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Arsenic is a potentially toxic agent for human health due to its widespread presence in the environment. Arsenic poisoning from drinking contaminated groundwater has become one of Bangladesh's most difficult healthcare problems. However, there is a lack of understanding of the detrimental impact of arsenic toxicity on children of arsenic-exposed parents. This study evaluates the effect of arsenic toxicity on body growth, blood parameters, and organ development of F1 mice. In this study, adult female mice were exposed to sodium arsenite from gestation day 12.5 until parturition, and then the postnatal growth, blood indices, and organ development were assessed. The result showed that from birth to weaning offspring of the sodium arsenite-treated group exhibited significant (p

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the leading cause of hospitalization due to bacterial infection, and the frequency of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from these infections is increasing worldwide. The current study aims to isolate and characterize antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli and their antibiogram typing from urine samples of humans. From April to December 2019, a total of 60 human urine samples were collected aseptically and treated to primary isolation by propagation in nutrient broth followed by culture on various agar media. Gram’s staining, string techniques, biochemical characterization, PCR, and Sanger sequencing were performed to confirm E. coli. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique was used to test the susceptibility of all bacterial strains to thirteen typically prescribed antibiotics. The overall prevalence of E. coli in UTIs was 66.67%. Three variations were noted in E. coli, all of which were single substitutions (A>T, C>T, and T>A). Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA revealed that the E. coli discovered in this study belonged to the genus Escherichia, but was distinct from those identified in other countries. The antibiograms revealed that all the isolates (100%) were resistant to penicillin, ampicillin, and amoxicillin; 94.87% to doxycycline; 79.16% to gentamycin; 75.48% to ciprofloxacin; 73.07% to erythromycin; 71.66% to levofloxacin; 47.36% to ceftriaxone; and 46.66% to tetracycline. In contrast, all E. coli strains were sensitive to amikacin (95%), vancomycin (92.50%), and azithromycin (92.50%). People with a urinary tract infection (UTI) often have multidrug-resistant E. coli in their urine samples, which calls for a one-health strategy to deal with this rapidly changing condition.

One of the main objectives of the green revolution is to replace the local (traditional) cultivars with high-yielding varieties (HYVs). Replacing HYVs in the local cultivars-intensive areas would increase rice production and strengthen national food security. To do this, it is necessary to identify the determinants of cultivating local rice varieties by farmers. Therefore, this study used fractional logistic regression and a cognitive approach in the popular Aman and Boro season local rice variety-intensive areas to find out the causes of cultivating local rice varieties. The findings reveal that the main cause is the adverse ecology, where HYVs are not suitable, but local cultivars have physiological attributes to be well suited. The local cultivars are growing mainly in the Haor and flood-prone ecosystems, where modern varieties can not be sustained. The profitability of local rice cultivars is better than the HYVs as well. Moreover, farmers’ socioeconomic conditions such as age, education, occupation, income, and farm size influence the cultivation of local rice varieties. The yield, land topography, and market price also have an impact on the adoption intensity of local cultivars. The farmers also opined that the special grain quality of the local rice cultivars attracts the farmers, consumers, and market price that lubricate the intensity of local rice varieties adoption in the specific areas of Bangladesh. The findings of this study would be helpful for the rice breeders, scientists, and policymakers to develop suitable modern rice cultivars and management packages for boosting rice production in the targeted local rice cultivars intensive areas of Bangladesh.

This study aimed to elucidate the formulation and quality evaluation of fruit leather prepared from Mango, Banana and Papaya, and analyzes shelf life of developed samples at different storage conditions. Three samples of fruit leather (F1=50% mango pulp+20% banana pulp+19% papaya pulp, F2= 70% mango pulp+10% banana pulp+9% papaya pulp, F3=60% mango pulp+15% banana pulp+14% papaya pulp) were developed. The analysis of different composition such as moisture, ash, TSS (Total soluble solids), total sugar, acidity, crude fiber and ascorbic acid of all fresh fruit pulps and developed fruit leathers were taken place. The moisture, ash, and total sugar content of fruit leathers were in the range of 10.99 to 11.69%, 1.13-1.36%, and 54.08-55.38%, respectively. The fiber content ranged from 1.13 to 1.5% and sample F2 contained the highest amount (1.50%). The vitamin C content was highest in F2 (17.49 mg/ 100 g), while F3 gave the lowest (7mg/100g). The acidity of F3 was highest (0.21%), followed by F2 (0.16%) and F1 (0.12%). The sensory properties like color, texture, flavor and overall acceptability of mixed fruit leather of sample F2 (mango 70%, banana 10%, papaya 9%) was more acceptable than sample F1 and F3 which indicates mango rich leathers were much better than Papaya and banana rich leathers. The mixed fruit leathers were packed in sealed low-density and high-density polyethylene, and stored both at room temperature (25±1°C) and refrigerated temperature (4±1°C). Products were acceptable up to 4 months of storage and remained better in high-density polyethylene at room temperature than other conditions.

The Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) value obtained from the SPAD meter is directly related to leaf chlorophyll content. The chlorophyll content is related to nitrogen content means the amount of fertilizer of a crop. Therefore, determining SPAD value is directly involved with crop health. Minolta SPAD meter can directly measure this value, and this is a well-established method in the research field for measuring chlorophyll content. Still, this instrument is too costly, which is beyond a farmers’ reach in the perspective of Bangladesh. The purpose of this study is to predict the SPAD value for paddy leaves using the smartphone-based direct contact imaging method to estimate the chlorophyll content of a paddy leaf. Numerous features were extracted from each image to predict the SPAD values. The features were then used as parameters in the multiple linear regression model. The models' performance was evaluated using images captured from a paddy field using a Minolta SPAD-502 Chlorophyll Meter. The multiple linear regression model's R2 and root mean square error (RMSE) values were 0.71 and 3.6512, respectively. Therefore, this result confirms that the direct digital contact imaging method has the potential to quantify the SPAD value of paddy leaves accurately. However, these results could be more accurate if the image acquisition was made from the seedling to mature stage of the paddy. In the future, an android app will be developed using this value which can directly measure the chlorophyll content of paddy leaves.

Angiotensin-II is considered as a peptide responsible for the vascular dysfunction and complications in various tissues including liver through inducing free radicle mediated oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ramipril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor), on oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in the liver of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. In this investigation, rats were divided into four groups (six rats in each group): control, control+ramipril, alloxan, and alloxan+ ramipril. A single dose (90 mg/kg) of alloxan was given intra-peritoneally to induce type two diabetes. After the induction of diabetes, ramipril (10 mg/kg) was administered to each animal for 21 days. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. All animals were sacrificed at the end of the study. Blood and liver tissues were collected from each animal and stored for further biochemical studies. Liver marker enzymes and oxidative stress parameters were also assayed followed by histological examination in the liver. Alloxan administration in rats showed oral glucose intolerance and increased fasting blood glucose levels. Ramipril (10 mg/kg) treatment in alloxan administered rats improved the OGTT and lowered fasting blood glucose level. This study also revealed the elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymes activities in the alloxan administered rats which were attenuated by ramipril treatment. Oxidative stress parameters such as advanced protein oxidative products (APOP), nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also increased in alloxan administered rats which were diminished by the treatment of ramipril. Moreover, alloxan administration increased inflammation and fibrosis in the liver, which was further prevented by ramipril treatment. In conclusion, ramipril alleviated oxidative stress and fibrosis in the liver by suppressing oxidative stress. This investigation suggests that ACE inhibitors may be useful for treating diabetic complications and liver injury in alloxan-administered rats.

Objectives: The study was undertaken to evaluate the influences of some physicochemical param¬eters and viable bacterial counts in cultured ponds (water and sediment) on the viable counts of the Pangasius catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) (gill and intestine) on a seasonal scale. Materials and Methods: Physicochemical parameters, viz., ambient temperature, water tem¬perature, water transparency, pH of the pond waters, and viable bacterial counts of pond water, sediment, fish gills, and intestines, were monitored during four different seasons. The responses of viable counts of bacteria to the seasonal changes of physicochemical parameters were also assessed using redundancy analysis (RDA) and a heatmap coupled with the clustering analysis. Results: Except for fluctuations in air and water temperatures, the other two physicochemical parameters were almost stable throughout the study periods. The gills and water counts were rel¬atively lower than those of the intestine and sediment. Pearson’s correlation analysis established no significant correlations between the physicochemical parameters and viable bacterial counts. However, significant positive correlations were detected between the viable counts of water and sediment and between the gill and intestine. The RDA plot showed that, except in spring, the viable counts of a particular sample type were similar among the four locations. The results of permutation test showed that, individually none of the studied physicochemical parameters was significant; however, the seasons significantly affected the viable counts.

Objectives: This study was designed to examine the effects of various concentrations of tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (tris) and egg yolk on the quality of cryopreserved buck sperm. Materials and Methods: The collected semen samples were pooled, washed, and diluted into five different freezing extender groups, viz., extender I (tris 0% + egg yolk 0%), extender II (tris 1.41% + egg yolk 4%), extender III (tris 2.41% + egg yolk 8%), extender IV (tris 3.41% + egg yolk 16%), and extender V (tris 4.41% + egg yolk 24%). The sperm parameter of the five groups of extenders was evaluated after equilibration and cryopreservation. Results: The results showed that extenders II–V provided significantly higher semen progressive motility and total motility percentages than extender I after equilibration (p < 0.05). The higher percentages of semen progressive motility, total motility, viability, and plasma membrane integ¬rity (by both HOST under light microscopy and stain after HOST under light microscopy) were found in the sperm cryopreserved with extender IV than extender I, extender II, and extender III groups after thawing (p < 0.05). In addition, semen progressive motility, total motility, and viability were not further increased, or plasma membrane integrity (by both HOST tests) was decreased by the addition of tris and egg yolk (extender V) after cryopreservation (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, our result indicates that the following washing, the supplementation of tris (3.41% + egg yolk 16%) on the freezing extender are suitable for improving the semen quality of buck after freezing and thawing.

Objectives: This study aimed to envisage the effectiveness of adding three particular prebiotics (inulin, β-glucan, and Hi-maize) to synbiotic yogurt’s physicochemical properties, sensory characteristics, and survivability of the probiotic and starter cultures. Materials and Methods: The yogurt’s gross composition, syneresis, water-holding capacity (WHC), viscosity, sensorial properties, and probiotic and starter cell stability were analyzed. The Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus M240-5 and Streptococcus thermophilus M140-2 were employed as yogurt starter bacteria, and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 as probiotic culture. The synbiotic yogurt was formulated with 5% sucrose and 0.7% artificial vanilla flavor. Results: The findings showed that when prebiotic ingredients were added to synbiotic yogurt, it had a significant impact on its sensory qualities, WHC, syneresis, and viscosity when compared to plain yogurt samples. The prebiotics did not affect the pH and titratable acidity of the yogurt sam¬ples. Additionally, the prebiotic supplementation did not influence the protein and fat content of synbiotic yogurt (p < 0.05). Prebiotics had an impact on the probiotic cell viability and total viable count (p < 0.05) compared to the plain sample, the 2.5% β-glucan, 1.5% and 2.5% Hi-maize sam¬ples had the highest mean viability (8.95 Log CFU/ml). The starter culture ratio remained stable in response to the prebiotic levels. Conclusion: In summary, the production of synbiotic yogurts supplemented with Hi-maize and β-glucan at 1.5% and 2.5%, respectively, is highly advised because these supplementations pro¬vide yogurt with acceptable syneresis, viscosity, WHC, and sensory attributes.

Weed control is important in obtaining optimum kenaf fibre yields. An experiment was conducted during April to September, 2015 at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to evaluate the effect of two pre- and two post-emergence herbicides on weed control, growth and yield performance of kenaf. Nine treatment combinations involving two pre-emergence herbicides (Panida and Commit), two post-emergence herbicides (Quilop and Pyzero) and hand weeding were taken as treatments; and the treatments were - T1 = No weeding, T2 = Hand weeding, T3 = Panida, T4 = Commit, T5 = Panida + Quilop, T6 = Commit + Quilop, T7 = Panida + Pyzero, T8 = Commit + Pyzero, T9 = Panida + Hand weeding. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The pre-emergence herbicides were applied at 2 days after sowing (DAS) while post-emergence herbicides were applied at 25 DAS at their recommended doses. The hand weeding was done at 25 DAS. The result revealed that the treatment T6 (Commit + Quilop) showed the best control of weeds as reflected by the lowest weed density and dry matter. Most of the yield contributing characters was found highest at the treatment T6 (Commit + Quilop). The present study concludes that the best weed control in kenaf could be achieved by applying Commit at 2 DAS followed by Quilop at 25 DAS.

Soy milk is an attractive alternative to cow's milk because of its high protein content, lower fat content and being free of cholesterol and lactose (milk sugar), which millions of lactose-intolerant people are incapable of digesting properly. Nowadays, plant-based food products are gaining more popularity due to several health benefits. Soybean saponins are phytosterols found in soybeans, leading to an increase in excretion and preventing absorption, resulting in body cholesterol depletion. This study aimed to develop pudding by incorporating soymilk and assed its quality. Soybean was soaked, blanched, ground, and filters to extract soy milk. The chemical composition of soymilk and cow milk was analyzed. Five formulae were developed for soy pudding using 0, 25, 50, 75,and 100% soymilk and named A, B, C, D, and E, respectively. Processed soy pudding was analyzed for nutritional, textural, and sensory quality. The moisture and protein content was higher in soymilk whereas ash, fat, and carbohydrate content were higher in cow milk. Pudding containing soy milk had a higher amount of protein than the control samples. The level of protein content for soy pudding was E>D>C>B>A. Sample A showed the lowest hardness compared with the others. Calcium, phosphorous, sodium, and zinc content decreased (p

One of the most popular climacteric fruits, tomatoes contain numerous nutrients that are essential to human nutrition, including vitamins, minerals, lycopene, beta-carotene, and other bioactive substances. Due to a lack of appropriate processing technique, a large amount of postharvest loss is usually experienced every year as it is a highly perishable vegetable. This study aims to increase the shelf life and quality of three tomato varieties (BARI Tomato-8, BARI Tomato-10, and BARI Tomato-11). Firstly, chemical analysis (pH, TSS, titrable acidity) of prepared aloe vera gel (AVG) along with antioxidant properties was determined. Then three tomato varieties were coated with aloe vera gel (AVG), sodium benzoate (SB), the combination of aloe vera gel and sodium benzoate, and without any coating considered as control. Treated samples were then analyzed for pH, TSS, weight loss, titratable acidity, and antioxidative activities during storage. Treated samples (10% AVG, 3% SB solution, and 3% SB +10% AVG) showed a gradual increase in pH, TSS, weight loss, and a decrease in the titratable acidity as well induced antioxidative activities differently during storage in comparison with the control one. The antioxidant capacity was calculated up to 78.25 % for 10% Aloe vera gel treated samples while aloe vera gel had 15.22% radical scavenging activity (RSA). In all tomato varieties, more than 50% DPPH radical inhibition had been observed for most of the treatment groups except 3% SB after 21 days of storage. Overall, 3% SB mixed with 10% AVG showed the best results among the four treatments.

Objectives: The study’s goal was to determine the impacts of drinking saline water on the biochemical parameters of Murrah buffalo. Materials and methods: Twenty Murrah buffalo of both sexes, ranging in age from 6 months to 11 years, were randomly selected. 10 ml of blood samples were collected from each buffalo and processed to separate serums. The supplied drinking water and feed samples were also collected. Blood parameters–glucose, alanine-aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, urea, uric acid, magnesium, phosphorous, calcium, zinc, potassium, sodium, and chloride–were analyzed. Different clinical manifestations of selected buffalo were also recorded. Results: The buffaloes with skin lesions had higher serum concentrations of AST, creatinine, zinc, sodium, and chloride compared to another group. Significant age effects were found for serum concentrations of glucose (p < 0.05), creatinine (p < 0.01), uric acid (p < 0.001), phosphorus (p < 0.05), and potassium (p < 0.05). No significant age and gender effects were found for AST, ALT, urea, magnesium, calcium, zinc, sodium, and chloride. The serum concentration of creatinine was higher in female buffaloes, whereas the uric acid concentration was lower in female buffaloes compared to males. Conclusion: The blood parameters that were measured and remained within reference ranges show that Murrah buffaloes can adapt to saline water with little to no impairment to their liver and renal functions. The differences in the ages and sexes of the animals within the study groups highlight that mature female buffaloes suffer more from skin disorders and attempt to adjust to exotic conditions by changing the functioning of their liver and kidney.

An experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from July to December 2018 to study the effect of weed management practices on the performance of rice cv. Nizershail. The experiment included five weeding treatments i.e., (i) no weeding (T0), (ii) hand weeding at 15 and 35 days after transplanting (DAT) (T1), (iii) application of pre-emergence herbicide (T2), (iv) application of early post-emergence herbicide (T3), and (v) application of post-emergence herbicide (T4). The experiment was laid out in a random- ized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. All plant and yield contributing characters (except 1000-grain weight), and yields were significantly affected by weed control approaches. The application of early post-emergence herbicide Super power 10WP (T3) showed the promising results in controlling weeds in Nizershail rice. The highest values for plant height, panicle length and grain yield (1.41 t ha−1) were obtained from apply- ing post-emergence herbicide Super power 10WP. However, application of pre-emergence herbicide (Glycel 48SL) and two hand weeding at 15 and 35 DATs gave statistically similar grain yield. The results of the study showed that fifteen weed species belonging to six families infested the experimental plots. Weed density and dry matter were significantly affected by weed con- trol methods. Weed density and dry weight were also significantly affected by weed control methods. Both early post-emergence and post-emergence herbicides could effectively control the weed density and biomass.

In order to assess the production efficiency of brown shrimp, Metapenaeus monoceros, in brackish water ponds, a feeding experiment was conducted with three different commercial feeds: Quality feed, Saudi-Bangla feed, and Mega feed representing T1, T2 and T3, respectively. After 75 days of cultivation, T1 showed significantly (P

Anthrax is a rapidly fatal infectious disease affecting herbivores and people. In the farm ani¬mals, cattle and sheep are more susceptible, followed by goats and horses, while dwarf pigs and Algerian sheep are relatively resistant. Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, produces spores and persists for decades in the soil, initiating an outbreak through a favorable climate shift. Anthrax is enzootic in many Asian and African countries, and is reported in Australia, some parts of Europe, and America. The clinical courses of this disease in animals are peracute, acute, sub¬acute, and chronic forms. In severely infected cases, the animals are dead without premonitory clinical signs. The blood may fail to clot and can be found in the mouth, nostrils, and anus in the animals that die from anthrax. This bacterium is susceptible to many antibiotics, yet only penicillin and oxytetracycline have the most effective under field conditions. When an outbreak occurs in a defined area, it is necessary to take early steps to break the infection cycle by maintaining strict biosecurity and vaccinating uninfected animals. This disease is still a challenge to farm animal production in many countries. This review intends to give a fair knowledge of the etiology, epi¬demiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and control of this disease.

The study was conducted to elucidate the extent of genetic diversity of 28 chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes. Chilli plants of the selected genotypes were grown in the Field Laboratory of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding of Bangbandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Bangladesh with recommended agronomic practices. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with tree replications. The analysis of variance revealed considerable variability among the genotypes for the character studied. Genetic diversity in chilli genotypes were estimated based on 16 growth and yield contributing characters using Mahalanobis’s D2 statistics and K-means clustering. The genotypes were grouped into four different clusters by non-hierarchical clustering. Cluster III had the maximum number (13) of genotypes followed by cluster I, IV and II with 7, 5 and 3 genotypes, respectively. The highest inter-cluster genetic divergence (9.87) was recorded between clusters II and IV, whereas the highest intra-cluster distance was recorded in cluster II (4.37). Cluster II was observed to be the most important with maximum cluster means for most of the valuable traits including number of fruits per plant and number of fruit yield per plant. The characters fruit yield/plant, days to 100% fruiting, days to first flowering and individual fruit weight contributed maximum towards divergence. Considering diversity pattern and other horticultural performance the Gen7 and Gen20 from cluster I, Gen8 and Gen10 from cluster IV and Gen24 from cluster III may be taken into consideration as better parents for an efficient hybridization programme of chilli.

The Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test is one of the most popular and specific diagnostic tests to easily recognize the Peste des Petits Ruminants virus (PPRV) genome in clinical samples. The sensitivity of the RT-PCR test depends on gene-targeted primer sets. The literature appears to be lacking in designing primers used in RT-PCR to detect PPRV genome in Bangladesh. This study aimed to develop an N gene based PPRV primer set, a standardized RT-PCR protocol, and its validity test by comparison with other available primers. A total of seventy clinical samples and ten PPRV positive isolates were used in real-time RT-PCR and conventional RT-PCR using one pair designed primer set NF/NR and three pairs of published gene F1/F2, F1b/F2b and N1/N2. N gene-based PPRV primer sets (NF/NR) were designed from a published sequence of PPRV (Accession number GQ122187.1). Statistical analysis was carried out. The designed N gene-based primer positive PPRV samples were sequenced and analysed. The N gene-based primer sets were more sensitive to PPRV detection than F gene-based primer (P =.002) in the RT-PCR test. PPRV detects the highest (86%) of clinical samples in the RT-PCR test using a designed N gene-based primer. Sequence analysis showed that designed N gene-based the 402bp sequence of PPRV isolates is clustered with other Bangladeshi PPRV isolates and belongs to Lineage IV. New primers sets were designed from the conserved region of the N gene of PPRV. Designed primer sets successfully worked in real-time RT-PCR. The standardized RT-PCR protocol with the designed primer sets (NF/NR) can be used for the specific detection of PPRV from clinical samples.

Shrimp culture has become a part and parcel for continuing sustainable livelihood of the farmers in the coastal villages of Bangladesh. This study aimed to optimize stocking density for a disease-free and profitable Indian white shrimp (Penaeus indicus) farming. The experiment was conducted under three treatments each with three replications. Stocking density of 10 individuals m-2 was considered as treatment one (T1), 20 individuals m-2 as treatment two (T2) and 30 individuals m-2 as treatment three (T3) for farming Indian white shrimp. Generally, all the water quality parameters of the experimental ponds except the salinity were found within the optimum condition for Indian white shrimp culture. In modified extensive shrimp farming (MESF) system, T2 showed higher survival rate than any other treatments at a low salinity level. Besides, total production values were revealed very tiny gap between T2 and T3. Though the highest value of production was found in T3 but survival rate was lower than T2. Moreover, values of shrimp’s average body weight (ABW), daily weight gain (DWG), and specific growth rate (SGR) were the highest in T2. During 90 days of culture, the growth of the Indian shrimp was negative allometric (2.86), which value was about to the value (3.00) of isomerism. This study recommends MESF culture system for growing Indian white shrimp for a greater output in brackishwater farms. This investigation also suggests some future research by considering MESF system for other important indigenous shrimp species.

In the north-eastern part of Bangladesh, direct discharge of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) from upstream Khashi hill areas of Meghalaya into trans-boundary Rivers causes huge losses of fish and crops. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of coal mines on water quality on the basis of physico-chemical parameters, such as temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total dissolved solids, and heavy metals viz. Fe, Pb, Cr and Cd. For this purpose, a total of 15 samples were collected with 3 replications from 5 different locations of Jadukata River. The mean values of the analyzed parameters for 5 different sampling sites ranged: pH: 6.63-8.47; temperature: 25.77-26.8 °C; EC 344.51-383.50 μS cm-1; DO: 7.60-8.30 mg l-1; TDS 337.33-454.33 ppm; BOD: 0.70-1.93 mg l-1; COD: 1.20-2.30 mg l-1; Fe: 0.69-0.86 mg l-1; Pb: 0.05-0.07 mg l-1; Cr: 0.04-0.06 mg l-1. Analyzed results show that, most of the values of the considered parameters were higher at Lakmachara point, which is the nearest site to the Indian border and low at Rajargao, the farthest from the border. Almost all the values of Pb and Cr in different sampling points were higher than their permissible limits for drinking but, the values were within limit for irrigation activities. Other parameters were found within the permissible limit for drinking and irrigation usage. The gradual descending variations of the analyzed parameters from downstream to upstream were mostly due to the effect of AMD, which was mixed with the water of Jadukata River. Leaching of heavy metals near Khashi hill areas of Meghalaya at the upstream of Jadukata River are the major causes of contamination of the Jadukata River.

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the colony forming units (CFU) to isolate, identify, and antibiotic sensitivity of Staphylococcus aureus from chicken nuggets (CN). Materials and Methods: Sixty CN samples from two brands were collected from different super¬stores in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Uncooked, oven-cooked (OC), or gas stove-cooked (GSC) CN samples were inoculated onto mannitol salt agar and blood agar. Results: The total staphylococcal count (TSC) for uncooked CN ranged from log 4.68 to log 5.11 CFU/gm. For OC CN, TSC ranged from log 3.29 to log 3.62 CFU/gm. For GSC CN, TSC ranged from log 3.09 to log 3.49 CFU/gm. Relative to uncooked CN, microwave oven-cooked and GSC samples significantly reduced the TSC of CN (p < 0.01). Using the polymerase chain reaction assay and standard biochemical testing, only 8 out of 60 CN samples contained S. aureus. Staphylococcus aureus were resistant to Ampicillin (100%), Amoxicillin (100%), Oxacillin (75%), Cefixime (87.5%), Doxycycline (75%), intermediately sensitive to Erythromycin (25%), Cephalexin (12.5%), Ciprofloxacin (25%), Gentamicin (12.5%), Doxycycline (12.5%) and sensitive to Oxacillin (25%), Azithromycin (100%), Erythromycin (75%) Cephalexin (87.5%), Cefixime (12.5%), Chloramphenicol (100%), Ciprofloxacin (75%), Gentamicin (87.5%), Doxycycline (12.5%), and Vancomycin (100%). Conclusion: This study reports the first isolation and identification of S. aureus from CN in Bangladesh. GSC CN was better than OC and uncooked CN. Data also suggest that CN is contami¬nated with multidrug-resistant S. aureus, which poses a public health hazard.

The present study was to optimize the brinjal pickle development process and investigate the effect of tamarind pulp on the nutritional, sensory qualities, and storage stability of brinjal pickles. The fresh brinjal and tamarind pulp were analyzed for nutritional composition. Developed brinjal pickles incorporation with tamarind pulp were analyzed for nutritional composition, sensory attributes, microbiological status, and overall storage stability. The nutritional compositions of developed pickles were different depending on the processing ingredients. Chemical analysis of developed pickles showed that the highest moisture content (60.23%) was given by sample A (500 g Brinjal + No tamarind pulp) followed by Sample B (450 g Brinjal + 50 g tamarind pulp), C (400 g Brinjal + 100 g tamarind pulp), and D(350 g Brinjal + 150 g tamarind pulp). Other components such as ash, protein, fat, fibre, vitamin C, magnesium, phosphorus, iron & total carbohydrate content increased with an increasing amount of tamarind pulp with brinjal. The acceptability of prepared pickles was organoleptically evaluated by the panelists using 1-9 hedonic scale. Sensory properties more specifically overall acceptability were in a rank like sample D>C>B>A. Storage studies were carried out for up to 4 months at room temperature (29°-30° C) at interval of one month. Microbial load decreased with the increasing amount of tamarind pulp, salt, sugar, and mustard oil in brinjal pickles. It could be due to the antimicrobial activity of tamarind pulp, salt, sugar, and mustard oil. The color, flavor & texture were unchanged up to 4 months of storage except slightly spoiled in samples A and B at 4th month.

Objective: Here, we developed and tested the efficacy of a vaccination protocol based on a commercially available live attenuated Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum (Salmonella galli¬narum) in layer chickens. Materials and Methods: 50 layer chickens of 16 weeks age were obtained and divided into two groups (n = 25), control and vaccinated. The vaccinated group received Salmonella vaccine at 0.2 ml/bird, s/c route at 16, 18, 30, and 42 weeks of age. At 21 weeks of age, birds from both groups were challenged with S. gallinarum orally at 4 × 107 colony-forming unit per bird. Results: Both rapid serum plate agglutination and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated a rising rate of seroconversion in vaccinated birds across the study period, with a 4% positive rate at 18 weeks, 56% at 21 weeks, 60% at 30 weeks, and 64% at each time point of 42 and 54 weeks. The vaccine showed 100% clinical protection and reduced the Salmonella shedding in the feces and eggs of the challenged birds. On the contrary, the unvaccinated challenged birds showed clinical signs and lesions typical of Salmonella infections with morbidity and mortality rates of 36% and 20%, respectively, and had high rates of Salmonella shedding in feces and eggs. Conclusions: With the proposed vaccination schedule Salmonella shedding was prevented, and a high seroconversion was confirmed. To prevent Salmonella infections in laying flocks, a 3-month interval immunization program is advised starting at the pre-laying stage.

Arsenic (As) is a naturally occurring ubiquitous environmental toxicant. It has been reported that spirulina has protective effects against As toxicity. In the present study, we compared the prophylactic effects of spirulina [laboratory grown agro-based spirulina (Ab-Sp) and market spirulina (M-Sp)] against the histopathological changes in liver induced by inorganic arsenic (iAs) in male rats. Three doses (1.0g, 1.5g and 2.0g/kg feed) of both the Ab-Sp and M-Sp with feed and 3.0mg NaAsO2/kg body weight (BW) in drinking water were given simultaneously to six groups (T4, T5, T6, T7, T8 and T9) of rats daily for 90 days. Same dose of NaAsO2 (3.0mg/kg; T1) and highest dose (2.0g/kg) of each of Ab-Sp (T2) and M-Sp (T3) were given individually to other 3 groups keeping the rest one as control (T0) with normal feed and water. As feeding resulted in a variety of histopathological changes in liver, including congestion in the central veins, hemorrhage in the hepatic lobules and lobular tissues, higher numbers of hypertrophic hepatocytes with hypertrophic nucleus, hepatocytes with visible chromatin in the nucleus and vacuolated hepatocytes. The Ab-Sp treatment successfully improved all the histopathological conditions. In contrast, the M-Sp improved the conditions by combating all the histopathological conditions including vacuolated hepatocytes, erosions and hemorrhages in the liver. Taken together, the spirulina was found as an effective agent in prevention of the histopathological changes while we first clarified that Ab-Sp had better result than the M-Sp and finally, 2.0g Ab-Sp/kg feed was found as the best dose. [ J Adv Biotechnol Exp Ther 2019; 2(3.000): 146-152]

The present work reported here was conducted to detect the deposition of lead (Pb) from the environment in chickens. The considered samples were muscles, liver, kidney, brain, bone and poultry litter. Twenty samples of each category were collected from different locations of major cities and districts of Bangladesh. The collected samples were digested by acid digestion procedures. The detection procedures were operated by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric Analysis (FAAS) with Zeeman background correction by subtracting the mean value of blank sample. The analysis of variance of mean Pb concentration in different samples collected from different locations differed significantly (P

The investigation was aimed to identify the risk factors and gross pathology of liver fluke infection in cattle in Netrokona district of Bangladesh during November 2008 to October 2009. Faecal samples from 350 cattle were examined microscopically using Modified Stoll’s ova counting method, 109 (31.14%) were found positive for Fasciola gigantica and mean eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) were 133.03±9.04. Association of liver fluke infection with age, sex, nutritional condition of the cattle; existence of intermediate host, vegetation with infective metacercariae and seasonal trend were also observed through questionnaire survey. Higher rate of infection was found in older animals compared to younger one. The prevalence of Fascioliasis was higher in females (41.36%) than males (13.85%). Significantly (P