. When these two compounds were administered to mice that were run on the rotarod test, both were less sedating than meclonazepam. These findings demonstrate the proof of concept that meclonazepam analogs can be designed with an improved therapeutic index and point to the C3 position of the benzodiazepine ring system as a logical site for further structure-activity exploration to further optimize this chemical series.

XRCC1 and XPD polymorphisms: clinical outcomes and risk of prostate cancer in Bangladeshi population.

BACKGROUND: In Bangladesh, only a fraction of prostate cancer patients are diagnosed annually due to lack of symptom awareness and screening challenges, resulting in high mortality. Aiming to improve screening methods, we evaluated X-ray cross-complementing gene 1 (XRCC1) Arg194Gln and Xeroderma pigmentosum group D (XPD) Lys751Gln polymorphisms to determine their relevance as potential markers for predicting prostate cancer risk, severity and clinical parameters in Bangladeshi population. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study included 132 prostate cancer patients and 135 healthy controls. Genotype analysis was done from blood samples by the PCR-RFLP method. The XRCC1 Trp/Trp genotype was associated with prostate cancer (ORadj = 5.51; 95% CI = 1.13-26.78; p-value = 0.03) compared to Arg/Arg genotype. No significant association was found between the XPD variants and prostate cancer risk. The XRCC1 Trp/Trp genotype increased prostate cancer risk in smokers and non-smokers but was statistically non-significant. In individuals without a family history of cancer, the XRCC1 Trp/Trp genotype had a non-significant 4.64-fold higher risk (ORadj=4.64; 95% CI = 0.88-24.36; p-value = 0.07), while the XPD Gln/Gln had a 2.66-fold non-significant higher risk (ORadj=2.66; 95% CI = 0.88-8.10; p-value = 0.09). The XRCC1 Trp/Trp variant was associated with hematuria risk, higher mean serum creatinine, and mean prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in prostate cancer patients. The XPD Gln/Gln variant was only associated with higher mean serum creatinine levels. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that XRCC1 screening may be used as a biomarker for prostate cancer to improve early diagnosis in Bangladesh.

A novel ZVS full-bridge cascaded step-up DC-DC converter with resonant auxiliary circuit for high voltage-gain applications.

High conversion ratio dc-dc converters have received significant attention in renewable energy systems, primarily due to their necessary high-gain characteristics. This research proposes a high step-up ratio full-bridge resonant cascaded (FBRC) dc-dc converter designed for use in photovoltaics (PV), fuel cells (FC), electric vehicles (EV), and other low-voltage output energy sectors to achieve high voltage gain. This converter contains a full-bridge cell with a boost input inductor, a diode-capacitor cascaded stage that replaces the transformer as a voltage multiplier and an inductor-capacitor (LC) parallel-series resonant network across the FB terminal. One of the strategic features of the converter is its high voltage step-up characteristic combined with lower duty cycle operation that limits the maximum current through the active devices, making it particularly suitable for systems that generate low output voltage. In addition, zero-voltage switching (ZVS) is achieved during the turn-off and turn-on operation of the FB switches from 25% to full load, thereby lessening the switching losses. Moreover, the diminished necessity for passive components and the decreased voltage stress on both active and passive devices lead to the use of smaller and more cost-effective components. The theoretical analysis of the proposed converter is validated using a 500 W laboratory-scale prototype wherein high-performance SiC-based MOSFETs have been utilized as switching devices. It offers reduced ripples, with input current ripple at 5% and output voltage ripple at 0.76%. When the load is 400 W and 60 V as the input voltage, the maximum efficiency is found 95.8% at 400 V output voltage. The proposed dc-dc converter, with its high voltage gain and reduced component stress, shows significant promise for application in renewable energy systems.

Salinity negatively correlates with the production and immunity of chicken: A molecular insight for food security and safety issues.

Salinity intrusion into the freshwater system due to climate change and anthropogenic activities is a growing global concern, which has made humans and domesticated animals more susceptible to diseases, resulting in less productivity. However, the effects of salinity on domesticated and wild birds, especially in terms of production and immunity, have not been fully elucidated yet. Therefore, this study was designed to examine the effects of salinity on the production and immunity of birds and the mechanisms by which immunity is compromised. Broiler chicks were subjected to different concentrations of salty water (control = normal water, treatment = 5 g/L, treatment = 10 g/L, and treatment = 15 g/L). The collected blood and organs from different groups of broilers were biochemically and histopathologically examined. Birds in salt-treated groups consumed significantly less feed than the control group, while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly higher. Body weight gain was significantly lower in salt-treated groups compared to control. Serum analysis revealed a lower systemic antibody titer in the salt-treated groups compared to the control. Primary lymphoid organs (thymus and bursa of Fabricius) were reduced in size in the salt-treated group due to cellular migration and depletion from these organs. Importantly, most of the parenchyma of lymphoid organs was replaced with fibrotic tissue. Gut microbes, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella spp., from salt-treated groups, showed less viability but developed antibiotic resistance. Levels of salinity were significantly and negatively correlated with feed intake, body weight gain, antibody titer, lymphoid organ size, and viable count of gut microbes, while FCR, fibrosis of lymphoid organs, and antibiotic resistance were significant positively correlated. In conclusion, increased salinity is a possible threat to food security and safety as it decreases body weight gain, reduces immunity, and influences the development of multi-drug resistance in gut microbes.

Harnessing the power of Neobacillus niacini AUMC-B524 for silver oxide nanoparticle synthesis: optimization, characterization, and bioactivity exploration.

BACKGROUND: Biotechnology provides a cost-effective way to produce nanomaterials such as silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag2ONPs), which have emerged as versatile entities with diverse applications. This study investigated the ability of endophytic bacteria to biosynthesize Ag2ONPs. RESULTS: A novel endophytic bacterial strain, Neobacillus niacini AUMC-B524, was isolated from Lycium shawii Roem. & Schult leaves and used to synthesize Ag2ONPS extracellularly. Plackett-Burman design and response surface approach was carried out to optimize the biosynthesis of Ag2ONPs (Bio-Ag2ONPs). Comprehensive characterization techniques, including UV-vis spectral analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering analysis, Raman microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis, confirmed the precise composition of the Ag2ONPS. Bio-Ag2ONPs were effective against multidrug-resistant wound pathogens, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (1-25 µg mL-1). Notably, Bio-Ag2ONPs demonstrated no cytotoxic effects on human skin fibroblasts (HSF) in vitro, while effectively suppressing the proliferation of human epidermoid skin carcinoma (A-431) cells, inducing apoptosis and modulating the key apoptotic genes including Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Caspase-3 (Cas-3), and guardian of the genome (P53). CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Bio-Ag2ONPs synthesized by endophytic N. niacini AUMC-B524, underscoring their antibacterial efficacy, anticancer activity, and biocompatibility, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies.

Effects of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) stem residue supplementation on growth performance, meat quality and health status of broilers.

Oyster mushroom stem residue, a by-product with medicinal and nutritive values, might be a prospective feed supplement in poultry nutrition. The study focused on evaluating the impact of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) stem residue (OMSR) powder supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, blood characteristics, and the cecal bacterial count in Arbor Acres broilers raised 35 d. A total of 144 day-old chicks, with an average weight of 40.27± 2.45 g, were divided into 3 groups: control (received a standard basal diet), antibiotic (basal diet + 75 mg/kg chlortetracycline), and OMSR (fed a basal diet with 300 mg/kg OMSR), where each group comprises 8 replications of 6 chicks. Supplementation of 300 mg/kg of OMSR powder in the broiler diet significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the average daily gain (ADG) and final body weight as opposed to the control and antibiotic treatments, though the average daily feed intake was not influenced by OMSR supplementation during the whole experimental period. However, in comparison to the control and antibiotic groups, OMSR significantly reduced the postmortem breast meat drip loss percentage (P < 0.05) at 24 hours and on the seventh d. Furthermore, the OMSR group reported significantly elevated levels of Hb and RBC counts (P < 0.05), and decreased levels of serum triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) concentrations (P < 0.05) on d 35 in comparison to broilers in the control and antibiotic groups. Additionally, the OMSR group exhibited an improved Heterophil/Lymphocytes (H/L) ratio (P < 0.05) relative to the broilers of the control and antibiotic groups. In contrast, the inclusion of OMSR in the broiler diet did not significantly (P > 0.05) influence other serum biochemical and hematological values tested. Broilers in OMSR group had reduced number (P < 0.05) of E. coli and Salmonella spp., but higher presence of Lactobacillus spp. (P < 0.05) in contrast to the control broilers. To summarize, the study's findings revealed that 300 mg of OMSR powder supplementation per kg of basal diet could be act as a natural growth promoter, and confer favorable effects on health and meat quality of broilers.