Growth performance and survivability of the Asian seabass Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790) reared under hyper-saline, hypo-saline and freshwater environments in a closed aquaculture system / Desempenho de crescimento e sobrevivência do robalo asiático Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790) criado em ambientes hipersalinos, hipossalinos e de água doce em um sistema de aquicultura fechado

Salinity is one of the most critical environmental parameters regarding fish physiology, modifying food intake and growth performance in many fish species. The present study has investigated the effects of different salinity levels on growth performance, feeding and survival of Asian seabass Lates calcarifer juveniles. Asian seabass juveniles were reared at 0 (T1), 5 (T2), 22 (T3), 36 (T4), and 42 (T5) ppt salinity. Approximately eight hundred thirty fish individuals with an average weight of 1.24±0.52 g were randomly distributed (166 fish/Tank) in 5 concrete tanks (each tank 30×6×4 ft, volume 19,122 L) for forty days. Juveniles were initially fed 42% crude protein-containing diets at a rate of 6% of their body weight per day. The results showed that salinity level had a significant effect on the weight gain (WG), average daily weight gain (ADWG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival rate (SR), total biomass and health indices (p<0.05). The highest WG (39.11±1.49 g), ADWG (1.00±0.12 g), SGR (8.74±0.03% d-1) and lowest FCR (0.96±0.20) were observed with T3 treatment, which was significantly higher compared to other treatment groups (p<0.05). Among the health indices, the highest hepatosomatic index and viscerosomatic index were found with T3 treatment, significantly higher than the other groups (p<0.05). No significant differences were found among the treatments in terms of survival rate (p>0.05), but the maximum survival rate (98.89±0.0%) was observed in the T3 and T2 treatments. The maximum level of crude proteins (19.99±1.4%) was found in the whole-body biochemical composition of Asian seabass juveniles in the T3 treatment group. The second-order polynomial regression showed that 20 ppt salinity is optimum for the best growth of Asian seabass. Thus, the present study recommends 20 to 36 ppt salinity for the commercial farming of Asian seabass under a closed aquaculture system.

A salinidade é um dos parâmetros ambientais mais críticos em relação à fisiologia dos peixes, modificando a ingestão de alimentos e o desempenho de crescimento em muitas espécies. O presente estudo investigou os efeitos de diferentes níveis de salinidade no desempenho de crescimento, alimentação e sobrevivência de jovens espécies de robalos asiáticos Lates calcarifer, as quais foram criadas sob salinidade 0 (T1), 5 (T2), 22 (T3), 36 (T4) e 42 (T5) ppt. Aproximadamente 830 indivíduos de peixes com peso médio de 1,24 ± 0,52 g foram distribuídos aleatoriamente (166 peixes / tanque) em cinco tanques de concreto (cada tanque tinha 30 × 6 × 4 pés (9,1 x 1,8 x 1,2 metros), com volume de 19,12 litros) por 40 dias. Os peixes foram inicialmente alimentados com uma dieta contendo 42% de proteína bruta a uma taxa de 6% do seu peso corporal por dia. Os resultados mostraram que o nível de salinidade teve um efeito significativo no ganho de peso (GP), ganho de peso médio diário (GPMD), taxa de crescimento específico (TCE), taxa de conversão alimentar (TCA), taxa de sobrevivência (TS), biomassa total e índices de saúde (p < 0,05). O maior GP (39,11 ± 1,49 g), GPMD (1,00 ± 0,12 g), TCE (8,74 ± 0,03% d-1) e o menor TCA (0,96 ± 0,20) foram observados com o tratamento T3, que foi significativamente superior em comparação com os outros tratamentos (p < 0,05). Entre os índices de saúde, os maiores índices hepatossomáticos e viscerossomáticos foram encontrados no tratamento T3, significativamente superior do que os demais grupos (p < 0,05). Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos quanto à TS (p > 0,05), mas a TS máxima (98,89 ± 0,0%) foi observada nos tratamentos T3 e T2. O nível máximo de proteína bruta (19,99 ± 1,4%) foi encontrado na composição bioquímica dos corpos dos jovens robalos asiáticos no grupo T3. A regressão polinomial de segunda ordem mostrou que a salinidade de 20 ppt é ótima para o melhor crescimento do robalo asiático. Assim, o presente estudo recomenda salinidade de 20 a 36 ppt para o cultivo comercial de robalo asiático em sistema de aquicultura fechado.

Growth performance and survivability of the Asian seabass Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790) reared under hyper-saline, hypo-saline and freshwater environments in a closed aquaculture system

Abstract Salinity is one of the most critical environmental parameters regarding fish physiology, modifying food intake and growth performance in many fish species. The present study has investigated the effects of different salinity levels on growth performance, feeding and survival of Asian seabass Lates calcarifer juveniles. Asian seabass juveniles were reared at 0 (T1), 5 (T2), 22 (T3), 36 (T4), and 42 (T5) ppt salinity. Approximately eight hundred thirty fish individuals with an average weight of 1.24±0.52 g were randomly distributed (166 fish/Tank) in 5 concrete tanks (each tank 30×6×4 ft, volume 19,122 L) for forty days. Juveniles were initially fed 42% crude protein-containing diets at a rate of 6% of their body weight per day. The results showed that salinity level had a significant effect on the weight gain (WG), average daily weight gain (ADWG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival rate (SR), total biomass and health indices (p 0.05). The highest WG (39.11±1.49 g), ADWG (1.00±0.12 g), SGR (8.74±0.03% d-1) and lowest FCR (0.96±0.20) were observed with T3 treatment, which was significantly higher compared to other treatment groups (p 0.05). Among the health indices, the highest hepatosomatic index and viscerosomatic index were found with T3 treatment, significantly higher than the other groups (p 0.05). No significant differences were found among the treatments in terms of survival rate (p>0.05), but the maximum survival rate (98.89±0.0%) was observed in the T3 and T2 treatments. The maximum level of crude proteins (19.99±1.4%) was found in the whole-body biochemical composition of Asian seabass juveniles in the T3 treatment group. The second-order polynomial regression showed that 20 ppt salinity is optimum for the best growth of Asian seabass. Thus, the present study recommends 20 to 36 ppt salinity for the commercial farming of Asian seabass under a closed aquaculture system.

Resumo A salinidade é um dos parâmetros ambientais mais críticos em relação à fisiologia dos peixes, modificando a ingestão de alimentos e o desempenho de crescimento em muitas espécies. O presente estudo investigou os efeitos de diferentes níveis de salinidade no desempenho de crescimento, alimentação e sobrevivência de jovens espécies de robalos asiáticos Lates calcarifer, as quais foram criadas sob salinidade 0 (T1), 5 (T2), 22 (T3), 36 (T4) e 42 (T5) ppt. Aproximadamente 830 indivíduos de peixes com peso médio de 1,24 ± 0,52 g foram distribuídos aleatoriamente (166 peixes / tanque) em cinco tanques de concreto (cada tanque tinha 30 × 6 × 4 pés (9,1 x 1,8 x 1,2 metros), com volume de 19,12 litros) por 40 dias. Os peixes foram inicialmente alimentados com uma dieta contendo 42% de proteína bruta a uma taxa de 6% do seu peso corporal por dia. Os resultados mostraram que o nível de salinidade teve um efeito significativo no ganho de peso (GP), ganho de peso médio diário (GPMD), taxa de crescimento específico (TCE), taxa de conversão alimentar (TCA), taxa de sobrevivência (TS), biomassa total e índices de saúde (p 0,05). O maior GP (39,11 ± 1,49 g), GPMD (1,00 ± 0,12 g), TCE (8,74 ± 0,03% d-1) e o menor TCA (0,96 ± 0,20) foram observados com o tratamento T3, que foi significativamente superior em comparação com os outros tratamentos (p 0,05). Entre os índices de saúde, os maiores índices hepatossomáticos e viscerossomáticos foram encontrados no tratamento T3, significativamente superior do que os demais grupos (p 0,05). Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos quanto à TS (p > 0,05), mas a TS máxima (98,89 ± 0,0%) foi observada nos tratamentos T3 e T2. O nível máximo de proteína bruta (19,99 ± 1,4%) foi encontrado na composição bioquímica dos corpos dos jovens robalos asiáticos no grupo T3. A regressão polinomial de segunda ordem mostrou que a salinidade de 20 ppt é ótima para o melhor crescimento do robalo asiático. Assim, o presente estudo recomenda salinidade de 20 a 36 ppt para o cultivo comercial de robalo asiático em sistema de aquicultura fechado.

Effects of microplastics in freshwater fishes health and the implications for human health.

The presence of microplastics in aquatic environments has raised concerns about their abundance and potential hazards to aquatic organisms. This review provides insight into the problem that may be of alarm for freshwater fish. Plastic pollution is not confined to marine ecosystems; freshwater also comprises plastic bits, as the most of plastic fragments enter oceans via rivers. Microplastics (MPs) can be consumed by fish and accumulated due to their size and poor biodegradability. Furthermore, it has the potential to enter the food chain and cause health problems. Evidence of MPs s ingestion has been reported in >150 fish species from both freshwater and marine systems. However, microplastic quantification and toxicity in freshwater ecosystems have been underestimated, ignored, and not reported as much as compared to the marine ecosystem. However, their abundance, influence, and toxicity in freshwater biota are not less than in marine ecosystems. The interaction of MPs with freshwater fish, as well as the risk of human consumption, remains a mystery. Nevertheless, our knowledge of the impacts of MPs on freshwater fish is still very limited. This study detailed the status of the toxicity of MPs in freshwater fish. This review will add to our understanding of the ecotoxicology of microplastics on freshwater fish and give subsequent research directions.

Occurrence of new Philometra sp. in mangrove red snapper Lutjanus argentimaculatus from the Karachi coast, Pakistan.

A recent examination of Philometra nematodes from mangrove red snapper Lutjanus argentimaculatus (Forsskal, 1775) from the Karachi coast, Kemari was done in the years 2021-2022. The present study reported three new species of genus Philometra (Costa, 1845) (Nematoda: Philometridae) Philometra kolachii, Philometra lutjani and Philometra kemarii. A total of 140 fish samples were examined, and 76 were infected. The intensity of infected fish was 54.28%. In Pakistan, literature on Philometrid nematodes is limited, therefore, this research would be helpful for the documentation and enhancement of nematods in Pakistan.

Growth performance and survivability of the Asian seabass Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790) reared under hyper-saline, hypo-saline and freshwater environments in a closed aquaculture system.

Salinity is one of the most critical environmental parameters regarding fish physiology, modifying food intake and growth performance in many fish species. The present study has investigated the effects of different salinity levels on growth performance, feeding and survival of Asian seabass Lates calcarifer juveniles. Asian seabass juveniles were reared at 0 (T1), 5 (T2), 22 (T3), 36 (T4), and 42 (T5) ppt salinity. Approximately eight hundred thirty fish individuals with an average weight of 1.24±0.52 g were randomly distributed (166 fish/Tank) in 5 concrete tanks (each tank 30×6×4 ft, volume 19,122 L) for forty days. Juveniles were initially fed 42% crude protein-containing diets at a rate of 6% of their body weight per day. The results showed that salinity level had a significant effect on the weight gain (WG), average daily weight gain (ADWG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival rate (SR), total biomass and health indices (p<0.05). The highest WG (39.11±1.49 g), ADWG (1.00±0.12 g), SGR (8.74±0.03% d-1) and lowest FCR (0.96±0.20) were observed with T3 treatment, which was significantly higher compared to other treatment groups (p<0.05). Among the health indices, the highest hepatosomatic index and viscerosomatic index were found with T3 treatment, significantly higher than the other groups (p<0.05). No significant differences were found among the treatments in terms of survival rate (p>0.05), but the maximum survival rate (98.89±0.0%) was observed in the T3 and T2 treatments. The maximum level of crude proteins (19.99±1.4%) was found in the whole-body biochemical composition of Asian seabass juveniles in the T3 treatment group. The second-order polynomial regression showed that 20 ppt salinity is optimum for the best growth of Asian seabass. Thus, the present study recommends 20 to 36 ppt salinity for the commercial farming of Asian seabass under a closed aquaculture system.

Diversity and population structure of red rice germplasm in Bangladesh.

While the functionality and healthy food value of red rice have increased its popularity, such that market demand for it is expected to rise, most strains suffer from low grain yield. To perform diversity and population structure analyses of red rice germplasm, therefore, becomes essential for improving yields for commercial production. In this study, fifty red rice germplasm from the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) genebank were characterized both morphologically and genetically using fifty simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Overall, 162 alleles were detected by the markers with the detected allele number varying from two to seven. Additionally, 22 unique alleles were identified for use as a germplasm diagnostic tool. The highest and lowest polymorphic information content (PIC) indices were 0.75 and 0.04 found in markers RM282 and RM304, respectively, and genetic diversity was moderate, varying from 0.05 to 0.78 (average: 0.35). While phylogenetic cluster analysis of the fifteen distance-based agro-morphological traits divided the germplasm into five clusters (I, II, III, IV and V), a similar SSR analysis yielded only three major groups (I, II, and III), and a model-based population structure analysis yielded four (A, B, C and D). Both principal component and neighbors joining tree analysis from the population structure method showed the tested germplasm as highly diverse in structure. Moreover, an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), as well as a pairwise FST analysis, both indicated significant differentiation (ranging from 0.108 to 0.207) among all pairs of populations, suggesting that all four population structure groups differed significantly. Populations A and D were the most differentiated from each other by FST. Findings from this study suggest that the diverse germplasm and polymorphic trait-linked SSR markers of red rice are suitable for the detection of economically desirable trait loci/genes for use in future molecular breeding programs.

Emergence of two novel sublineages Ind2001BD1 and Ind2001BD2 of foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype O in Bangladesh.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is endemic in Bangladesh, and the implementation of a control programme for this disease is at an early stage, according to the FAO- and OIE-proposed Progressive Control Pathway for FMD (PCP-FMD) Roadmap. To develop an effective control programme, understanding of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotypes, even subtypes within the serotypes is essential. The present investigation aims at viral VP1 coding region sequence-based analysis of FMD samples collected from 34 FMD outbreaks during 2012-2016 in Bangladesh. Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotype O was responsible for 82% of the outbreaks in Bangladesh, showing its dominance over serotype A and Asia1. The VP1 phylogeny revealed the emergence of two novel sublineages of serotype O, named as Ind2001BD1 and Ind2001BD2, within the Ind2001 lineage along with the circulation of Ind2001d sublineage in Bangladesh, which was further supported by the multidimensional scaling with distinct clusters for each sublineage. The novel sublineages had evident genetic variability with other established sublineages within Ind2001 lineage. Ten mutations with three or more amino acid variations were detected within B-C loop, G-H loop and C-terminal region of the VP1 protein of FMDV serotype O viruses isolated exclusively from Bangladesh. Furthermore, two amino acid substitutions at positions 197 and 198 within the VP1 C-terminal region are unique to the novel sublineages. The existence of widespread genetic variations among circulatory FMDV serotype O viruses makes the FMD control programme complex in Bangladesh. Adequate epidemiological data, disease reporting, animal movement control, appropriate vaccination and above all stringent policies of the government are necessary to combat FMD in Bangladesh.

Relationship between Echocardiographic Epicardial Adipose Tissue (EAT) Thickness and Angiographically Detected Coronary Artery Disease.

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a particular form of visceral adipose tissue deposited around the heart and there is growing evidence about the physiological and metabolic importance of EAT, especially in the association of cardiovascular risk profiles and the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. This observational, cross sectional study was done to determine the relationship between echocardiographic epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness and coronary artery disease (CAD). Total 123 patients with established or suspected coronary artery disease admitted for coronary angiogram in the department of Cardiology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from November 2010 to the end of April 2011 were included in this study. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness measurements by echocardiography were compared with coronary angiographic findings. Echocardiographic epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness was significantly higher in patients with CAD in comparison to those with normal coronary arteries (6.67±2.24mm vs. 4.61±1.62mm; p<0.001). Furthermore, EAT thickness increased with the severity of CAD (multi-vessel disease 7.99±2.12mm vs. single vessel disease 5.93±1.97mm; p<0.001). Gensini's score significantly correlated with EAT thickness (r=0.617, p<0.001). Optimum cut-off point (OCP) of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness as a predictor of angiographic CAD was 6.44mm with 45.31% sensitivity and 92.86% specificity [ROC area 0.756, p<0.001, 95%CI (0.66-0.85)]. Echocardiographic epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness was significantly correlated with the presence and severity of angiographically detected coronary artery disease (CAD).

Study of Commonest Variety of Sinonasal Malignancy and Its Sex Wise Distribution.

This study was done to find the commonest variety of sinonasal malignancy and its association with sex.This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery Department, Dhaka Medical College & Hospital and in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery Department, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University between January 2009 and December 2009. A total of 146 cases of sinonasal malignancy were consecutively included in the study. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology. The mean age was 47.8 years (range: 22-75 years). Over three-quarters (77%) of the patients were male with male to female ratio being 3:1. Nearly one-third (30.8%) of the patients was farmer and over one-third (36.3%) was illiterate. The right sinonasal region was involved in 48.6% cases, left sinonasal region in 39% and both sinonasal region in 12.4% cases. Histopathological diagnosis of sinonasal malignancy revealed that squamous cell carcinoma accounted for 82.9% of sinonasal malignancies, 9.6% adenocarcinoma and the rest were olfactory neuroblastoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. About 96.6% of the tumours involved nasal cavity, 97.9% maxillary sinuses, 17.8% frontal sinuses, 48.6% ethmoidal sinuses and 13% sphenoid sinuses. Over 80% of patients were smoker. Exposure to wood dust was found in 26% of cases. Lather tanning in 4.8% of cases and welding in 4.1% of cases. T staging shows that nearly half (48.6%) of the patients lesion was T2, 29.5% T3, 19.9% T4 and 2.1% T1. None of the patients exhibited lymph node involvement or distant metastasis. Males tend to develop squamous cell carcinoma significantly more than the females with risk of acquiring squamous cell carcinoma being nearly 3(1.1-7.1) times higher in male than that in female (p=0.022). The study concludes that the most common histopathological variety of sinonasal malignancy is squamous cell carcinoma and males are prone to develop this malignancy more frequently than the females.

Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury in Thyroid Surgery: One Year Prospective Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

This prospective, cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Otolaryngology & Head-Neck Surgery, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh from August 2010 to July 2011. One hundred & twenty eight (128) patients with thyroid swelling who underwent surgery were purposely included. The study was designed to determine the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury during thyroid surgery. Among the 128 patients, female were predominant 78.90%, majority of the patient were in third decade, 96.87% patients were biochemically euthyroid. Total 5.46% patient had recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Among them 14.28% had transient and 85.72% had permanent injury. Injury was more in total thyroidectomy done for extensive malignancy.

Otitis media with effusion in children admitted for adenoidectomy.

This cross-sectional prospective study was done in the Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka during the period of January 2008 to December 2009 with the aim to find out the frequency of otitis media with effusion in patients with enlarged adenoid admitted for Adenoidectomy, To see the frequency of otitis media with effusion in different age group, To find out the degree of hearing loss in enlarged Adenoid patients. A total number of 60 patients who were admitted for adenoidectomy with or without tonsillectomy were purposively collected. Male female ratio was 1.6:1. Majority of patients (61.67%) came from lower socioeconomic group. Amongst the patients with enlarged adenoids, OME was found in 32(53.33%) cases. Out of 25 grossly enlarged adenoid cases, OME was found in 19(76%) cases. In 35 cases of moderately enlarge adenoid, OME was found in 13(37.14%) cases. Out of 28 enlarged adenoid cases in age group 0-5 years, OME was present in 19(67.86%) cases and out of 32 enlarge adenoid cases in age group 6-15 years; OME was present in 13(40.62%) cases. Most of the patients presented with multiple clinical features, the commonest was mouth breathing (80%), other features were snoring (58.33%), nasal discharge (56.67%) and hearing impairment (53.33%). In tympanometry, flat curve without peak was found in 25 cases and negative middle ear pressure was seen in 7 cases. Regarding hearing status of patients, 25 cases had a mild to moderate degree of hearing loss and PTA was not done in 7 cases due to lower age group (below 4 years).

Association of heart rate response with scan and left ventricular function on adenosine stress myocardial perfusion imaging.

To evaluate the association of heart rate (HR) response with abnormal scan and/or left ventricular (LV) function in patients undergoing adenosine myocardial perfusion imaging, we prospectively studied 164 consecutive patients who underwent a standard adenosine stress test (without exercise) and myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) using technetium-99m sestamibi radioisotope. Change in HR was calculated by subtracting HR at rest from peak HR. The percentage change in HR was calculated. All patients underwent stress and resting single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was calculated using gated SPECT. Mean age was 54 ± 11.7 years and 126 of the patients (72%) were men. We divided the patients into 2 groups: group 1(42 patients, 25%) had normal scans and group 2(122 patients, 74.3%) had abnormal scans; abnormal scans were defined as presence of either fixed defects, reversible defects, or both. Average HR increased by 35 beats/min in the normal scan group compared with 23 beats/min in the abnormal scan group (p=0.002). Sixty four (64) patients (39%) had reduced EF (<45%). This group had an average HR and percentage HR increase of 23 beats/min (27%) compared with an increase of 35 beats/min (38%) in patients with normal EF (p=0.002 and p=0.02, respectively). Thus, a diminished HR response had a significant association with both an abnormal scan and reduced EF on adenosine MPI.

Re-emergence of circulatory foot-and-mouth disease virus serotypes Asia1 in Bangladesh and VP1 protein heterogeneity with vaccine strain IND 63/72.

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotypes O, A and Asia1 are responsible for significant number of disease outbreaks in Bangladesh; however serotype Asia1 has not been reported in circulation since 1996. The present investigation reports the detection of serotype FMDV Asia1 from local farms in 2012 and 2013 outbreaks. The farms were located in Jessore and Gazipur districts, and one of these farms was under vaccine control programme. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete VP1 gene revealed that FMDV Asia1 is under genetic lineage C having close similarity to the Asia1 sequences of Indian origin. The circulatory genotype Asia1 showed VP1 protein sequence heterogeneity of eight amino acid substitutions within the G-H loop with the vaccine strain [IND 63/72 (AY304994)] used in vaccination programme. ELISA assay revealed that, of seven, only one local field serum sample (cattle vaccinated 38 days earlier) was positive at a titre level of >2.4 (log10) but failed to protect the cattle from infection occurred by the virus. This investigation focused that the eight amino acid substitution in VP1 protein at G-H loop of the locally circulated FMDV serotype Asia1 strain may be a reason for current vaccination failure.

Prevalence and distribution of White Spot Syndrome Virus in cultured shrimp.

White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) is a dsDNA virus causing White Spot Syndrome Disease (WSSD) in shrimp with almost 100% morality rate within 3-10 days. In Bangladesh, WSSD is one of the major impediments of shrimp farming. This study first investigated the prevalence and distribution of WSSV in cultured shrimps of the coastal regions in Bangladesh. A total of 60 shrimp samples, collected from the 25 shrimp farms of different coastal regions (Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat and Cox's Bazar), were analysed during 2013-2014 by conventional PCR using VP28 and VP664 gene-specific primers; 39 of 60 samples were found WSSV positive. SYBR green real-time PCR using 71-bp amplicon for VP664 gene correlated well with conventional PCR data. The prevalence rates of WSSV among the collected 60 samples were Satkhira 79%, Khulna 50%, Bagerhat 38% and Cox's Bazar 25%. Sequencing of WSSV-positive PCR amplicons of VP28 showed 99% similarity with WSSV NCBI Ref/Seq Sequences. Molecular analysis of the VP28 gene sequences of WSSV revealed that Bangladeshi strains phylogenetically affiliated to the strains belong to India. This work concluded that WSSV infections are widely distributed in the coastal regions cultured shrimp in Bangladesh.

Noninvasive carotid duplex study may be used as predictor test for ischaemic heart disease.

A prospective observational study was carried out to detect carotid atherosclerosis using high resolution B-Mode in 150 in-hospital patients with clinically diagnosed ischemic heart disease in various forms in the department of Cardiology, University Cardiac Center, BSMMU, Bangladesh. The duration of study was from April 2006 to December 2008. Carotid Ultrasound evaluation was performed in 150 patients diagnosed as Ischemic Heart Disease by single operator (NF). Mean age of the patients was 53.62±10.92 with, male to female ratio of 9.5:0.5. Mean IMT was 0.96±0.21mm in 85% of the patient of clinically diagnosed IHD, which was higher than the normal (normal IMT ≤0.8mm). Among them, about 77% had atherosclerotic plaque. A significant correlation between Carotid atherosclerosis determined by IMT and Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) was found. Non invasive carotid duplex study might be useful for predicting ischaemic heart disease.

Regional metastasis in supraglottic and glottic carcinoma of larynx.

This cross sectional study was conducted in Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital, Mitford and Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2009 to December 2009 by purposive sampling method. Among the 50 cases, involvement of supraglottic (72%) region is significantly higher than glottic (28%) region. Affected peoples are mainly male and mean age was 58.1±10.4 years. Frequency of regional metastasis of supraglottic carcinoma (47.22%) was higher than glottic carcinoma (7.14%). Most of the lymphnode involvement was at level-II to IV. Most of the patients presented at stage-I & stage-II.

Aetiology and risk stratification of patients presenting with atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in the World, occurring in approximately 0.4% of the general population. The purpose of the present study was to see the aetiology, presenting symptoms and risk stratification of hospital admitted patients with atrial fibrillation. It was conducted in the department of cardiology, University Cardiac Centre, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from January 2008 to January 2009. A total of 100 patients with atrial fibrillation were enrolled in this study. Out of them, male were 40(40%) and female 60(60%); age range 22-79 years. Most common presenting symptoms were palpitation (80%) & dyspnoea (70%). Chronic rheumatic heart disease (CRHD) (63%) was found in most cases followed by IHD (13%), hypertension (11%). Among CRHD, mitral stenosis was 50%, and mixed mitral valve disease was 8%. Risk stratification of patients with AF for future thromboembolism revealed high risk factors were present in 60% cases, moderate in 25% cases, and weaker risk factors in 15% cases. According to CHADS2 score, most of the patients belonged to moderate risk group (47%) and 32% in low risk group. Chronic rheumatic heart disease is one of the major causes of atrial fibrillation in hospital admitted patients & risk stratification revealed that most of the patients were in risk for future stroke.

Aortic valve sclerosis is an indicator of coronary artery diseases.

Aim of this study is to establish the relationship between echocardiographically detected Aortic Valve Sclerosis (AVS) and angiographically detected Coronary Artery Diseases (CAD). This observational and cross-sectional study was carried out in the department of cardiology BSMMU, Dhaka from January 2010 to November 2010. A total 140 patients of established or suspected coronary artery disease admitted for coronary angiogram was included in this study. Echocardiography and coronary angiography was done. AVS was found in 88(63%) patients. With AVS 81(92.05%) had significant coronary artery disease. Fifty two patients without AVS, 42(80%) had significant coronary artery disease. No significant difference of SVD in both groups but patients with AVS had a higher rate of DVD, TVD and LM disease. Patients without AVS had a higher rate of normal coronary angiogram. Multivariate analysis identified AVS (p=0.018) is an independent predictor of CAD.

Trimetazidine in the prevention of contrast induced nephropathy after coronary angiogram.

This prospective randomized, controlled trial was done to evaluate the efficacy of trimetazidine in the prevention of contrast induced nephropathy in patients with raised serum creatinine levels undergoing coronary angiogram. This study was performed in the Department of Cardiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from April 2009 to March 2010. Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a serious complication of coronary angiography that is associated with considerably increased mortality and morbidity, including the need for short-term haemodialysis, extended hospitalisation and permanent impairment of renal function. Trimetazidine (TMZ) has been described as a cellular anti-ischaemic agent. This study was trial with 400 patients. Among them 200 patients treated with trimetazidine plus hydration with normal saline and 200 patients (control) given hydration by normal saline only. It was found that the incidence of CIN was significantly (p<0.05) reduced by trimetazidine administration with saline in comparison with saline alone in patients undergoing coronary angiogram (4% vs. 14%).

Difficulty in diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Due to difficult anatomical position nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is always challenging problems both from the diagnostic and therapeutic corner. A 24 years old lady came to our Department of Otolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery with the complaints of epistaxis, right sided neck swelling, nasal obstruction and headache. On digital palpation Nasopharyngeal mass was found. We took biopsy from nasopharynx under indirect vision but report was not conclusive. Then we did CT scan, nasendoscopy. Nasendoscopy showed bilateral ethmoidal polyp with nasopharyngeal mass. We took biopsy from the nasopharyngeal mass and confirmed the diagnosis.