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Introduction Exclusive breastfeeding is balanced nutrition for growth and development of the infant, prevents stunting as well as protects from infectious and chronic diseases and has also potential to reduce infant mortality. Thus, the study aimed to assess maternal knowledge, attitudes and other factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practices. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 mothers of children aged ≤12 months in Mother and Child Hospital in Dhaka city, Bangladesh, from June to December 2019 using a structured questionnaire. Data were collected by face-to-face interview from hospital’s outdoors, following simple random sampling process from hospital register list. Chi-squared test and multiple logistic regression models were used to explore the association. Results The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 63.4% for mothers with children aged ≤12 months. Good knowledge (p

Introduction Menstrual hygiene practices refers to maintaining specific hygiene during menstrual periods. Excused or unexcused school absenteeism can be attributed to adopted menstrual hygiene practices. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of school absenteeism during menstrual cycle and to explore the association of menstrual hygiene practices with school absenteeism among schoolgoing adolescent girls in Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to November 2019 based on a sample of 442 school-going adolescent girls (aged 10–19 years) from randomly selected nine Girls’ Schools in the Dhaka division, Bangladesh. Data were collected by an interviewer-administered questionnaire and a multiple regression model was applied to assess factors associated with school absenteeism. Results The prevalence of school absenteeism was (35.1%) among school-going adolescent girls in Bangladesh. Factors associated with school absenteeism included older adolescent girls (AOR=2.97; 95% CI: 1.66–5.24, p

Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) is crucial for mothers as well as children’s health, and also has the potential to prevent neonatal mortality. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with EIBF among mothers in Dhaka City, Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to July 2019, based on a sample of 422 mothers of children aged under 6 months. Data were collected by in-person interviews from a hospital’s outdoor through a structured questionnaire consisted of demographic, reproductive, and healthcare utilization information. Association between variables was assessed by multiple logistic regression. The prevalence of EIBF among mothers was 48.3% [95% CI: 43.4–53.3]. Multiple logistic regression showed that being a housewife, having family income of > 10,000 BDT (Bangladeshi currency) per month, mothers education level, being multiparous, normal delivery, ANC (antenatal care) visits for ≥ 3 times, counseling prior to conception, and skin-to-skin contact after delivery significantly increased the likelihood of EIBF among mothers. Besides, mothers who gave birth to low-weight babies and provided pre-lacteal feeds to them were negatively associated with EIBF. EIBF has improved in Bangladesh during MDG era, but progress still remains slower. Key modifiable factors such as maternal education, normal delivery, ANC visits, skin-to-skin contact, and pre-lacteal feeding need to be improved to enhance the EIBF for reducing child malnutrition and mortality.

Diarrhea is a leading cause of death among under five children in developing countries. The burden of child diarrhea in Bangladesh is still significant. Safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) can limit the events. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of WASH education of mothers or caregivers on child diarrhea. A community-based randomized control trial was conducted in the selected households of a rural community in Dumki Upazila, Patuakhali from March–June 2019. A total of 202 mothers/caregivers received intervention and 202 did not receive intervention. A pre-structured questionnaire was used to gather information on household WASH activities and diarrheal cases. Baseline data were collected first from the intervention group before providing education. WASH messages were given to the intervention group by face-to-face discussion. Both groups were followed up for diarrheal episodes for 3 months. Diarrheal prevalence of intervening group is compared with that of baseline and control. The results revealed that diarrheal prevalence was 11.4% (95% CI: 7.4–16.59%), 4.0% (95% CI: 1.7–7.65%), and 14.9% (95% CI: 10.25–20.52%) in baseline, intervention, and control group, respectively. Also, diarrhea was found lower in the intervention group than baseline (Z = − 2.524; P value = 0.012) and control (Z = − 1.85; P value = 0.04). WASH interventions were found effective to reduce the diarrheal episodes among under five children in rural community. Further investigation is necessary to assess the long-term effect of such intervention in other similar settings.

OBJECTIVE The study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among university students in Bangladesh. Participants: A total of 403 undergraduate students from Patuakhali Science and Technology University, and Barisal University participated in the study. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI). Result: The prevalence of depression (BDI ≥ 14) was 47.14%. Depression was 3.4 times (95% CI: 1.6-7.1), 3.8 times (95% CI: 1.7-8.6), and 3.9 times (95% CI: 1.5-8.9) higher among 2nd, 3rd, and 4th-year students, respectively than 1st-year students. Students with a history of stressful life events (aOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.7-4.4), suicidal attempts (aOR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.2-7.9), and who received inadequate monthly allowance from their family (aOR = 0.53 95% CI: 0.3-0.9) were more likely to develop depressive symptoms. Conclusion: This study reports a high level of depression among university students which needs further discussion, exploration, and calls for designing appropriate interventions.

Galactosemia is an autosomal recessive inheritance and there is cellular deficiency of enzymes leading to defective/impaired metabolism of galactose resulting in toxic byproducts like galactilol, galactose-1-phosphate and galactonate that affect mainly liver, brain, kidneys, lens and gonads. Galactosemia appears as a rare metabolic cause of neonatal cholestasis syndrome (NCS). The classic disease manifestation after the first milk feeding varies in severity from an acute fulminant illness to a more common subacute illness beginning within the first few days of life. Neonatal sepsis is one of the presentations. Galactokinase deficiency results primarily in cataract formation and galactosuria. The preliminary diagnosis of galactosemia in sick neonates and suspected infants is made by Benedict test in several urine specimens and followed by dipstick test to exclude glycosuria. Gold standard test is demonstration of low enzyme activity in erythrocyte. Galactosemia can be detected by newborn screening methods like the Guthrie test using filterpaper blood samples. Classical form of galactosemia should be treated with an absolute galactose restricted diet without waiting for confirmation of the diagnosis. Here we report a case of a 50-dayold boy with features of neonatal cholestasis, diagnosed as galactosemia by using a simple cost effective method. J Enam Med Col 2020; 10(1): 43-48

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a set of lung diseases in which the airways constrict, making it difficult to expel air from the lungs. COPD is caused by longterm lung damage from breathing a potential hazard, mainly frequently cigarette smoking, as well as smoke from other sources and air pollution. Also, some rural areas where people are exposed to dust, flames, and chemicals can contribute to the onset of COPD. COPD is supposed to after 40 years. Some major problems getting short of breath, having cough, wheezing, also produced more sputum, respiration rate abnormal, sometimes getting restless. In Bangladesh, day by day patients with COPD are increasing. So, in this case, need to analyze the symptoms of COPD and finds why it is increasing day by day. In this research, we have taken 101 COPD patients data from the hospital which are in two classes. In the medical sector, work for COPD is rare in Bangladesh. Our goal is to find the most appropriate machine learning approach for COPD prediction which is both computationally efficient and accurate. Decision Tree and Logistic Regression outperformed all other machine learning algorithms, according to the findings in our study.

Background: A Delphi-Based Consensus Statement: Recommendation for Physiotherapy Management and Rehabilitation of people living with Long COVID in Bangladesh Background: Covid-19 is a new and deadly virus with global consequences with special vulnerabilities in Bangladesh. The World Health Organization confirmed 22,451,122,614 cases and 4,627,540 deaths, worldwide (13th September 2021). In the United Kingdom, 1.5% of the estimated population of 970,000, suffers from Long COVID. Physiotherapy plays a vital role both in decreasing the number of deaths during the acute stage and improving function for patients across the spectrum of severity in the acute, sub-acute, and long-term context. Objectives: This Delphi-Based Consensus, provides recommendations for physiotherapy management and rehabilitation of people living with Long COVID. It includes recommendations for physiotherapy management for acute and subacute respiratory complications, a specific prescriptive exercise guideline for fatigue and musculoskeletal dysfunction and for improving psychological outcomes through combination of both counseling and rehabilitation. Methods: A team of 8 national and 6 international experts working in different disciplines were provided with studies on physiotherapy interventions in Long COVID-19 and were asked to provide treatment opinions based on the current literature for musculoskeletal, neurorehabilitation, respiratory, cardiac and psychological health domains. Statements were ranked and presented with individual opinions measured on a 10-point Likert Scale. The mean scores for each intervention were calculated and a manuscript with recommended physiotherapy interventions was prepared based on currently available evidence as presented and agreed upon by expert consensus. Findings: Experts recommended the following interventions based on mean agreement scores: diaphragmatic breathing (Mean = 7.5), thoracic expansion (with shoulder elevation) (Mean =8.5) and expiratory muscle training (Mean=6.3) for respiratory rehabilitation. Mild to moderate graded exercise (Mean= 7.7) was suggested for recovery from fatigue and McKenzie directional preference exercises for low back pain (Mean= 8.6), neck pain (Mean =7.9) and knee pain (Mean =8.3). Additionally, communicative and educative strategies were recommended for the rehabilitation of COVID-19. Conclusion: This consensus is structured according to the expert opinions of medical and rehabilitation professionals and based on current literature to recommend a series of rehabilitation interventions for physiotherapy professionals to manage Long COVID cases. Funding: This research has not been funded by any other external organization nor received any grants from commercial or not-for-profit organizations. Declaration of Interests: None declared. Ethics Approval Statement: Ethical permission was obtained from the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) ethics committee. The reference number CRP-R&E-0401-337. Trial Registration: Trial registration from the WHO Clinical trial registry platform, the reference number CTRI/2020/10/028179.

BackgroundInflammatory bowel diseases are the most common chronic intestinal inflammatory conditions, and their incidence has shown a dramatic increase in recent decades. Limited efficacy and questionable safety profiles with existing therapies suggest the need for better targeting of therapeutic strategies. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key regulator of cellular metabolism and has been implicated in intestinal inflammation. Macrophages execute an important role in the generation of intestinal inflammation. Impaired AMPK in macrophages has been shown to be associated with higher production of proinflammatory cytokines; however, the role of macrophage AMPK in intestinal inflammation and the mechanism by which it regulates inflammation remain to be determined. In this study, we investigated the role of AMPK with a specific focus on macrophages in the pathogenesis of intestinal inflammation.MethodsA dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis model was used to assess the disease activity index, histological scores, macroscopic scores, and myeloperoxidase level. Proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Transient transfection of AMPKβ1 and LC3-II siRNA in RAW 264.7 cells was performed to elucidate the regulation of autophagy by AMPK. The expression of p-AMPK, AMPK, and autophagy markers (eg, LC3-II, p62, Beclin-1, and Atg-12) was analyzed by Western blot.ResultsGenetic deletion of AMPKβ1 in macrophages upregulated the production of proinflammatory cytokines, aggravated the severity of dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice, which was associated with an increased nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB, and impaired autophagy both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, the commonly used anti-inflammatory 5-aminosalicylic acid (ie, mesalazine) and sodium salicylate ameliorated dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis through the activation of macrophage AMPK targeting the β1 subunit.ConclusionsTogether, these data suggest that the development of therapeutic agents targeting AMPKβ1 may be effective in the treatment of intestinal inflammatory conditions including inflammatory bowel disease.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is an uncommon event happening with the obstruction or narrowing of the portal vein by a thrombus which is frequently related with the presence of an underlying liver...

Introduction: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common determinant of low back pain (LBP) and priority for cost-effective therapeutic approach is necessary. The objective of the study was to explore the effectiveness of McKenzie Manipulative Therapy (MMT) for patients with LDH. Methodology: This was an assessor blinded, 36-month RCT, at Center for Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed (CRP) in Savaar, Bangladesh. Seventy-two subjects, ages 28-47 years and clinically diagnosed with MRI findings of LDH, were randomly recruited from hospital records and sixty-eight found eligible. The control group received stretching exercise and graded oscillatory mobilization, and the experimental group received McKenzie manipulative therapy for 12 sessions in 4 weeks, both groups received a standard set of care also. The pain was the primary outcome and the secondary outcome was participation in functional activities and disability. Results: Pain and Disability found significant improvement in both groups, with the McKenzie approach significantly superior to the control group (p Conclusion: The McKenzie manipulative therapy approach was found to be effective for pain, disability and participation in activities for single or multiple level LDH patients in a short time from day 1 to week 4, and the treatment effect extends after 6 months. Clinical Trial Registration No.: CTRI/2020/ 04/024667.

Objective: The present epidemiological study was conducted with the objectives of providing an insight into the current use of antidiabetic medications to diabetics and hypertensive diabetics in urban areas and determining how the patient factors influence the prescribing of antidiabetic medications. Methodology: Data of patients of past two years were collected from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The details were entered in the structured patient profile form. Data were statistically analyzed using the Microsoft Excel 2007 software. Result: A total of 958 patient’s data were collected and analyzed of which 632 (65.97 %) were males and 326 (34.03 %) were females. These patients were further categorized based on their age. 330 patients (34.45 %) belonged to the age group 20 – 44 years, 504 (52.61 %) to the age group 45 – 65 years and 124 (12.94 %) to the age group 65 – 80 years. 684 (71.4%) patients out of the 958 patients studied were suffering from coexisting hypertension. Co-existing hypertension was found to be more prevalent in the age group 45 – 65 years (67.69%) and was found more in females (84.04%). Conclusion: Metformin was the oral hypoglycemic which was the highest prescribed. In hypertensive diabetics Metformin and Pioglitazone were most frequently prescribed drugs. Biguanides and Insulin were the most commonly prescribed antidiabetics. A combination of two or more drugs of different classes was prescribed to hypertensive diabetics. It is necessary to have an improved understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of diabetes to focus on research efforts appropriately.

Bioaccumulation of toxicants in aquatic food webs can pose risks to ecosystem function and human health. Toxicant models of aquatic ecosystems can be improved by incorporating realistic environmental impacts such as nutrient availability and seasonality. It is well known that the carrying capacity of predator-prey systems can vary seasonally due to environmental cycles resulting from natural and human activities. As such, incorporating seasonal variation in the carrying capacity of a predator-prey system provides a better understanding of the underlying population dynamics bioaccumulation of toxicants. Here, we develop a seasonally varied predator-prey model subject to concurrent nutrient and toxicant stressors. We investigate the effects of seasonality on population dynamics to increase understanding of the complex governing processes of the trophic transfer of nutrients, energy, and toxicants. We observe that the strength of seasonality can shift solutions from periodic to quasi-periodic and models that neglect environmental seasonality may be under-predicting adverse effects of toxicity.

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with an increased rate of glucose which can be reduced by diets, drugs, lifestyle changes and physical activity. The present study aimed to investigate the comparison of the effectiveness of drugs and combination of diets with exercise on biochemical parameters of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients. A follow up study of 150 diabetes patient’s biochemical test >30 years of age were conducted in two phages before and after three months from Diabetes Hospital, Barishal. The investigator categorized two groups of diabetes patients where intervention of diets with exercise was given to 75 respondents and on the other hand 75 respondents by drugs to find out which intervention was more effective. This study found the incidence of reduced blood glucose from 50% to 13.33% by diets with exercise and 50% to 10.67% by drugs during fasting after three months of intervention. After 2 hours eating, blood glucose reduced to 14% and 18% respectively. Analyst established diets with exercise and drugs both had a great effect on fasting glucose, after two hours glucose and serum creatinine which was statistically significant between two phages of same respondents (P

Here we describe a case of a 20-year-old, otherwise healthy man, who consulted a physician due to acute low back pain presenting for a couple of days. Pain appeared suddenly, without any preceding trauma. Physical examination was unremarkable. Initial laboratory tests showed elevated inflammatory marker and thrombocytopenia. Patient was treated conservatively but due to increasing pain MRI of spine with contrast was advised which showed feature suggestive of infiltrative disease. Eventually patient was diagnosed as a case of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia on further peripheral blood film and bone marrow study.Bangladesh Med J. 2017 Jan; 46 (1): 41-43

The extent of nutritional status affecting Rohingya refugee under-five children has become a major health issues in Bangladesh. This study aimed to investigate the nutritional status and its effect on under-five Rohingya children in comparison with the areas of Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study of 300 under-five children were conducted by structured questionnaire from Rohingya camp (100), Cox’s Bazar (100) and Dumki (100) applying simple random method. Anthropometric indices (weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC)) were measured in children aged 6-59 months. Indices were reported in z-scores and compared with WHO 2005 reference population. Data were analyzed by WHO Anthro-Plus Software and SPSS. About 41% Rohingya, 43% surrounding areas, and 46% Dumki were stunting in height-for-age z-score (HAZ) score respectively. Near about 13%, 11% and 4% were wasting in weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) score and 18%, 15% and 10% were underweight in weight for age Z-score (WAZ) score respectively. Food groups, Disease, worm infestation among 3 study areas were statistically significant (P< .05). Moreover, handwashing practice, vitamin-A consumption and worm infestation effects among diseases were statistically significant. In this study population, there was high prevalence of malnutrition among Rohingya children, especially wasting and underweight compared to other areas. Prevention of malnutrition plays an important role for having a healthy society of Rohingya Refugees.

Facebook addiction (FA) has been suggested as a potential behavioral addiction. Data about FA among university students in Bangladesh has been scarce despite being a research topic of growing interest. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FA and its related factors amongst university students in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was conducted between February to March 2020 within two Bangladeshi universities (i.e., Patuakhali Science and Technology University and Barishal University) residing in the southern territory of the country. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, behavioral and online activities. The Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory-21 Scale were used to access the risk of FA, and depressive symptoms of students. About 36.9% of the students were identified as at risk of Facebook addiction using 18 as the cutoff score out of 30 on the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale. The risk factors of Facebook addiction were predicted to be failure in love, having history of domestic violence, having stressful life event, sufferings from sleep disturbance (i.e., more than 8 h sleep status compared to 6–8 h normal status), spending more than 5 h daily time on Facebook, and having symptoms of depression. Future research should use longitudinal designs to identify FA contributing factors among university students in Bangladesh.

Objectives: The increasing prevalence of malnutrition among school-going adolescents is a major public health threat in Bangladesh. School studying adolescents are a crucial group suffering from malnutrition. Proper nutrition information can enrich their knowledge, promote their health and also minimize the burden of malnutrition. The study aimed to identify the sources of information and corresponding knowledge level on nutrition among school-going adolescents in Bangladesh. Study design: A school-based cross-sectional survey was carried out from January to August 2019. Methods: A pre-structured questionnaire having 13 validated questions regarding facts panel of packaged food and daily dietary habits was used to assess the knowledge. Scores on nutritional knowledge were calculated by summing up the answer values (Yes ​= ​1, No ​= ​0) and, scores below the overall mean were considered low. Logistic regression was employed to identify whether any source was related to respondents’ nutritional knowledge. Results: Family members were the most popular (52.4%) source of nutrition information. Majority students (43.2%) trusted professionals as an accurate source. Approximately half (49.1%) of the participants scored low (

Synthesis of six new α, β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds (2′-hydroxychalcones) from 2′-hydroxyacethophenone and aromatic aldehyde derivatives under microwave condition has been described due to their pharmaceutical interest. They were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, Mass spectra, micro-analytical data and other physic-chemical properties. Density functional theory (DFT) with B3LYP/6-311 + G (d,p) has been employed for the optimization of all synthesized chalcones which helps to confirm the structures of the compounds proposed based on experimental evidences. The synthesized compounds were proved to inhibit microbial activity and showed good antioxidant property. Molecular docking was performed against prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) synthase protein 5F19. The binding affinity and binding mode of 2′-hydroxychalcones with this protein was searched considering paracetamol (PCT) as standard.

Healthcare-related expenditure for diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate all over the world, resulting in a huge burden on patients. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the healthcare cost incurred by patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The study included 531 registered patients with diabetes of more than 1 year. All the treatment-related records of the last 12 months were collected from the patients’ guide books. Data were analyzed to determine the average cost (exchange rate: US$1 = Bangladeshi Taka 80) incurred by the diabetic patients in treating the disease and were calculated based on the total amount spent by them to that of total number of patients. The mean ± SD age of the patients (male 46.5 % and female 53.5 %) was 53.0 ± 10 years with duration of diabetes 9 ± 6.7 years. The average annual cost of care was US$314 (direct cost US$283 and indirect cost US$31). Drugs accounted for the largest share (68 %) of the direct cost, followed by laboratory investigations (12.5 %) and consultation fees (11.7 %). Results of bivariate analysis showed that the annual direct cost of care significantly increased with age, monthly household income, duration of diabetes, and the number of co-morbidities/complications. However, results of multivariable analysis showed that, except age, all other remained significant (p

The present study attempts to identify the nutrition profile of the destitute women and children living in a rehabilitation center, Shishu Polli Plus (SPP), Gazipur. The vision of SPP is to serve underprivileged orphan children and destitute women and rehabilitate them by providing education and skill training. Information on anthropometric data, dietary intake, prevalence of morbidity and health and nutrition knowledge of SPP beneficiaries were collected by visiting the rehabilitation center. Dietary intake was calculated using dietary weighing of 7 consecutive days. Mean energy intake of SPP inmates was 1759 Kcal (86% of RDA). Mean intake of other nutrients were- protein 43 g, fat 33g, CHO 325g, calcium 307mg, iron 17mg, vitamin A 4120 IU, thiamine l.21mg, riboflavin 0.59mg and vitamin C 61 mg. They fulfilled the RDA for protein (96%), vitamin A (240%), and thiamine (ll8%). They were deficient in calcium (61% of RDA), iron (77% of RDA), riboflavin (48% of RDA) and vitamin C (130% of RDA; without considering cooking loss). Anthropometric assessments of the inmates indicated the presence of double burden of malnutrition at SPP. The great majority of the children (specially under-5) were undernourished; while at the same time about 9% of all adult women were found obese (BMI >25). Overall one in five children in SPP was found to be stunted. The situation however changes dramatically with age. A higher prevalence of stunting was reported with the lower age group of children. According to the weight for age and weight for height classification of nutritional status, about 30 per cent of all children residing at SPP were underweight and one quarter of all SPP children were, wasted. SPP environmental hygiene was much appreciated and the personal hygiene of SPP was far better than those of their counterparts in rural areas. The morbidity reporting was very few except for skin diseases. But SPP inmates' knowledge on nutrition and health was very poor. The study findings are encouraging in that the dietary intakes, anthropometry and the knowledge base (nutrition and health) of the SPP beneficiaries are comparable to those of their counterparts in the rural Bangladesh. This implies that without SPP interventions and attention the real life situation for these inmates would have been different. SPP has been trying very hard to bring meaningful changes in the life and living of these destitute.

Mobilization of immunoglobulins (Igs)-containing plasma cells (IgA, IgG and IgM) in the spleen, bursa of Fabricius and thymus was investigated in broiler chickens that were vaccinated with Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccine. In the thymus, the Igs-containing plasma cells were distributed in the cortex and medulla. Their frequency and distribution were higher at D14 and at D28. The number of IgG- and IgM-positive cells was greater than IgA-positive cells in thymus. In the bursa of Fabricius, Igs-containing plasma cells were distributed beneath the capsules; within and around the bursal follicles. Their frequency of occurrence significantly peaked at D14 and at D28 in comparison to day-old chickens, and IgG-positive cells were significantly greater than the IgA- and IgM-positive cells in the bursa of vaccinated chickens. In the spleen, Igs-containing plasma cells were distributed in the white pulp, around the trabeculae, and in the periarterial lymphatic sheath. In this secondary lymphatic tissue, IgG- and IgM-positive cell numbers significantly greater than IgA-positive cells. In conclusion, mobilization of more Igs-positive cells in lymphoid tissues of broiler chickens is due to the effect of NDV vaccine as well as the advancement of age.

The present study was undertaken to assess the cost-effectiveness of good glycemic control in a population of Bangladeshi people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).A cross-sectional study was conducted among 496 registered patients with1year duration of diabetes. Glycated hemoglobin A1c level7% was judged as the cut-off value for good glycemic control. All treatment-related records from the last year were collected from patients' guide books and all cost components were calculated.Among patients, 31% had good glycemic control. The average annual cost was US$ 314 per patient. Patients with poor glycemic control were significantly more likely to have complications [(p=0.049) OR 1.5] and comorbidities [(p=0.02) OR 1.5]. The annual cost increased rapidly with complications/comorbidities. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, gender (p=0.003) and cost of care (p=0.006) were significantly associated with glycemic control, and the presence of any comorbidities/complications was associated with 1.8-fold higher odds of poor glycemic control (p=0.013 95% CI: 1.131-2.786).Good glycemic control can lead to substantial cost saving through prevention and control of complications.

Background Child undernutrition remains high in South Asian and sub-Saharan African countries. Rapid declines in nutritional status occur before the age of 2 years, particularly during the period of complementary feeding. Improving complementary feeding practices is a neglected area in nutrition programs. Objective To understand community perspectives on complementary feeding practices in order to inform the design of future interventions for improved complementary feeding. Methods From May through August 2009, data were collected in two rural locations and one urban location in Bangladesh through semistructured interviews, food attributes exercises, 24-hour dietary recalls, opportunistic observations, and trials of improved practices (TIPs). Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were also carried out among family members and community opinion leaders. Results Lay perceptions about complementary feeding differ substantially from international complementary feeding recommendations. A large proportion of children do not consume sufficient amounts of complementary foods to meet their energy and micronutrient needs. There was a gap in knowledge about appropriate complementary foods in terms of quality and quantity and strategies to convert family foods to make them suitable for children. Complementary feeding advice from family members, peers, and health workers, the importance given to feeding young children, and time spent by caregivers in feeding influenced the timing, frequency, types of food given, and ways in which complementary feeding occurred. Conclusions Perceptions and practices related to complementary feeding need to be effectively addressed to improve the levels of child undernutrition. Lack of understanding of children's nutritional needs and insufficient time for feeding children are key barriers to complementary feeding.

Aims: Because of uncontrolled and widespread use of antibiotics, the resistance pattern of uropathogens is changing drastically, specifically in developing countries, such as Bangladesh. The aim of the study was to identify the common Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) causing pathogens in the city of Jessore, Bangladesh and to check the performance of available antibiotics used by those patients. Study Design: Random 100 UTI patients who exhibited general UTI symptoms were included in our cross-sectional study. A medical proforma was prepared to input the information associated with the experiment including symptoms of patient’s age, sex, laboratory diagnosis and antimicrobial susceptibility. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, University of Science and Technology, Jessore 7408 and Pharmacy Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh, between June 2013 and July 2014. Methodology: Urine samples from 100 suspicious urinary tract infected patients were collected as described by Thomson and Miller. Bacterial isolates were tested to identify the bacterial species and to evaluate their antimicrobial susceptibility by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique against some common antibiotics. Epidata® computer program 3.1 and SPSS version 16 statistical software used for confidence interval (CI) and P value, which were defined as P value is

A comprehensive, multiround survey of local food systems in a rickets-endemic area of Bangladesh was conducted to identify household-level risk factors for rickets.A household-level, case-control study was conducted in a rickets-endemic area, Chakaria, with planned comparisons between households with one or more rachitic child and neighboring households with no affected children.A rickets-endemic area of southeastern Bangladesh, Chakaria.An interview-based survey was conducted in six villages in Chakaria with 199 households with at least one child showing physical signs consistent with rickets and 281 households with no affected children.Households with rachitic children in Chakaria had more children, more pregnant or lactating women, and fewer adults than unaffected households in that community. Affected households tended to rely on farming for their livelihood and tended to have less economic activity as indicated by less outstanding debt than their neighbors. Households with rickets were at significantly greater risk of pneumonia than were other households. Calcium undernutrition was severe and widespread in Chakaria due to a food system that offered very little of the element in accessible forms. Household diets were based on cereals and starchy vegetables. Rice and fish constituted the major source of calcium for most households, although dairy products, when used, were very important calcium sources, particularly for young children. In fact, the use of dairy products was the only household choice that led to substantial increases in the calcium intakes of children, and households that used dairy products tended to show increased calcium intakes for all of their members.The risk of a Chakarian household having a child with rickets appeared to be related to its economic status. Although this might be expected to be manifest as limitations in food access and/or use, rickets households failed to show a dietary pattern associated with rickets. Calcium undernutrition was prevalent and, thus, would appear to be a predisposing factor for rickets; however, calcium undernutrition was prevalent in Chakarian households with and without rickets. Therefore, it is probable that another precipitating factor(s) play a role(s) in the etiology of rickets in Chakaria.

Iron, calcium and zinc contents of 15 commonly consumed Bangladeshi vegetables were analysed. Analysis of β-carotene was carried out on 7 vegetables and analyses of vitamin C and water-soluble oxalate were carried out on 2 and 4 vegetables, respectively. Samples were purchased at two different times in 2 districts, and 2 markets in each district. The samples were chopped, peeled, washed and prepared ready for cooking according to local practices by local women and the non-edible portions discarded. Statistical evaluation of the results was done using mixed model analysis of variance. The values found for iron and β-carotene contents were lower compared to those in the Bangladeshi food composition tables, while the values for calcium content were either lower or higher. The differences found emphasize the need of updated Bangladeshi food composition tables. The use of the results from this study to produce updated food composition tables is a step towards making estimates of nutrient intakes and adequacies from food consumption surveys more reliable and accurate.

Background In Bangladesh, many programs and projects have been promoting breastfeeding since the late 1980 s. Breastfeeding practices, however, have not improved accordingly. Methods For identifying program-relevant issues to improve breastfeeding in infancy, quantitative data were collected through visits to households (n = 356) in rural Chittagong and urban slums in Dhaka, and qualitative data from sub-samples by applying semi-structured in-depth interviews (n = 42), focus group discussions (n = 28), and opportunistic observations (n = 21). Trials of Improved Practices (TIPs) (n = 26) were conducted in the above sites and rural Sylhet to determine how best to design further interventions. Our analysis focused on five breastfeeding practices recommended by the World Health Organization: putting baby to the breast within the first hour of birth, feeding colostrum and not giving fluids, food or other substances in the first days of life, breastfeeding on demand, not feeding anything by bottle, and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Results The biggest gaps were found to be in putting baby to the breast within the first hour of birth (76% gap), feeding colostrum and not giving other fluids, foods or substances within the first three days (54% gap), and exclusive breastfeeding from birth through 180 days (90% gap). Lack of knowledge about dangers of delaying initiation beyond the first hour and giving other fluids, foods or substances, and the common perception of "insufficient milk" were main reasons given by mothers for these practices. Health workers had talked to only 8% of mothers about infant feeding during antenatal and immunization visits, and to 34% of mothers during sick child visits. The major providers of infant feeding information were grandmothers (28%). Conclusions The findings showed that huge gaps continue to exist in breastfeeding behaviors, mostly due to lack of awareness as to why the recommended breastfeeding practices are beneficial, the risks of not practicing them, as well as how to practice them. Health workers' interactions for promoting and supporting optimal breastfeeding are extremely low. Counseling techniques should be used to reinforce specific, priority messages by health facility staff and community-based workers at all contact points with mothers of young infants.

Background: Seasonality has been recognized as a key determinant of human energy balance, especially in low-income countries. Objective: The objective was to test the hypothesis that, in rural Bangladesh, different age and sex groups adapt similarly to seasonal changes in energy intake (EI). Design: A prospective study was carried out in 2 rural Bangladeshi villages in the lean and peak seasons. Data on anthropometric measures (weight, height, and midupper arm circumference) and dietary food intake (collected with the use of a 24-h food weighing method) were obtained from all subjects from 304 households. Results: The average EI increased from a least-squares mean (± SE) of 7.87 ± 0.10 MJ · person � 1 ·d � 1 in the lean season to 9.47 ± 0.13 MJ · person � 1 ·d � 1 in the peak season. In children and adolescents aged < 18 y of age, the prevalence of underweight (weight-for-age) was not significantly different (56%) in the 2 seasons. Among adults, a significantly higher prevalence of chronic energy deficiency [body mass index (in kg/m 2 ) < 18.5] was observed in the peak season (67%) than in the lean season (61%), despite a higher EI in the peak season. Other determinants of seasonal nutritional status are presented. Conclusions: Seasonal fluctuations in EI were substantial in all age and sex groups. Children and adolescents showed no significant seasonal changes in the prevalence of underweight, which indicated that they adapted to changes in EI. In adults, the season in which EI was high coincided with average weight loss, which indicated that adults did not adapt fully to seasonal fluctuations in EI and that seasonal energy expenditure is probably a major determinant of nutritional status. Am J Clin Nutr 2003;78:406‐13.

Objective: To determine and evaluate changes in nutritional status, food consumption, energy and nutrient intake in rural Bangladesh, using appropriate statistical analyses. Design: Repeated cross-sectional surveys. Two seasons in 1981–1982 and 1995–1996. Setting: Two villages with different production patterns. Subjects: Anthropometric measurements of 1883 individuals, food consumption data of 404 households. Methods: Repeated measurements of one-day food weighing and anthropometry in two seasons in 1981–1982 and 1995–1996. Mixed model analyses were used to evaluate and quantify temporal changes and their interactions with determinants. Results: Prevalence of underweight children decreased from 82 to 70% (P=0.015), wasted children from 34% to 18% (P=0.009) and chronic energy deficient adults decreased from 78 to 64% (P

Background Large scale understanding of complex and dynamic alterations in cellular and subcellular levels during cancer in contrast to normal condition has facilitated the emergence of sophisticated systemic approaches like network biology in recent times. As most biological networks show modular properties, the analysis of differential modularity between normal and cancer protein interaction networks can be a good way to understand cancer more significantly. Two aspects of biological network modularity e.g. detection of molecular complexes (potential modules or clusters) and identification of crucial nodes forming the overlapping modules have been considered in this regard. Methods In the current study, the computational analysis of previously published protein interaction networks (PINs) has been conducted to identify the molecular complexes and crucial nodes of the networks. Protein molecules involved in ten major cancer signal transduction pathways were used to construct the networks based on expression data of five tissues e.g. bone, breast, colon, kidney and liver in both normal and cancer conditions. MCODE (molecular complex detection) and ModuLand methods have been used to identify the molecular complexes and crucial nodes of the networks respectively. Results In case of all tissues, cancer PINs show higher level of clustering (formation of molecular complexes) than the normal ones. In contrast, lower level modular overlapping is found in cancer PINs than the normal ones. Thus a proposition can be made regarding the formation of some giant nodes in the cancer networks with very high degree and resulting in reduced overlapping among the network modules though the predicted molecular complex numbers are higher in cancer conditions. Conclusion The study predicts some major molecular complexes that might act as the important regulators in cancer progression. The crucial nodes identified in this study can be potential drug targets to combat cancer.

BackgroundChronic exposure to high level of inorganic arsenic in drinking water has been associated with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Most research has been ecological in nature and has focused on high levels of arsenic exposure with few studies directly measuring arsenic levels in drinking water as an index of arsenic exposure. The effect of low to moderate levels of arsenic exposure on diabetes risk is largely unknown thus our study is adding further knowledge over previous works.MethodsThis cross sectional study was conducted in 1004 consenting women and men from 1682 eligible participants yielding a participation rate of 60%. These participants are aged>30 years and were living in Bangladesh and had continuously consumed arsenic-contaminated drinking water for at least 6 months. T2D cases were diagnosed using glucometer following the new diagnostic criteria (Fasting Blood Glucose>126 mg/dl) from the WHO guideline (WHO 2006), or a self-reported physician diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Association between T2D and chronic arsenic exposure was estimated by multiple logistic regression with adjustment for age, sex, education, Body Mass Index (BMI) and family history of T2D.ResultsA total of 1004 individuals participated in the study. The prevalence of T2D was 9% (95% CI 7-11%). After adjustment for diabetes risk factors, an increased risk of type 2 diabetes was observed for arsenic exposure over 50 μg/L with those in the highest category having almost double the risk of type 2 diabetes (OR=1.9 ; 95% CI 1.1-3.5). For most levels of arsenic exposure, the risk estimates are higher with longer exposure; a dose–response pattern was also observed.ConclusionsThese findings suggest an association between chronic arsenic exposure through drinking water and T2D. Risks are generally higher with longer duration of arsenic exposure. The risk of T2D is highest among those who were exposed to the highest concentration of arsenic for more than 10 years.

The influence of seasonal variations in dietary intakes and nutritional status was examined in two rural villages of Bangladesh covering a population of 600. The results suggest considerable seasonal variations in intakes and prevalence of malnutrition depending on agricultural productivity. Intakes of almost all food was found to be the lowest in late October‐early November and May‐June period, the months preceding the two major rice (aman and aus) harvests. A higher incidence of malnutrition was accordingly seen during these periods. Alternative strategies in food production and availability seem to be needed to eliminate the severe consequences of malnutrition and to assist in alleviating rural poverty.

Mixed ligand transition metal complexes of Cu (II), Co (III), Rh (III) and Pt (IV) ions with dibasic acids viz., diphenic acid and adipic acid as primary ligands and amine bases as secondary ligands have been synthesized. Their conventional physical and chemical analyses have been done. The antifungal activities have been evaluated by Disc Diffusion method employed for antifungal assays against two pathogenic fungi. All the complexes show moderate antifungal activity. The highest inhibition of growth occurred on complex [Cu (DA)(8-HQ)] against the fungi Botryodiplodia theobromae and the lowest on complex [Rh (DA)(8-HQ)(H 2 O) 2 ] against the fungi Colletotrichum gloesparioides penz. Key words: Biological Activity, diphenic acid, heterocylic amine, mixed ligand complexes DOI: 10.3329/diujst.v4i1.4357 Daffodil International University Journal of Science and Technology Vol.4(1) 2009 pp.57-59