Population-based survey of the prevalence and types of glaucoma in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: To delineate the epidemiological landscape of glaucoma using a population-based sample representative of Bangladesh. METHODS: Using multistage stratified cluster random sampling, households were selected to identify individuals ≥35 years across all 8 divisions of Bangladesh. Sampling frames were derived from the 2011 national census. Fifty-eight study examination sites were set up for comprehensive eye evaluations, including intraocular pressure, gonioscopy and visual field testing when indicated. International Society for Geographic and Epidemiological Ophthalmology definitions were used to define glaucoma and glaucoma suspect cases. RESULTS: One hundred forty clusters (89 rural and 51 urban) were randomly selected, and 13 791 residential households were visited. We invited 17 002 individuals ≥35 years for on-site examination, of which 12 000 (71%) complied, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1. The prevalence of glaucoma was 3.2% (95% CI 2.79% to 3.64%), and glaucoma suspect was 10.1% (95% CI 9.05% to 11.12%). The majority (78%) had primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), while angle closure was seen in 16%. Of the POAG, 83% (n=251) were normal-tension glaucoma. Multivariable logistic regression showed increasing age (OR=1.01 for every 5-year increment, 95% CI 1 to 1.01) and male gender (OR=1.43, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.77) to be associated with an increased risk of glaucoma. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of glaucoma in Bangladesh is 3.2% in ≥35-year-old individuals with older men most at risk. Extrapolating the results, we estimate about 2 million patients with glaucoma. Though normal-tension variety was the most common type, caution should be exercised in generalising these results to other populations.

Chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Piper chaba stem extracts with preservative effects on storage of raw beef patties.

Piper chaba, a traditional South-east Asian medicinal herb and well-known curry spice, was studied to evaluate its suitability as a source of natural preservatives for beef products. Plant extracts that are high in phenolics and have high antimicrobial and antioxidant activities are likely to be useful as a natural preservative. Therefore, the phytochemical composition and the bioactivities of both ethanolic and methanolic extracts of P. chaba stem were examined first. The study revealed a significant antioxidant activities and potential antibacterial activity of P. chaba extracts. Next we investigated the preservation characteristics of P. chaba by using beef patties as a model system. Beef patties were produced and treated with 0.2 % ethanolic extract (mentioned as PEE) of P. chaba and 0.1 % commercial preservative (mentioned as PCP). They were then assessed for various storage quality parameters under refrigerated (4° C ± 1° C) conditions, including free fatty acid, antioxidant contents, and oxidative stability at 0, 6th, 16th, and 33rd days. No significant variations were observed across the products with regard to proximate composition study such as protein, ash and fat contents. In comparison to both PEE and PCP, the control product had higher free fatty acid values throughout the storage period. This indicates that the fat content of the PEE and PCP degraded at a slower rate than the control over the 33-day storage period. Our study also showed that both PCP and PEE had increased antioxidant capacity, implying that lipid oxidation is minimized. In contrast to the control, the oxidative stability of the P. chaba treated products was also higher. Altogether this study revealed that P. chaba could be utilized commercially, particularly in the food industry to preserve muscle foods. Practical Applications: Natural preservatives are becoming more popular as a result of the different carcinogenic and toxic side effects of conventional preservatives. P. chaba, an exquisite culinary herb in Bangladesh, has long been used as a traditional medicine, because of its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This study revealed that P. chaba can be utilized as a food preservative, which opens up new possibilities for its development and use in functional foods.

Bangladeshi Case Series of Bardet-Biedl Syndrome.

A rare multisystemic, ciliopathic autosomal recessive disorder called Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) primarily affects children of consanguineous marriages. Both men and women are affected by it. It is characterized by some major and many minor features to aid in the clinical diagnosis and management. Here, we reported two Bangladeshi patients (a 9-year-old girl and 24-year-old male) who were presented with various major and minor features of BBS. Both patients came to us with the symptoms including excessive weight gain, poor vision, and learning disabilities with polydactyly. Our case 1 presented four primary features (retinal degenerations, polydactyly, obesity, and learning deficits) and six secondary features (behavioral abnormality, delayed development, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, brachydactyly, and LVH), whereas case 2 presented five major criteria (truncal obesity, polydactyly, retinal dystrophy, learning disabilities, and hypogonadism) and six minor criteria (strabismus and cataract, delay in speech, behavioral disorder, developmental delay, brachydactyly and syndactyly, and impaired glucose tolerance test). We diagnosed the cases as BBS. Because there is no specific treatment for BBS, we highlighted the importance of diagnosing it as early as possible so that comprehensive and multidisciplinary care can be offered to prevent avoidable morbidity and mortality.

Implications of Crop Rotation and Fungicide on Fusarium and Mycotoxin Spectra in Manitoba Barley, 2017-2019.

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the most important diseases of barley in Manitoba province (western Canada), and other major barley producing regions of the world. Little is known about the Fusarium species and mycotoxin spectra associated with FHB of barley in Manitoba. Hence, barley grain samples were collected from 149 commercial fields from 2017 to 2019, along with information on respective cropping history, and analyzed with respect to Fusarium species spectra, abundance, chemotype composition, and mycotoxin profiles. Fusarium poae was the predominant Fusarium species associated with FHB of barley in Manitoba, followed by F. graminearum, and F. sporotrichioides; F. equiseti and F. avenaceum were also detected but at low levels. F. poae strains with the nivalenol (NIV) chemotype and F. graminearum strains with 3-acetyl deoxynivalenol (3-ADON) and 15-acetyl deoxynivalenol (15-ADON) chemotypes were commonly detected in the barley grain samples. Nivalenol (597.7, 219.1, and 412.4 µg kg-1) and deoxynivalenol (DON) (264.7, 56.7, and 65.3 µg kg-1) were the two most prevalent mycotoxins contaminating Manitoba barley in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. A substantially higher DON content was detected in grain samples from barley fields with cereals as a preceding crop compared to canola and flax. Furthermore, F. poae proved less sensitive to four triazole fungicides (metconazole, prothioconazole+tebuconazole, tebuconazole, and prothioconazole) than F. graminearum. Findings from this research will assist barley producers with improved understanding of FHB threat levels and optimizing practices for the best management of FHB in barley.

Spatiotemporal changes in aerosols over Bangladesh using 18 years of MODIS and reanalysis data.

In this study, combined Dark Target and Deep Blue (DTB) aerosol optical depth at 550 nm (AOD550 nm) data the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) flying on the Terra and Aqua satellites during the years 2003-2020 are used as a reference to assess the performance of the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Services (CAMS) and the second version of Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA-2) AOD over Bangladesh. The study also investigates long-term spatiotemporal variations and trends in AOD, and determines the relative contributions from different aerosol species (black carbon: BC, dust, organic carbon: OC, sea salt: SS, and sulfate) and anthropogenic emissions to the total AOD. As the evaluations suggest higher accuracy for CAMS than for MERRA-2, CAMS is used for further analysis of AOD over Bangladesh. The annual mean AOD from both CAMS and MODIS DTB is high (>0.60) over most parts of Bangladesh except for the eastern areas of Chattogram and Sylhet. Higher AOD is observed in spring and winter than in summer and autumn, which is mainly due to higher local anthropogenic emissions during the winter to spring season. Annual trends from 2003-2020 show a significant increase in AOD (by 0.006-0.014 year-1) over Bangladesh, and this increase in AOD was more evident in winter and spring than in summer and autumn. The increasing total AOD is caused by rising anthropogenic emissions and accompanied by changes in aerosol species (with increased OC, sulfate, and BC). Overall, this study improves understanding of aerosol pollution in Bangladesh and can be considered as a supportive document for Bangladesh to improve air quality by reducing anthropogenic emissions.

Does anthropogenic upstream water withdrawal impact on downstream land use and livelihood changes of Teesta transboundary river basin in Bangladesh?

This article evaluates the impact of upstream water withdrawal on downstream land use and livelihood changes in the Teesta River basin, using a combination of geospatial and social data. Results show that water bodies gradually decreased, indicating a low volume of water discharge from upstream of the Teesta River basin due to the construction of several barrages. During the study period, a significant change in the area of water bodies was observed between 2012 and 2016, from 881 to 1123 Ha, respectively. The cropland area increased because farmers changed their cropping practice due to water scarcity and floods. Trend analyses of riverbank erosion and accretion patterns suggest an increase in accretion rates compared to the rate of riverbank erosion. A household survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire where 450 respondents have participated (farmers: 200 and fishermen: 250). Survey results show that most of the farmers (65.5%) and fishermen (76.8%) think that the construction of upstream barrages caused harm to them. The majority of farmers and fishermen feel water scarcity, mainly in the dry season. We found that a large number of participants in the study area are willing to change their occupations. Furthermore, participants observed that many local people are migrating or willing to migrate to other places nowadays. Our study also found that farmers who face water scarcity in their area are more likely to change their location than their counterparts, while those who face problems in their cultivation are less likely to move. On the other hand, upstream barrages, fishing effects, and getting support in crisis significantly predict fishermen's occupation changes. We believe our results provide essential information on the significance of transboundary water-sharing treaties, sustainable water resource management, and planning.

Naturally Occurring Fusarium Species and Mycotoxins in Oat Grains from Manitoba, Canada.

Fusarium head blight (FHB) can lead to dramatic yield losses and mycotoxin contamination in small grain cereals in Canada. To assess the extent and severity of FHB in oat, samples collected from 168 commercial oat fields in the province of Manitoba, Canada, during 2016-2018 were analyzed for the occurrence of Fusarium head blight and associated mycotoxins. Through morphological and molecular analysis, F. poae was found to be the predominant Fusarium species affecting oat, followed by F. graminearum, F. sporotrichioides, F. avenaceum, and F. culmorum. Deoxynivalenol (DON) and nivalenol (NIV), type B trichothecenes, were the two most abundant Fusarium mycotoxins detected in oat. Beauvericin (BEA) was also frequently detected, though at lower concentrations. Close clustering of F. poae and NIV/BEA, F. graminearum and DON, and F. sporotrichioides and HT2/T2 (type A trichothecenes) was detected in the principal component analysis. Sampling location and crop rotation significantly impacted the concentrations of Fusarium mycotoxins in oat. A phylogenetic analysis of 95 F. poae strains from Manitoba was conducted using the concatenated nucleotide sequences of Tef-1α, Tri1, and Tri8 genes. The results indicated that all F. poae strains belong to a monophyletic lineage. Four subgroups of F. poae strains were identified; however, no correlations were observed between the grouping of F. poae strains and sample locations/crop rotations.

Control of Plant Viral Diseases by CRISPR/Cas9: Resistance Mechanisms, Strategies and Challenges in Food Crops.

Protecting food crops from viral pathogens is a significant challenge for agriculture. An integral approach to genome-editing, known as CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR associated protein 9), is used to produce virus-resistant cultivars. The CRISPR/Cas9 tool is an essential part of modern plant breeding due to its attractive features. Advances in plant breeding programs due to the incorporation of Cas9 have enabled the development of cultivars with heritable resistance to plant viruses. The resistance to viral DNA and RNA is generally provided using the Cas9 endonuclease and sgRNAs (single-guide RNAs) complex, targeting particular virus and host plant genomes by interrupting the viral cleavage or altering the plant host genome, thus reducing the replication ability of the virus. In this review, the CRISPR/Cas9 system and its application to staple food crops resistance against several destructive plant viruses are briefly described. We outline the key findings of recent Cas9 applications, including enhanced virus resistance, genetic mechanisms, research strategies, and challenges in economically important and globally cultivated food crop species. The research outcome of this emerging molecular technology can extend the development of agriculture and food security. We also describe the information gaps and address the unanswered concerns relating to plant viral resistance mediated by CRISPR/Cas9.

Coding-Complete Genome Sequence of SARS-CoV-2 Isolate from Bangladesh by Sanger Sequencing.

A coding-complete genome sequence of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) isolate was revealed. The sample for the virus was isolated from a female patient from Dhaka, Bangladesh, suffering from coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).

Transgenerational role of seed mycobiome - an endosymbiotic fungal composition as a prerequisite to stress resilience and adaptive phenotypes in Triticum.

Illumina-MiSeq next-generation sequencing of ITS 5.8S rRNA gene demonstrated the transgenerational transmission of fungal seed-endophytes (mycobiome) across three consecutive wheat host generations under standard-control and drought conditions in the greenhouse. Drought-stressed plants experienced a positive shift in the seed mycobiome's composition, moderated by the external acquisition of endophytic Penicillium (E+) at the seed level. Untreated (E-) and unstressed plants harbor a maximal fungal diversity of non-equilibrium ecological communities. While fungal composition in drought-stressed E- plants experienced important fluctuation, E+ plants maintained fungal ecological communities in phase equilibrium across generations. E+ plants hosted a relatively higher abundance of Ascomycota in the 2nd and 3rd seed generations of wheat, whereas higher abundance of Basidiomycota was detected in 1st generation seeds. The dynamic response of ecological communities to environmental stress is conducive to E+ plants' active recruitment of endosymbiotic consortia in seeds, benefiting host stress resilience and phenotype. In contrast, E- plants showed an erratic distribution of detected OTUs with an increased occurrence of phytopathogens and diminished plant performance under stress. The present study gives insight into the understanding of the seed-mycobiome composition and dynamics with the potential to improve plant host traits in an adverse environment.

Study on Liver Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Bangladesh.

AIM: Diabetes mellitus (DM) represents one of the major lifestyle-related pathological conditions; the incidence and prevalence of DM have reached an epidemic level around the world. Diabetes mellitus is usually associated with obesity, coronary diseases, and cerebral pathologies. However, more insights are required to evaluate a temporal relation between DM and hepatic functions. This study assesses whether and to what extent liver functions are modified in DM patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients with type 2 DM and 100 normal healthy controls were enrolled in this study following proper scrutiny of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Different parameters of liver function tests were measured in patients in the two groups. Data were analyzed to assess the extent and magnitude of abnormal liver functions in DM. RESULTS: The levels of bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albumin, and prothrombin time were 0.737 ± 0.311 mg/dL, 39.00 ± 24.21 IU/L, 26.42 ± 10.40 IU/L, 4.10 ± 0.513 g/dL, and 16.46 ± 2.78 seconds in patients with DM and 0.506 ± 0.183 mg/dL, 28.26 ± 6.67 IU/L, 18.90 ± 4.75 IU/L, 4.12 ± 0.277 g/dL, and 14.23 ± 1.04 seconds in control subjects. Statistical analyses revealed that most of these parameters of liver function test were significantly different in DM patients compared to control subjects (p < 0.05). Serum alkaline phosphatase level was 89.61 ± 25.59 mg/dL in type 2 DM patients and 96.83 ± 16.34 mg/dL in control subjects (p > 0.05). The prevalence of abnormal values of serum bilirubin, ALT, AST, prothrombin time, and albumin were 5.17, 31.03, 5.17, 5.17, 43.10, and 10.34% respectively in type 2 DM patients and 0, 2, 0, 2, 3, and 0% respectively in control subjects, indicating high prevalence of DM patients with abnormal liver functions. CONCLUSION: Abnormal liver functions of different extents and magnitudes have been found in type 2 DM patients, and the impact of abnormal liver function should be considered during the management of DM patients and also to assess their long-term follow-up prognosis. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Rashid MHO, Haque MZ, Rahman MK, Khan MMR, Rahman ASMM, Al-Mahtab M, Rahman MS, Roy PK, Islam MN. Study on Liver Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Bangladesh. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2016;6(1):1-4.

Quality analysis, miceller behavior, and environmental impact of some laundry detergents available in Bangladesh.

The cleansing efficiencies of laundry detergents depend on composition and variation of ingredients such as surfactants, phosphate, and co-builders. Among these ingredients, surfactants and phosphate are considered as hazardous materials. Knowledge on compositions and micellar behavior is very useful for understanding their cleansing efficiencies and environmental impact. With this view, composition, critical micelle concentration, and dissolved oxygen level in aqueous solution of some laundry detergents available in Bangladesh such as keya, Wheel Power White, Tibet, Surf Excel, and Chaka were determined. Surfactant and phosphate were found to be maximum in Surf Excel and Wheel Power White, respectively, while both of the ingredients were found to be minimum in Tibet. The critical micelle concentration decreased with increasing surfactant content. The amount of laundry detergents required for efficient cleansing was found to be minimum for Surf Excel and maximum for Chaka; however, cleansing cost was the highest for Surf Excel and the lowest for Tibet. The maximum amount of surfactants and phosphate was discharged by Surf Excel and Wheel Power White, respectively, while discharges of both of the ingredients were minimum for Tibet. The maximum decrease of dissolved oxygen level was caused by Surf Excel and the minimum by Tibet. Therefore, it can be concluded that Tibet is cost-effective and environment friendly, whereas Surf Excel and Wheel Power White are expensive and pose a threat to water environment.

Eosinophilic fasciitis: what matters in management in a developing country--a case report with two and a half-year follow-up.

Eosinophilic fasciitis is an uncommon disorder of unknown aetiology and poorly-understood pathogenesis. Since 1974, over 250 cases of eosinophilic fasciitis have been reported worldwide. The first case of eosinophilic fasciitis from Bangladesh is reported here. The challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up, including family and social support, are discussed.

Apoptosis-mediated seasonal testicular regression in the Japanese Jungle Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos).

The present study investigated effects of apoptosis observed during seasonal testicular regression in Japanese Jungle Crows. The study was conducted during January to June 2008, 2009. Testes from adults captured during non-breeding (January), prebreeding (February to mid-March), main-breeding (late March to early May), transition (mid-May to late May), and post-breeding (June) seasons were analyzed. Apoptosis was assessed by in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay. Paired-testis volume increased 95-fold from the non-breeding to the main-breeding season (P < 0.05), and subsequently decreased 26-fold from the main breeding to the post-breeding season (P < 0.05). Testicular activity was evaluated from the total germ cell count and sperm index, which increased 42- and 5-fold, respectively, in the main-breeding season, and subsequently decreased 33- and 5-fold in the post-breeding season. In testes, TUNEL-positive germ cells were at low levels in the non-breeding season, absent in the prebreeding and the main-breeding seasons, and highest in mid-May (P < 0.05). In contrast, TUNEL-positive Sertoli cells occurred only in late-April. In addition, TUNEL-positive fibroblast-like cells were observed in the outer zone of the tunica albuginea in the post-breeding season. Collectively, these data suggested that the seasonal rise in the testicular competence occurred slowly in Japanese Jungle Crows; however, testis function was terminated rapidly after the breeding season. Furthermore, we concluded, similar to other avian species, Sertoli cell apoptosis followed by massive germ cell death was responsible for rapid testicular regression in Jungle Crows.

In vivo anticancer activity of vanillin semicarbazone.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anticancer activity of vanillin semicarbazone (VSC) against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells in Swiss albino mice. METHODS: The compound VSC at three doses (5, 7.5 and 10 mg/kg i.p.) was administered into the intraperitoneal cavity of the EAC inoculated mice to observe its efficiency by studying the cell growth inhibition, reduction of tumour weight, enhancement of survival time as well as the changes in depleted hematological parameters. All such parameters were also studied with a known standard drug bleomycin at the dose of 0.3 mg/kg (i.p.). RESULTS: Among the doses studied, 10 mg/kg (i.p.) was found to be quite comparable in potency to that of bleomycin at the dose of 0.3 mg/kg (i.p.). The host toxic effects of VSC was found to be negligible. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that VSC can therefore be considered as potent anticancer agent.

Phase IV trial of miltefosine in adults and children for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) in Bangladesh.

Miltefosine (target dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day for 28 days) is the recommended treatment for visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) in Bangladesh on the basis of data from India. We evaluated miltefosine in a phase IV trial of 977 patients in Bangladesh. At the six-month final follow up, 701 were cured. 24 showed initial treatment failure, and 95 showed treatment failure at 6 months, although 73 of the 95 showed treatment failure solely by the criterion of low hemoglobin values. One hundred twenty-one patients were not assessable. With the conservative assumption that all low hemoglobin values represented treatment failure, the final per protocol cure rate was 85%. Of 13 severe adverse events, 6 led to treatment discontinuation and 7 resulted in deaths, but only 1 death (associated with diarrhea) could be attributed to drug. Nearly all non-serious adverse events were gastrointestinal: vomiting in 25% of patients and diarrhea in 8% of patients. Oral miltefosine is an attractive alternative to intramuscular antimony and intravenous amphotericin B for treatment of kala-azar in Bangladesh.

Risk factors, clinical manifestation and bacteriological profile of neonatal sepsis in a tertiary level pediatric hospital.

This prospective study was undertaken in Dhaka Shishu hospital, Bangladesh from 15th Oct. 2005 to 15th October 2006 to determine the Risk factors, Clinical manifestation and bacteriological profile of neonatal sepsis. Eighty suspected cases of septicaemia admitted in neonatal ward of Dhaka Shishu Hospital were included in this study. Patients, who had history of perinatal asphyxia, congenital cyanotic heart disease etc. were excluded from the study. Thirty neonates without signs & symptoms of septicaemia admitted for other causes like jaundice, feeding problems etc. were taken as a control group. After taking informed consent, detailed history was obtained from mother or relatives accompanying the baby. Hematological investigations like total WBC count, differential count, absolute neutrophil count, band cell count, platelet count, CRP, blood culture were done. Low socioeconomic conditions, place of delivery, low birth weight, prolong rupture of membrane appears to be the principal predisposing factors for neonatal sepsis. Clinical presentation includes reluctant to feed (96.7%), lethargy (73.4%), abdominal distention (70%), Hypothermia (40%), Jaundice (50%) are more common. Predominant organism was gram negative. Among them: Klebsiella (60%), Serratia (20%), Acenetobactor (13.3%). This isolates were most often sensitive to third generation cephalosporin. Imipenam is highly sensitive and is recommended when other therapy fails. Periodic surveillance for agent of infection & their antimicrobial sensitivity profile is recommended.