Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of major foodborne pathogens isolated from pangas and tilapia fish sold in retail markets of Dhaka city, Bangladesh.

Fish sold at retail markets are often contaminated with harmful bacterial pathogens, posing significant health risks. Despite the growing aquaculture industry in Bangladesh to meet high demand, little attention has been paid to ensuring the safety of fish. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of tilapia and pangas fish sold in retail markets across Dhaka city, Bangladesh. Specifically, the study aimed to compare the quality of fish from traditional wet markets and modern supermarkets, as well as fish samples collected during morning and evening hours. A total of 500 raw cut-fish samples (250 tilapia and 250 pangas) were collected at the point of sale from 32 wet markets and 25 supermarkets. All samples were tested for Escherichia coli, extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing E. coli (ESBL-Ec), along with the foodborne pathogens Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio, and Cryptosporidium spp. Bacterial isolates were characterized using antibiotic susceptibility tests (AST) and the presence of common virulence and antibiotic-resistant genes. Fish samples from retail markets had higher prevalence of tested bacteria including E. coli (92 %), V. cholerae (62 %), ESBL-Ec (48 %), and Salmonella spp. (24 %). There was a significant difference in the prevalence of E. coli (97 % vs. 71 %), ESBL-Ec (58 % vs. 8 %) and Salmonella spp. (28 % vs. 8 %) on the wet market samples compared to supermarket samples (p < 0.005). The mean concentration of E. coli on fish from the wet market was 3.0 ± 0.9 log10 CFU/g, while that from supermarkets was 1.6 ± 0.9 log10 CFU/g. The mean concentration of ESBL-Ec in fish from wet markets and supermarkets were 2.3 ± 0.8 log10 CFU/g and 1.6 ± 0.5 log10 CFU/g, respectively. AST revealed that 46 % of E. coli isolates were multi-drug resistant (MDR), while 4 %, 2 % and 5 % of E. coli, Salmonella spp. and Vibrio spp. isolates, respectively, were resistant to carbapenems. At least 3 % of total E. coli isolates were found to be diarrheagenic, while 40 % of Salmonella isolates harbored pathogenic genes (stn, bcfC, ssaQ, avrA and sodC1), and none of the V. cholerae isolates harbored ctxA and tcpA. Our research shows that raw-cut fish samples from retail markets are contaminated with pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which could be a significant food safety concern. Public health interventions should be implemented to improve food safety and hygiene practices in the retail fish markets.

Tracking antimicrobial resistance transmission in urban and rural communities in Bangladesh: a One Health study of genomic diversity of ESBL-producing and carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global health and sustainable development goals, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to understand the transmission of AMR between poultry, humans, and the environment in Bangladesh using a One Health approach. We analyzed the whole genome sequences (WGS) of 117 extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-Ec) isolates, with 46 being carbapenem resistant. These isolates were obtained from human (n = 20) and poultry feces (n = 12), as well as proximal environments (wastewater) (n = 85) of three different study sites, including rural households (n = 48), rural poultry farms (n = 20), and urban wet markets (n = 49). The WGS of ESBL-Ec isolates were compared with 58 clinical isolates from global databases. No significant differences in antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were observed in ESBL-Ec isolated from humans with and without exposure to poultry. Environmental isolates showed higher ARG diversity than human and poultry isolates. No clonal transmission between poultry and human isolates was found, but wastewater was a reservoir for ESBL-Ec for both. Except for one human isolate, all ESBL-Ec isolates were distinct from clinical isolates. Most isolates (77.8%) carried at least one plasmid replicon type, with IncFII being the most prevalent. IncFIA was predominant in human isolates, while IncFII, Col(MG828), and p0111 were common in poultry. We observed putative sharing of ARG-carrying plasmids among isolates, mainly from wastewater. However, in most cases, bacterial isolates sharing plasmids were also clonally related, suggesting clonal spread was more probable than just plasmid transfer. IMPORTANCE: Our study underscores that wastewater discharged from households and wet markets carries antibiotic-resistant organisms from both human and animal sources. Thus, direct disposal of wastewater into the environment not only threatens human health but also endangers food safety by facilitating the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to surface water, crops, vegetables, and subsequently to food-producing animals. In regions with intensive poultry production heavily reliant on the prophylactic use of antibiotics, compounded by inadequate waste management systems, such as Bangladesh, the ramifications are particularly pronounced. Wastewater serves as a pivotal juncture for the dissemination of antibiotic-resistant organisms and functions as a pathway through which strains of human and animal origin can infiltrate the environment and potentially colonize new hosts. Further research is needed to thoroughly characterize wastewater isolates/populations and understand their potential impact on interconnected environments, communities, and wildlife.

Evolution of structural and electronic properties standardized description in rhenium disulfide at the bulk-monolayer transition.

The structural and electronic properties of ReS2 different forms - three-dimensional bulk and two-dimensional monolayer - were studied within density functional theory and pseudopotentials. A method for standardizing the description of bulk unit cells and "artificial" slab unit cells for DFT research has been proposed. The preference of this method for studying zone dispersion has been shown. The influence of the vacuum layer thickness on specified special high-symmetry points is discussed. Electron band dispersion in both classical 3D Brillouin zones and transition to 2D Brillouin zones in the proposed two-dimensional approach using the Niggli form of the unit cell was compared. The proposed two-dimensional approach is preferable for low-symmetry layered crystals such as ReS2. It was established that the bulk ReS2 is a direct gap semiconductor (band gap of 1.20 eV), with the direct transition lying in the X point of the first Brillouin zone, and it is in good agreement with published experimental data. The reduction in material dimension from bulk to monolayer was conducted with an increasing band gap up to 1.45 eV, with a moving direct transition towards the Brillouin zone center. The monolayer of ReS2 is a direct-gap semiconductor in a wide range of temperatures, excluding only a narrow range at low temperatures, where it comes as a quasi-direct gap semiconductor. The transition, situated directly in the Γ-point, lies 3.3 meV below the first direct transition located near this point. The electronic density of states of ReS2 in the bulk and monolayer cases of ReS2 were analyzed. The molecular orbitals were built for both types of ReS2 structures as well as the electron difference density maps. For all types of ReS2 structures, an analysis of populations according to Mulliken and Voronoi was carried out. All calculated data is discussed in the context of weak quantum confinement in the 2D case.

Perinatal colonization with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing and carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria: a hospital-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health threat that contributes to substantial neonatal mortality. Bangladesh has reported some of the highest rates of AMR among bacteria causing neonatal sepsis. As AMR colonization among newborns can predispose to infection with these bacteria, we aimed to characterize the frequency of and risk factors for colonization of mothers and newborns during hospitalization for delivery. METHODS: We enrolled pregnant women presenting for delivery to a tertiary care hospital in Faridpur, Bangladesh. We collected vaginal and rectal swabs from mothers pre- and post-delivery, rectal swabs from newborns, and swabs from the hospital environment. Swabs were plated on agars selective for extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase producing bacteria (ESBL-PB) and carbapenem-resistant bacteria (CRB). We performed logistic regression to determine factors associated with ESBL-PB/CRB colonization. RESULTS: We enrolled 177 women and their newborns during February-October 2020. Prior to delivery, 77% of mothers were colonized with ESBL-PB and 15% with CRB. 79% of women underwent cesarean deliveries (C-section). 98% of women received antibiotics. Following delivery, 98% of mothers and 89% of newborns were colonized with ESBL-PB and 89% of mothers and 72% of newborns with CRB. Of 290 environmental samples, 77% were positive for ESBL-PB and 69% for CRB. Maternal pre-delivery colonization was associated with hospitalization during pregnancy (RR for ESBL-PB 1.24, 95% CI 1.10-1.40; CRB 2.46, 95% CI 1.39-4.37). Maternal post-delivery and newborn colonization were associated with C-section (RR for maternal CRB 1.31, 95% CI 1.08-1.59; newborn ESBL-PB 1.34, 95% CI 1.09-1.64; newborn CRB 1.73, 95% CI 1.20-2.47). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we observed high rates of colonization with ESBL-PB/CRB among mothers and newborns, with pre-delivery colonization linked to prior healthcare exposure. Our results demonstrate this trend may be driven by intense use of antibiotics, frequent C-sections, and a contaminated hospital environment. These findings highlight that greater attention should be given to the use of perinatal antibiotics, improved surgical stewardship for C-sections, and infection prevention practices in healthcare settings to reduce the high prevalence of colonization with AMR organisms.

An agent-based modeling approach for lung fibrosis in response to COVID-19.

The severity of the COVID-19 pandemic has created an emerging need to investigate the long-term effects of infection on patients. Many individuals are at risk of suffering pulmonary fibrosis due to the pathogenesis of lung injury and impairment in the healing mechanism. Fibroblasts are the central mediators of extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition during tissue regeneration, regulated by anti-inflammatory cytokines including transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß). The TGF-ß-dependent accumulation of fibroblasts at the damaged site and excess fibrillar collagen deposition lead to fibrosis. We developed an open-source, multiscale tissue simulator to investigate the role of TGF-ß sources in the progression of lung fibrosis after SARS-CoV-2 exposure, intracellular viral replication, infection of epithelial cells, and host immune response. Using the model, we predicted the dynamics of fibroblasts, TGF-ß, and collagen deposition for 15 days post-infection in virtual lung tissue. Our results showed variation in collagen area fractions between 2% and 40% depending on the spatial behavior of the sources (stationary or mobile), the rate of activation of TGF-ß, and the duration of TGF-ß sources. We identified M2 macrophages as primary contributors to higher collagen area fraction. Our simulation results also predicted fibrotic outcomes even with lower collagen area fraction when spatially-localized latent TGF-ß sources were active for longer times. We validated our model by comparing simulated dynamics for TGF-ß, collagen area fraction, and macrophage cell population with independent experimental data from mouse models. Our results showed that partial removal of TGF-ß sources changed the fibrotic patterns; in the presence of persistent TGF-ß sources, partial removal of TGF-ß from the ECM significantly increased collagen area fraction due to maintenance of chemotactic gradients driving fibroblast movement. The computational findings are consistent with independent experimental and clinical observations of collagen area fractions and cell population dynamics not used in developing the model. These critical insights into the activity of TGF-ß sources may find applications in the current clinical trials targeting TGF-ß for the resolution of lung fibrosis.

ECOPHAGE: Combating Antimicrobial Resistance Using Bacteriophages for Eco-Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems.

The focus of this meeting was to discuss the suitability of using bacteriophages as alternative antimicrobials in the agrifood sector. Following a One Health approach, the workshop explored the possibilities of implementing phage application strategies in the agriculture, animal husbandry, aquaculture, and food production sectors. Therefore, the meeting had gathered phage researchers, representatives of the agrifood industry, and policymakers to debate the advantages and potential shortcomings of using bacteriophages as alternatives to traditional antimicrobials and chemical pesticides. Industry delegates showed the latest objectives and demands from consumers. Representatives of regulatory agencies (European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS)) presented an update of new regulatory aspects that will impact and support the approval and implementation of phage application strategies across the different sectors.

Impact of contrasting poultry exposures on human, poultry, and wastewater antibiotic resistomes in Bangladesh.

IMPORTANCE: Through the use of DNA sequencing, our study shows that there is no significant difference in the antibiotic resistance genes found in stool samples taken from individuals with high exposure to poultry routinely fed antibiotics and those without such exposure. This finding is significant as it suggests limited transmission of antibiotic resistance genes between poultry and humans in these circumstances. However, our research also demonstrates that commercially reared poultry are more likely to possess resistance genes to antibiotics commonly administered on medium-sized farms. Additionally, our study highlights the under-explored potential of wastewater as a source of various antibiotic resistance genes, some of which are clinically relevant.

Physical-Vapor-Deposited Metal Oxide Thin Films for pH Sensing Applications: Last Decade of Research Progress.

In the last several decades, metal oxide thin films have attracted significant attention for the development of various existing and emerging technological applications, including pH sensors. The mandate for consistent and precise pH sensing techniques has been increasing across various fields, including environmental monitoring, biotechnology, food and agricultural industries, and medical diagnostics. Metal oxide thin films grown using physical vapor deposition (PVD) with precise control over film thickness, composition, and morphology are beneficial for pH sensing applications such as enhancing pH sensitivity and stability, quicker response, repeatability, and compatibility with miniaturization. Various PVD techniques, including sputtering, evaporation, and ion beam deposition, used to fabricate thin films for tailoring materials' properties for the advanced design and development of high-performing pH sensors, have been explored worldwide by many research groups. In addition, various thin film materials have also been investigated, including metal oxides, nitrides, and nanostructured films, to make very robust pH sensing electrodes with higher pH sensing performance. The development of novel materials and structures has enabled higher sensitivity, improved selectivity, and enhanced durability in harsh pH environments. The last decade has witnessed significant advancements in PVD thin films for pH sensing applications. The combination of precise film deposition techniques, novel materials, and surface functionalization strategies has led to improved pH sensing performance, making PVD thin films a promising choice for future pH sensing technologies.

Correction: Effects of chronic exposure to arsenic on the fecal carriage of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli among people in rural Bangladesh.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010952.].

Green tea and tulsi extracts as efficient green corrosion inhibitor for aluminum alloy in alkaline medium.

Corrosion is a major issue in every industrial system. As a result of its widespread application, aluminum suffers enormous annual losses due to corrosion. Scientists are continually on the lookout for effective anti-corrosion strategies. Corrosion may be reduced in a number of ways, but many of them are harmful to the environment, so it's important to find a green alternative. Corrosion inhibitors in aluminum alloys can be found in green tea and tulsi extract. In this research, we found that aluminum alloy 1100 (Al-1100) ina 10% NaOH solution was inhibited by both green tea and Tulsi extract. Samples of AL alloy are submerged in 10% NaOH solutions with and without an inhibitor for a total of 25 days. The weight-loss technique is used to determine the effectiveness of an inhibitor, with tulsi extract far outperforming green tea with the best efficiency of 83.93% compared to the greatest efficiency of 14.29% for green tea. After being submerged in an inhibitory solution, an aluminum alloy surface developed an adsorbed protective layer, which is chemical adsorption, as seen by FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) spectroscopy. Green inhibitors those are present on the surface of the aluminum alloys are less corrosive confirmed by the SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) analysis. The chemical particles were found to be present as a coating over AL alloy surfaces, as determined by EDS (Energy Dispersion Spectroscopy) testing. In a10% NaOH solution, Al-1100 is inhibited more effectively by tulsi extracts than by green tea extracts.

Selection of a compatible electron transport layer and hole transport layer for the mixed perovskite FA0.85Cs0.15Pb (I0.85Br0.15)3, towards achieving novel structure and high-efficiency perovskite solar cells: a detailed numerical study by SCAPS-1D.

The first and foremost intent of our present study is to design a perovskite solar cell favorable for realistic applications with excellent efficiency by utilizing SCAPS-1D. To ensure this motive, the detection of a compatible electron transport layer (ETL) and hole transport layer (HTL) for the suggested mixed perovskite layer entitled FA0.85Cs0.15Pb (I0.85Br0.15)3 (MPL) was carried out, employing diver ETLs such as SnO2, PCBM, TiO2, ZnO, CdS, WO3 and WS2, and HTLs such as Spiro-OMeTAD, P3HT, CuO, Cu2O, CuI, and MoO3. The attained simulated results, especially for FTO/SnO2/FA0.85Cs0.15Pb (I0.85Br0.15)3/Spiro-OMeTAD/Au, have been authenticated by the theoretical and experimental data, which endorse our simulation process. From the detailed numerical analysis, WS2 and MoO3 were chosen as ETL and HTL, respectively, for designing the proposed novel structure of FA0.85Cs0.15Pb (I0.85Br0.15)3-based perovskite solar cells. With the inspection of several parameters such as variation of the thickness of FA0.85Cs0.15Pb (I0.85Br0.15)3, WS2, and MoO3 including different defect densities, the novel proposed structure has been optimized, and a noteworthy efficiency of 23.39% was achieved with the photovoltaic parameters of VOC = 1.07 V, JSC = 21.83 mA cm-2, and FF = 73.41%. The dark J-V analysis unraveled the reasons for the excellent photovoltaic parameters of our optimized structure. Furthermore, the scrutinizing of QE, C-V, Mott-Schottky plot, and the impact of the hysteresis of the optimized structure was executed for further investigation. Our overall investigation disclosed the fact that the proposed novel structure (FTO/WS2/FA0.85Cs0.15Pb (I0.85Br0.15)3/MoO3/Au) can be attested as a supreme structure for perovskite solar cells with greater efficiency as well as admissible for practical purposes.

Gender and urban-rural influences on antibiotic purchasing and prescription use in retail drug shops: a one health study.

INTRODUCTION: Few studies have reported antibiotic purchases from retail drug shops in relation to gender in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Using a One Health approach, we aimed to examine gender dimensions of antibiotic purchases for humans and animals and use of prescriptions in retail drug shops in Bangladesh. METHODS: We conducted customer observations in 20 drug shops in one rural and one urban area. Customer gender, antibiotic purchases, and prescription use were recorded during a four-hour observation (2 sessions of 2 hours) in each shop. We included drug shops selling human medicine (n = 15); animal medicine (n = 3), and shops selling both human and animal medicine (n = 2). RESULTS: Of 582 observations, 31.6% of drug shop customers were women. Women comprised almost half of customers (47.1%) in urban drug shops but only 17.2% of customers in rural drug shops (p < 0.001). Antibiotic purchases were more common in urban than rural shops (21.6% versus 12.2% of all transactions, p = 0.003). Only a quarter (26.0%) of customers who purchased antibiotics used a prescription. Prescription use for antibiotics was more likely among women than men (odds ratio (OR) = 4.04, 95% CI 1.55, 10.55) and more likely among urban compared to rural customers (OR = 4.31 95% CI 1.34, 13.84). After adjusting for urban-rural locality, women remained more likely to use a prescription than men (adjusted OR = 3.38, 95% CI 1.26, 9.09) but this was in part due to antibiotics bought by men for animals without prescription. Customers in drug shops selling animal medicine had the lowest use of prescriptions for antibiotics (4.8% of antibiotic purchases). CONCLUSION: This study found that nearly three-quarters of all antibiotics sold were without prescription, including antibiotics on the list of critically important antimicrobials for human medicine. Men attending drug shops were more likely to purchase antibiotics without a prescription compared to women, while women customers were underrepresented in rural drug shops. Antibiotic stewardship initiatives in the community need to consider gender and urban-rural dimensions of drug shop uptake and prescription use for antibiotics in both human and animal medicine. Such initiatives could strengthen National Action Plans.

Stability of perovskite solar cells: issues and prospects.

Even though power conversion efficiency has already reached 25.8%, poor stability is one of the major challenges hindering the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Several initiatives, such as structural modification and fabrication techniques by numerous ways, have been employed by researchers around the world to achieve the desired level of stability. The goal of this review is to address the recent improvements in PSCs in terms of structural modification and fabrication procedures. Perovskite films are used to provide a broad range of stability and to lose up to 20% of their initial performance. A thorough comprehension of the effect of the fabrication process on the device's stability is considered to be crucial in order to provide the foundation for future attempts. We summarize several commonly used fabrication techniques - spin coating, doctor blade, sequential deposition, hybrid chemical vapor, and alternating layer-by-layer. The evolution of device structure from regular to inverted, HTL free, and ETL including the changes in material utilization from organic to inorganic, as well as the perovskite material are presented in a systematic manner. We also aimed to gain insight into the functioning stability of PSCs, as well as practical information on how to increase their operational longevity through sensible device fabrication and materials processing, to promote PSC commercialization at the end.

An agent-based modeling approach for lung fibrosis in response to COVID-19.

The severity of the COVID-19 pandemic has created an emerging need to investigate the long-term effects of infection on patients. Many individuals are at risk of suffering pulmonary fibrosis due to the pathogenesis of lung injury and impairment in the healing mechanism. Fibroblasts are the central mediators of extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition during tissue regeneration, regulated by anti-inflammatory cytokines including transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß). The TGF-ß-dependent accumulation of fibroblasts at the damaged site and excess fibrillar collagen deposition lead to fibrosis. We developed an open-source, multiscale tissue simulator to investigate the role of TGF-ß sources in the progression of lung fibrosis after SARS-CoV-2 exposure, intracellular viral replication, infection of epithelial cells, and host immune response. Using the model, we predicted the dynamics of fibroblasts, TGF-ß, and collagen deposition for 15 days post-infection in virtual lung tissue. Our results showed variation in collagen area fractions between 2% and 40% depending on the spatial behavior of the sources (stationary or mobile), the rate of activation of TGF-ß, and the duration of TGF-ß sources. We identified M2 macrophages as primary contributors to higher collagen area fraction. Our simulation results also predicted fibrotic outcomes even with lower collagen area fraction when spatially-localized latent TGF-ß sources were active for longer times. We validated our model by comparing simulated dynamics for TGF-ß, collagen area fraction, and macrophage cell population with independent experimental data from mouse models. Our results showed that partial removal of TGF-ß sources changed the fibrotic patterns; in the presence of persistent TGF-ß sources, partial removal of TGF-ß from the ECM significantly increased collagen area fraction due to maintenance of chemotactic gradients driving fibroblast movement. The computational findings are consistent with independent experimental and clinical observations of collagen area fractions and cell population dynamics not used in developing the model. These critical insights into the activity of TGF-ß sources may find applications in the current clinical trials targeting TGF-ß for the resolution of lung fibrosis. Author summary: COVID-19 survivors are at risk of lung fibrosis as a long-term effect. Lung fibrosis is the excess deposition of tissue materials in the lung that hinder gas exchange and can collapse the whole organ. We identified TGF-ß as a critical regulator of fibrosis. We built a model to investigate the mechanisms of TGF-ß sources in the process of fibrosis. Our results showed spatial behavior of sources (stationary or mobile) and their activity (activation rate of TGF-ß, longer activation of sources) could lead to lung fibrosis. Current clinical trials for fibrosis that target TGF-ß need to consider TGF-ß sources' spatial properties and activity to develop better treatment strategies.

Mathematical modeling of the effects of Wnt-10b on bone metabolism.

Bone health is determined by factors including bone metabolism or remodeling. Wnt-10b alters osteoblastogenesis through pre-osteoblast proliferation and differentiation and osteoblast apoptosis rate, which collectively lead to the increase of bone density. To model this, we adapted a previously published model of bone remodeling. The resulting model for the bone compartment includes differential equations for active osteoclasts, pre-osteoblasts, osteoblasts, osteocytes, and the amount of bone present at the remodeling site. Our alterations to the original model consist of extending it past a single remodeling cycle and implementing a direct relationship to Wnt-10b. Four new parameters were estimated and validated using normalized data from mice. The model connects Wnt-10b to bone metabolism and predicts the change in trabecular bone volume caused by a change in Wnt-10b input. We find that this model predicts the expected increase in pre-osteoblasts and osteoblasts while also pointing to a decrease in osteoclasts when Wnt-10b is increased.

Growth performance, meat yield and blood lipid profile of broiler and Sonali chickens.

A total of 14,200, day-old broiler chicks were allotted into two batches (B1=Winter and B2 = Summer) with 6 replicates each for 30 days, and 16,000, day-old Sonali chicks were allotted into 2 batches with 4 replicates each for 60 days to assess the growth performance, meat yield, and lipid profiles of the blood of chickens. Broiler chickens showed significantly higher body weight, feed intake, and lower FCR and production cost with a tendency to increase mortality compared with Sonali chickens. However, net profit tended to be higher in Sonali chickens compared to broiler chickens. The higher meat yield traits were observed in the broiler chicken compared with the Sonali chicken (p<0.001). Lipid profile did not differ (p>0.05) between chicken types. However, lipid profiles tended to be higher in broiler chicken than in Sonali chicken, except for the low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Growth performance, meat yield traits, and lipid profiles did not differ (p>0.05) between batches, except for the dressing percentage. Dressing (%) was higher in B1 than in B2 (p<0.05). No interaction between batch and chicken type was found in the growth performance, meat yield, and blood lipid profile of chickens. Therefore, broiler chickens performed better than Sonali chickens in terms of growth and meat yield traits. Nevertheless, Sonali chickens tended to perform better than broilers in terms of consumer preference, net profit, and lowering total cholesterol and triglyceride. However, more studies are needed to confirm the present findings and make the suggestion to use a suitable chicken type for meat production.

Effects of chronic exposure to arsenic on the fecal carriage of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli among people in rural Bangladesh.

Antibiotic resistance is a leading cause of hospitalization and death worldwide. Heavy metals such as arsenic have been shown to drive co-selection of antibiotic resistance, suggesting arsenic-contaminated drinking water is a risk factor for antibiotic resistance carriage. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and abundance of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli (AR-Ec) among people and drinking water in high (Hajiganj, >100 µg/L) and low arsenic-contaminated (Matlab, <20 µg/L) areas in Bangladesh. Drinking water and stool from mothers and their children (<1 year) were collected from 50 households per area. AR-Ec was detected via selective culture plating and isolates were tested for antibiotic resistance, arsenic resistance, and diarrheagenic genes by PCR. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis was done for 30 E. coli isolates from 10 households. Prevalence of AR-Ec was significantly higher in water in Hajiganj (48%) compared to water in Matlab (22%, p <0.05) and among children in Hajiganj (94%) compared to children in Matlab (76%, p <0.05), but not among mothers. A significantly higher proportion of E. coli isolates from Hajiganj were multidrug-resistant (83%) compared to isolates from Matlab (71%, p <0.05). Co-resistance to arsenic and multiple antibiotics (MAR index >0.2) was observed in a higher proportion of water (78%) and child stool (100%) isolates in Hajiganj than in water (57%) and children (89%) in Matlab (p <0.05). The odds of arsenic-resistant bacteria being resistant to third-generation cephalosporin antibiotics were higher compared to arsenic-sensitive bacteria (odds ratios, OR 1.2-7.0, p <0.01). WGS-based phylogenetic analysis of E. coli isolates did not reveal any clustering based on arsenic exposure and no significant difference in resistome was found among the isolates between the two areas. The positive association detected between arsenic exposure and antibiotic resistance carriage among children in arsenic-affected areas in Bangladesh is an important public health concern that warrants redoubling efforts to reduce arsenic exposure.

Impact Analysis of Potential Induced Degradation on Crystalline Silicon Solar Cell Performance by Correlating Practical Diagnosis with MATLAB Simulation.

Extensive research on fault diagnosis is essential to detect various faults that occur to different photovoltaic (PV) panels to keep PV systems operating at peak performance. Here, we present an impact analysis of potential induced degradation (PID) on the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells. The impact of parasitic resistances on solar cell performance is highlighted and linked to fault and degradation. Furthermore, a Simulink model for a single solar cell is proposed and used to estimate the I-V characteristics of a PID-affected PV cell based on experimental results attributes. The measured data show that the fill factor (FF) drops by approximately 13.7% from its initial value due to a decrease in shunt resistance (Rsh). Similarly, the simulation results find that the fill factor degraded by approximately 12% from its initial value. The slight increase in measured data could be due to series resistance effects which were assumed to be zero in the simulated data. This study links simulation and experimental work to confirm the I-V curve behavior of PID-affected PV cells, which could help to improve fault diagnosis methods.

Mathematical Modeling of Impacts of Patient Differences on COVID-19 Lung Fibrosis Outcomes.

Patient-specific premorbidity, age, and sex are significant heterogeneous factors that influence the severe manifestation of lung diseases, including COVID-19 fibrosis. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a prominent role in regulating effects of these factors. Recent evidence suggests that patient-specific alteration of RAS homeostasis with premorbidity and the expression level of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), depending on age and sex, is correlated with lung fibrosis. However, conflicting evidence suggests decreases, increases, or no changes in RAS after SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, detailed mechanisms connecting the patient-specific conditions before infection to infection-induced fibrosis are still unknown. Here, a mathematical model is developed to quantify the systemic contribution of heterogeneous factors of RAS in the progression of lung fibrosis. Three submodels are connected-a RAS model, an agent-based COVID-19 in-host immune response model, and a fibrosis model-to investigate the effects of patient-group-specific factors in the systemic alteration of RAS and collagen deposition in the lung. The model results indicate cell death due to inflammatory response as a major contributor to the reduction of ACE and ACE2, whereas there are no significant changes in ACE2 dynamics due to viral-bound internalization of ACE2. Reduction of ACE reduces the homeostasis of RAS including angiotensin II (ANGII), while the decrease in ACE2 increases ANGII and results in severe lung injury and fibrosis. The model explains possible mechanisms for conflicting evidence of RAS alterations in previously published studies. Also, the results show that ACE2 variations with age and sex significantly alter RAS peptides and lead to fibrosis with around 20% additional collagen deposition from systemic RAS with slight variations depending on age and sex. This model may find further applications in patient-specific calibrations of tissue models for acute and chronic lung diseases to develop personalized treatments.