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Research background: The concept of sustainable firm performance has gained significant interest within the highly competitive business arena. There has been a significant increase in the adoption and implementation of circular economy practices by industries. If a company can implement an established approach to circular economy practices, it may expedite the attainment of sustainable corporate performance. This research is conducted in the context of ready-made garment organizations that are following green criteria in their business activities. The study focuses on an emerging South Asian country, Bangladesh, as it holds a strong position in the global apparel and garment market; it is imperative to assess and ensure the environmental maintenance of this country’s garment sector. Purpose of the article: The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between circular economy practices and sustainable organizational performance. The study focuses on the contributory relationship of circular economy practices on three-dimensional sustainable performance, i.e. on environmental, financial, and social performance. Method: This is a quantitative survey-based study; a total of 418 managers were selected to participate. Primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire given to a sample of permanent managers of green garment organizations in Bangladesh. For data input and analysis, SPSS and PLS-SEM software were used. Findings & value added: The results of our study demonstrate a noteworthy relationship between circular economy practices and sustainable performance. This research enhances our comprehension of the efficacy of circular economy practices in addressing environmental issues. The study examines the potential ramifications of implementing circular economy practices for policymakers in the green garment sector, which is known for its significant labor-intensive activities, and ranks as the country's second-largest contributor. The outcomes provide a distinctive perspective for adding value to the environmental concerns in emerging economies. Thus, through an investigation of circular economy practices, our research provides valuable insights for the market of global garment products concerning the environment, resource maximization, energy saving, and circular production processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays tannery waste is a matter of concern because if it used as livestock feed, it could cause health hazards to humans. Therefore, this study was conducted to know the generation rates, utilization, disposal method of tannery solid wastes (TSWs), and inclusion level of it into the poultry feed. Moreover, this study determined the physical and chemical parameters of interest including moisture content, crude protein (CP) levels, and the presence of heavy metals such as chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) in the poultry feeds that were sold in the studied area. For these purposes, a field survey was conducted with twenty tannery industries. Broiler feed samples were procured from multiple farmers situated in the Savar area of Dhaka. The feed source was classified into two categories, namely registered and unregistered feed mills. According to the study, wet blue trimmings was generated in 3.84% that was used as an ingredient of poultry feed. In addition, 55% of tanneries landfilled their waste, while 30% of them sold it for poultry feed. The utilization of TSWs in poultry feed production in this country was limited to a maximum of 1.314% of the total annual production. Besides, the CP% was determined in the range of 24.24 - 13.32 % and 18.15 - 11.01 % for broiler starters and growers, respectively, where lower CP content was found only in unregistered feed mills. Trace amounts of Cr and Pb were identified in each of the feed samples at very low concentrations. In conclusion, it can be stated that the percentage of tannery solid wastes mixed poultry feed was generated in negligible amounts and the registered companies' feed was found normal in all aspects of the quality tested in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have suggested the involvement of an activated inflammatory process in major depressive disorder (MDD), as altered expression of inflammatory cytokines is observed in depression. This alteration can be the cause or a consequence of MDD. However, acknowledging inflammatory cytokines as prospective biomarkers would aid in diagnosing or guiding better therapeutic options. Therefore, we designed this study to assess the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in depression. Method: We collected blood samples from 115 MDD patients and 113 healthy controls (HCs) matched by age and sex. MDD patients were diagnosed by a qualified psychiatrist based on the symptoms mentioned in the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5). We applied the Hamilton depression (Ham-D) rating scale to assess the severity of depression. We assessed serum levels of MIF using ELISA kit (Boster Bio, USA). Result: We detected increased serum MIF levels in MDD patients compared to HCs (6.15 ± 0.23 ng/mL vs 3.95 ± 0.21 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Moreover, this increase is more among female patients than female controls. Also, we noticed a positive correlation between altered MIF levels and the Ham-D scores (r = 0.233; P = 0.012), where we found that patients who scored higher on the Ham-D scale had higher MIF levels in serum. Moreover, the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve represented the good diagnostic performance of altered serum MIF. Conclusion: Our study findings indicate the association of pro-inflammatory cytokine MIF in the pathophysiology of depression as we identified elevated serum MIF levels in depressive patients compared to HCs. However, more researches are required to confirm whether this alteration of cytokine is the causative factor or a consequence of depression. We recommend conducting further studies to understand the pattern of this alteration of MIF levels in MDD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Achievement of lipid targets is crucial in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Data on lipid-control status among patients with T2DM in Bangladesh are scarce. This study was conducted to determine the lipid-control status among patients with T2DM who were on lipid-lowering drugs in the country. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the diabetes outpatient departments of several tertiary hospitals in Bangladesh from January 2022 to December 2022. Adults of both sexes diagnosed with T2DM for at least one year and were on the lipid-lowering drug(s) for a minimum of 3 months were included in the study by consecutive sampling. Patients' data were collected by face-to-face interviews, and blood samples were collected for fasting lipid profile. The lipid target was set at < 200 mg/dL for total cholesterol (TC), < 150 mg/dL for triglyceride (TG), < 100 mg/dL for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), > 40 mg/dL for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and < 160 mg/dL for non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C). Result: Three thousand sixty patients (age 44.7 ± 13.3 years, female 57%) with T2DM were evaluated. Overall, almost 81% of the study subjects achieved the LDL-C target. Besides, TC, TG, HDL-C, and non-HDL-C targets were achieved by 40.8, 21.6, 66.3, and 44.1% of patients, respectively. However, all the lipid parameters were under control in only 8.8% of patients. Almost 77.6% of the patients with ischemic heart disease, 81.5% of patients with stroke, and 65% of patients with CKD had LDL levels < 70 mg/dL. Only 10.03% achieved the HbA1c target of < 7%. 7.4% of patients achieved both HbA1c < 7% and LDL < 100 mg/dL and 5% achieved both HbA1c < 7% and LDL < 70 mg/dL. Advanced age (aOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96, 0.98, p < 0.001), longstanding T2DM (aOR 0.53, 95% CI 0.39, 0.72, p < 0.001), and non-statin therapy (aOR 0.25, 95% CI 0.16, 0.37, p < 0.001) were negatively associated with lipid control (LDL < 100 mg/dL) while using oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin (aOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.45, 2.77, p < 0.001) and having cardiovascular comorbidity (aOR 3.92, 95% CI 3.00, 5.12, p < 0.001) were positively associated with lipid control. Conclusion: Though most patients with T2DM achieved their target LDL level, the prevalence of both glycemic and overall lipid control was low in our study despite lipid-lowering therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Key Clinical Message: The incidence of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections after operations is increasing in Bangladesh but data regarding clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis after treatment are lacking. In this case series, three patients having persistent serous discharge from incision wound after operation were studied. Discharge from wounds were collected, wet film microscopy was performed for pus cells and fungus, Gram stain, Ziehl‐Neelsen (ZN) stain, culture in routine culture media and Lowenstein‐Jensen (LJ) media, Xene‐Xpert for mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for NTM were done. NTM‐positive patients were treated initially for 6 weeks with four drugs regimen (clarithromycin 500 mg 12 hourly, ciprofloxacin 500 mg 12 hourly, linezolid 400 mg 12 hourly, and amikacin 500 mg 12 hourly), followed by 5 months with three drugs regimen (clarithromycin 500 mg 12 hourly, ciprofloxacin 500 mg 12 hourly, and linezolid 400 mg 12 hourly) as a maintenance dose. Cessation of discharge occurred within 3–4 weeks after starting treatment, and the wounds were healed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this review paper is to identify the production trends of shrimp and rice farming systems and associated hydrobiological parameters such as salinity in the coastal districts of Bangladesh. An intensive literature review has been conducted to explore salt stress-driven land use change, crop production, and changing ecosystem hydrobiology to adapt climate change impact from 2012–2022. The results indicate that a gradual extension of salt-driven land use and land cover (LULC) change has stressed agricultural production to a greater extent from 1973 to 2022 due to the high level of salinity. The unplanned expansion of shrimp culture is creating adverse consequences for the coastal ecosystem. Some suggestions have been proposed by analysing the mechanisms of crops' response to salt stress, including several physiological, biochemical, and molecular bases to mitigate the adverse effects of salinity on agricultural production. Alternatively, prawn, shrimp, and crab have similar or slightly higher economic outputs, except for the crop-based agricultural system, which is highly affected by salinity rise. However, due to low input costs, low maintenance, and less environmental impact, farmers are shifting towards crab fattening and thus changing the hydrobiology of coastal land use and land cover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Insulin pen devices and disposable plastic insulin syringes are two common tools for insulin administration. This study aims to compare the simplicity, convenience, safety, and cost-effectiveness of insulin pens versus syringe devices in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 14 diabetes clinics throughout Bangladesh from November 2021 to April 2022 among adults with T2DM injecting insulin by pen devices or disposable insulin syringes at least once a day for at least one year by purposive sampling. The simplicity, convenience, and safety of insulin devices were assessed using a structured questionnaire, and the study subjects were scored based on their answers; higher scores indicated a poorer response. Total scores for simplicity, convenience, and safety were obtained by adding the scores for relevant components. Their average monthly medical expense and cost of insulin therapy were recorded. The median values of the total scores and monthly expenses were compared between pen devices and disposable syringe users. Results: 737 subjects were evaluated; 406 were pen users, and 331 were vial syringe users. The pen users had lower median scores for simplicity [6.0 (5.0–8.0) vs. 7.0 (5.0–9.0), p = 0.002], convenience [4.0 (3.0–6.0) vs. 5.0 (4.0–6.0), p < 0.001], and safety [7.0 (6.0–8.0) vs. 7.0 (6.0–9.0), p = 0.008] than vial syringe users. Pen devices were more expensive than vial syringes in terms of average medical expense per month [BDT 5000 (3500–7000) vs. 3000 (2000–5000), p < 0.001], the total cost of insulin therapy per month [BDT 2000 (1500–3000) vs. 1200 (800–1700), p < 0.001] and cost per unit of insulin used [BDT 2.08 (1.39–2.78) vs. 0.96 (0.64–1.39), p < 0.001]. Non-significant differences in favor of pens were observed in HbA1c levels [8.7 (7.8–10) vs. 8.9 (7.9–10)%, p = 0.607] and proportions of subjects having HbA1c < 7% (6.9 vs. 6.3%, p = 0.991). Conclusion: Insulin pens are simpler, more convenient, and safe but more expensive than vial syringes. Glycemic control is comparable between pen and syringe users. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to determine the clinical and economic impacts of such benefits of insulin pens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 remains a public health burden that has caused global economic crises, jeopardizing health, jobs, and livelihoods of millions of people around the globe. Several efforts have been made by several countries by implementing several health strategies to attenuate the spread of the pandemic. Although several studies indicated effects of COVID-19 on mental health and its associated factors, very little is known about the underlying mechanism of job insecurity, depression, anxiety, and stress in Bangladesh. Therefore, this study determined the prevalence of job insecurity and depression, anxiety, stress as well as the association between job insecurity, mental health outcomes also contributing determinants amongst humanitarian workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. Methods: We conducted a web-based cross-sectional study among 445 humanitarian workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in six sub-districts of Cox's bazar district of Bangladesh between April and May 2021. The questionnaire was composed of socio-demographic, lifestyle and work related factors. Psychometric instruments like job insecurity scale and depression, anxiety also stress scale (DASS-21) were employed to assess the level of job insecurity and mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety and stress). STATA software version 14 was employed to perform statistical analyses. Results: The prevalence of job insecurity was 42%. The odds of job insecurity was higher in Kutubdia and Pekua (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI 1.36, 7.22) Teknaf (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.33, 6.41), the impact of dissatisfaction on salary (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.49, 3.58) was evident with job insecurity. The prevalence of moderate to severe depression, anxiety and stress among humanitarian worker were (26%, 7%), (25%, 10%) and (15%, 7%) respectively. Further, the region of work, being female, marital status, work environment, and salary dissatisfaction were contributing factors for poor mental health outcomes. Those with job insecurity were almost 3 times more likely to experience depression (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI 1.85, 4.04), anxiety (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.76, 3.71) and stress (AOR: 2.8; 95% CI 1.89, 4.26), respectively. Conclusion: Our findings highlight that job security remains essential to help tackle the severity of depression, anxiety and stress in humanitarian workers. The results reflected the critical importance of local and international NGOs addressing poor mental health conditions of their employees to prevent mental health outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The freshwater climbing perch, Anabas testudineus, is an economically and nutritionally valuable food fish. This study explores the various reproductive contents (size at sexual maturity, reproductive period and fecundity) of A. testudineus in the Gajner Beel concerning the eco-climatic variabilities and suggests sustainable management policies. A total of 709 individuals were randomly collected from January to December 2019 among 371 females that were sorted out for this study. Total length (TL) ranged from 7.50 to 16.40 cm. Based on the maximum length (Lmax), TL vs. gonadosomatic index (GSI), TL-standard length (SL) regression and logistic model, the size at sexual maturity (Lm) was 10.00 cm, 10.40 cm, 11.00 cm and 11.50 cm, respectively. The spawning season was May to August and peaked in June–July. The Fulton's condition (KF) was suggested as the best condition factor (p < 0.0001), and relative weight (WR) showed no significant difference from 100 for females (p = 0.143). Fecundity was ranged from 9459 to 35,915. A significant relationship was observed between GSI and temperature (p = 0.0016), dissolved oxygen (DO) (p < 0.0001), pH (p < 0.0001), alkalinity (p < 0.001) and climatic parameters (air temperature, p < 0.001 and rainfall, p < 0.001). The data series of 48 years (1971–2019) revealed that the rise of average air temperature by 0.029 °C and the reduction of rainfall by 2.96 mm per year might shift the spawning season of A. testudineus 15–20 later. Therefore, this study will be helpful for the sustainable management and conservation of the wild stocks of A. testudineus in the Gajner Beel and adjoining ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-resolution (1 km × 1 km) monthly gridded rainfall data product during 1901–2018, named Bangladesh Gridded Rainfall (BDGR), was developed in this study. In-situ rainfall observations retrieved from a number of sources, including national organizations and undigitized data from the colonial era, were used. Leave-one-out cross-validation was used to assess product's ability to capture spatial and temporal variability. The results revealed spatial variability of the percentage bias (PBIAS) in the range of −2 to 2%, normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) <20%, and correlation coefficient (R2) >0.88 at most of the locations. The temporal variability in mean PBIAS for 1901–2018 was in the range of −4.5 to 4.3%, NRMSE between 9 and 19% and R2 in the range of 0.87 to 0.95. The BDGR also showed its capability in replicating temporal patterns and trends of observed rainfall with greater accuracy. The product can provide reliable insights regarding various hydrometeorological issues, including historical floods, droughts, and groundwater recharge for a well-recognized global climate hotspot, Bangladesh. Measurement(s) water-based rainfall Technology Type(s) weather station [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is among the most noxious invasive alien plant species, which can pose a threat to agro- and native-ecosystems. Despite potential parthenium infestation risks at the south-western regions of the Ganges–Brahmaputra floodplains of Bangladesh, no studies exist that document parthenium infestation. Using field surveys and a maximum entropy (Maxent) modelling approach, the present study tries to address the problem in the concerned region comprised of five Districts: Jashore, Jhenaidah, Chuadanga, Meherpur, and Khustia. The results revealed high infestation in the Jashore, Jhenaidah, and Chuadanga Districts, mainly along roadsides, in grasslands, and in fallow and cropped fields. The greatest abundance of the weed (ca. 30 plants m−2) occurred at the Indian border area, suggesting cross-border spreading, possibly through the linking road systems. Furthermore, we found that under both low and high emissions scenarios (Representative Concentration Pathways 2.6 and 8.5), parthenium weed suitability areas were likely to expand, suggesting an increased threat to the agro-ecosystems of Bangladesh. The present study is the first attempt to survey and model potential parthenium weed distribution affecting one of the major hubs of agricultural production in Bangladesh. The findings of this study can help land managers to make judicious decisions towards the future management of these agro-ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Elderly patients are at high risk of fatality from COVID-19. The present work aims to describe the clinical characteristics of elderly inpatients with COVID-19 and identify the predictors of in-hospital mortality at admission. Materials and Methods. In this retrospective, multicenter cohort study, we included elderly COVID-19 inpatients (n = 245) from four hospitals in Sylhet, Bangladesh, who had been discharged between October 2020 and February 2021. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were extracted from hospital records and compared between survivors and nonsurvivors. We used univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis to explore the risk factors associated with in-hospital death. Principal Results. Of the included patients, 202 (82.44%) were discharged and 43 (17.55%) died in hospital. Except hypertension, other comorbidities like diabetes, chronic kidney disease, ischemic heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were more prevalent in nonsurvivors. Nonsurvivors had a higher prevalence of leukocytosis (51.2 versus 30.7; p = 0.01), lymphopenia (72.1 versus 55; p = 0.05), and thrombocytopenia (20.9 versus 9.9; p = 0.07). Multivariable regression analysis showed an increasing odds ratio of in-hospital death associated with older age (odds ratio 1.05, 95% CI 1.01–1.10, per year increase; p = 0.009), thrombocytopenia (OR = 3.56; 95% CI 1.22–10.33, p = 0.019), and admission SpO2 (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.88–0.95; p = 0.001). Conclusions. Higher age, thrombocytopenia, and lower initial level of SpO2 at admission are predictors of in-hospital mortality in elderly patients with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diabetes distress (DD) is common and has considerable impacts on diabetes management. Unfortunately, DD is less discussed and frequently underestimated. This study evaluated the prevalence and predictors of DD in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at several specialized endocrinology outpatient clinics in Bangladesh from July 2019 to June 2020; 259 adults with T2DM participated. Participants' DD and depression were measured using the 17-item Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS-17) and 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), respectively. DDS-17 scores ≥2 and PHQ-9 scores ≥10 were the cutoffs for DD and significant depression, respectively. Results: The mean (±SD) age of the participants was 50.36 (±12.7) years, with the majority (54.8%) being male; their median (IQR) duration of diabetes was 6 (3–11) years. Among the study participants, 52.5% had DD (29.7% moderate and 22.8% high DD). The prevalence of emotional burden, physician-related distress, regimen-related distress, and interpersonal distress was 68.7, 28.6, 66, and 37.7%, respectively. Depression was present in 40.5%; 28.6% of the participants had DD and depression. The total DDS-17 score was positively correlated with the PHQ-9 score (r = 0.325, p < 0.001). Rural residence (OR 1.94), presence of any diabetic complication (OR 3.125), insulin use (OR 2.687), and presence of major depression (OR 4.753) were positive predictors of DD. In contrast, age ≥ 40 years at diabetes diagnosis (OR 0.047) and diabetes duration of > 10 years (OR 0.240) were negative predictors of DD (p < 0.05 in all instances). Conclusions: The prevalence of DD in our setting is notably high; DD and depression frequently overlap. Screening for diabetes distress may be considered, especially in high-risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite high fatality following paraquat ingestion, a few percentages of patients survive even after organ damage appears. We need to focus more on careful clinical and laboratory monitoring. Early diagnosis and Supportive therapy are crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electricity regulatory framework in Bangladesh is in the process of reforms since its inception. The salient features of the reforms include converting the electricity sector from public service to private service, shifting bureaucratic governance to corporate governance, reducing command and control regulation and establishing a regulatory commission. The aim of this paper is to review the existing laws and regulations in relation to electricity regulation in Bangladesh with a view to assessing the efficiency of the electricity regulatory framework. The findings suggest that electricity regulations need to be stable and predictable, and regulatory institutions should be coordinated, independent and accountable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lessons of local-scale climate change adaptations through indigenous techniques and knowledge practices (ITKPs) are imperative for climate adaptation policies. This study focused on the benefits of ITKPs and the potential of integrating them into climate adaptation and development activities through focus group discussions (FGDs) (n = 4) (involving persons over 18 years old, had recent disaster experience, and had lived at least 12 years in the area) and household surveys (n = 130) in the southern coastal areas of Bangladesh. We used household surveys to examine the importance of the ITKPs in terms of livelihood development and climate change adaptations, and qualitative syntheses of the FGDs information to reveal the causality of the ITKPs and development activities. Our study revealed that households perceived ITKPs to have higher economic security (64%), livelihood risk reduction (75%) and food security (62%). The majority of households (70%) in the agriculture profession perceived the higher economic potential of ITKPs, depending on the climate-adaptive co-benefits and taking into account their dependencies on climatic events. Agriculture dependent households who perceived the higher benefits of ITKPs were willing to pay 300 BDT/person/year for the improvement and restoration of those in the study areas. Our proposed DPSIR (driver, pressure, state, impact and response) framework implies the potentials of the incorporation of ITKPs into the national climate change adaptation policy in order to ensure sustainable climate change adaption for the coastal community of Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new cryptic species of Phrynoglossus from Chattogram Division, Bangladesh based on an integrative taxonomic analysis based on morphology, phylogenetics, and bioacoustics which unambiguously support the placement of the species in the genus Phrynoglossus. We also present a compilation of published morphological characters for all twelve Phrynoglossus species and two species of Occidozyga as well as comments on taxonomy, morphology, and geographic distribution for the two genera. The new species is found to be most morphologically similar to P. martensii, however a provided set of character states visibly differentiates these two species. Finally, habitat for Phrynoglossus swanbornorum sp. nov. is highly fragmented and faces imminent threats from development and agriculture, and although it is confirmed to occur within government protected areas in the southeastern region of Bangladesh, few wildlife regulations are enforced within them. Thus, following IUCN criteria, we consider the new species as Endangered based on criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv) + 2ab(i,ii,iii,iv). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overlay of the COVID-19 pandemic on the pandemic of physical inactivity has become a great concern. Both types of pandemics can decrease the health protection capacity and consequently increase complexity in human lives. This cross-sectional study intended to examine changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic among university students in a second-tier city of Bangladesh. Two hundred and nine students responded to an online questionnaire administered via Google Survey. In addition to descriptive statistics, parametric and non-parametric tests for comparing means, medians and distributions were used to assess differences in activity traits before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results show that the occurrence of COVID-19 has significantly reduced the practice of walking and physical activities among the students. They are commonly motivated by introjected regulation. Father's occupation and the type of family of a student have significant influences on the total physical activity in either situation. Bangladeshi university students have, particularly, been perceived as not generally used to vigorous physical activities. They are inactive compared to students from other countries. Thus, the public health policymakers and the corresponding authority should inspire the students to be more physically active by implementing different strategies such as increasing bicycling and walking facilities on the campus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common type of malignancy worldwide that may develop due to the accumulation of several genetic variations. Different single nucleotide polymorphisms of SMAD1 gene are assumed to be linked with increased colorectal cancer risk. The current case-control study was conducted to verify the association of genetic polymorphisms of SMAD1 (rs11100883 and rs7661162) with colorectal cancer in the Bangladeshi population. This study was performed on 275 colorectal cancer patients and 300 healthy volunteers using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The odds ratios were adjusted for age and sex with logistic regression analysis. In case of SMAD1 rs11100883 polymorphism, GA heterozygous genotype, GA + AA (dominant model), and minor allele "A" were significantly associated with colorectal cancer (adjusted odds ratio = 1.55, 95% confidence interval = 1.09–2.20, p = 0.014; adjusted odds ratio = 1.59, 95% confidence interval = 1.13–2.23, p = 0.008; and odds ratio = 1.35, 95% confidence interval = 1.06–1.73, p = 0.015, respectively) and the significance exists after the Bonferroni correction. Again, single nucleotide polymorphism rs7661162 showed significant association with an elevated colorectal cancer risk for AG heterozygous genotype, AG + GG (dominant model), AG versus AA + GG (overdominant model), and minor allele "G" (adjusted odds ratio = 1.78, 95% confidence interval = 1.24–2.56, p = 0.002; adjusted odds ratio = 1.68, 95% confidence interval = 1.18–2.39, p = 0.004; adjusted odds ratio = 1.76, 95% confidence interval = 1.23–2.53, p = 0.002; and odds ratio = 1.47, 95% confidence interval = 1.08–2.00, p = 0.014, respectively) and significance withstands after the Bonferroni correction. No significant age and gender differences between cases and controls were observed. In silico, gene expression analysis showed that the SMAD1 mRNA level was downregulated in the colon and rectal cancer tissues compared to healthy tissues. In conclusion, our findings indicate that SMAD1 rs11100883 and rs7661162 polymorphisms are responsible for increasing the susceptibility of colorectal cancer development in the Bangladeshi population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify the potential allelopathic indigenous rice (Oryza sativa L. ssp. indica) varieties from Bangladesh using a performance study in a weed‐infested field and to assess the extent of allelopathic interference relative to resource competition in a glasshouse experiment. Six varieties – namely, "Boterswar," "Goria," "Biron" and "Kartiksail" as the most allelopathic, "Hashikolmi" as weakly allelopathic and "Holoi" as nonallelopathic – were raised following a nonweed control method. The infestation levels of weed species were calculated using Simpson's Diversity Index (SDI), which ranged from 0.2 to 0.56. However, a significant correlation coefficient (0.87, P < 0.001) was obtained from these field data compared with the root inhibition percentage from the laboratory bioassay, and the "Boterswar" variety was the most allelopathic. The interactions between the allelopathic variety "Boterswar," weakly allelopathic variety "Hashikolmi" and Echinochloa oryzicola via a target (rice)‐adjacent (E. oryzicola) cogrowth culture were determined in a hydroponic arrangement. The relative competitive intensity (RCI) and the relative neighbor effect (RNE) values showed that the crop–weed interaction was facilitation for "Boterswar" and competition for "Hashikolmi" and E. oryzicola in rice/E. oryzicola cogrowth cultures. The allelopathic effects of "Boterswar" were much higher than the resource competition in rice/E. oryzicola cogrowth cultures. The converse was observed for "Hashikolmi." Moreover, the mineral content of E. oryzicola was severely affected by "Boterswar"/E. oryzicola cogrowth cultures' exudate solution. Therefore, the allelopathic potential of "Boterswar" variety might be useful for developing the weed‐suppressing capacity of rice, which will likely have a significant influence on paddy weed control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Until recently, management of repeat breeding in cattle remains a major problem to dairy farmers. This study was carried out to improve the fertility in cows, those did not conceive after three or more consecutive services. Materials and methods: Twenty-three repeat breeding cows were selected from the Central Cattle Breeding Station and Dairy Farm (CCBS & DF), Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data of another 23 repeat breeding cows that conceived after four or more services were collected from the same farm as controls. The repeat breeders were synchronized for estrus with two injections of PGF2α 11 days apart and timed AI (TAI) was performed. Results: Seventeen of 23 cows had uterine infections. Intrauterine infusion of penicillin daily for three successive days from the following day of the first PGF2α injection resulted in 94.1% (16/17) recovery. Of 23 treated cows, four with estrus synchronization and TAI, and one with only AI after hormone treatment were detected pregnant by per rectal examination of the genital tract. By this pregnancy, the treated cows have advanced average of 131.6 days calving interval and days open, and thereby saved neat US $3,045.3 in comparison to control cows. Control group cows incurred losses of US $15,134.0 compared with average days open of the treated pregnant cows. Conclusion: Intrauterine infusion of penicillin can successfully recover the uterine infections, and estrus synchronization followed by TAI resulted in pregnancy in a proportion of repeat breeder cows with economic benefit that had a uterine infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neurological disorders represent one of the most prominent causes of morbidity and mortality that adversely affect the lifestyle of patients and a major percentage of these diseases exists in developing countries. Purpose: The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence and prescription pattern for outpatients with neurological disorders in Bangladesh. Methods: The study was conducted on 1,684 patients in 6 hospitals (National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital, Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College, Sir Salimullah Medical College, and Apollo Hospitals Dhaka) of the Dhaka City from March 2014 to June 2015. Data were collected through a predesigned questionnaire from the patients that contain information about gender, age, marital status, occupation, residential status, affected disease, self-medicated medicines, and prescribed medicines. Results: Out of 1,684 patients, 28.38% patients were aged 51-60 years and male, 57.19% predominance. The study exposed headache and migraine for 29.75% patients, followed by stroke for 23.93% patients and seizure for 7.07% patients. Genetic reason for the neurological disorders was seen only among 12.35% patients. In this study, 16.98% patients had been affected by neurological disorders for more than 2 years and 19% of patients for less than 6 months. Most extensively prescribed medicines were multivitamins and multiminerals used by 17.89% of patients followed by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other analgesic by 14.84%; afterwards antiulcerants were used by 12.62%, subsequently anticoagulants were used by 11.61% followed by antihyperlipidemic medicines by 10.26% and antiepileptic drugs by 8.08% of patients. The crucial reasons for the selection of prescribed medicines were the confidence that patients had with the physician's prescribed medicines, which was shown for 40.97% patients and knowledge of the medicines was reported for 35.04% patients. The period of prescribed medicine usage was 1-3 months for 39.73% patients and 3-6 months for 29.16% patients. The patient's compliance for prescribed medicines was satisfactory for 34.56% patients, good for 28.15% patients, and side effects were reported for 23.22% patients. Conclusion: In Bangladesh, it is not surprising to note that neurological diseases are more prevalent than other different diseases among different age groups and genders. Headache and migraine, stroke and seizure are most frequently encountered neurological disorders here. Treatment procedure of these disorders is not quite suitable due to the anomalies of health care management systems. Appropriate management of the health care system, especially the placement of hospital and community pharmacy can overcome the existing inconsistencies as well as increase the knowledge, awareness, and perception of the patients about health and neurological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The study assesses the daily consumption by adults of arsenic (As) and other elements in drinking water and home-grown vegetables in a severely As-contaminated area of Bangladesh. Most of the examined elements in drinking water were below the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline values except As. The median concentrations of As, cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), Mn, nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) in vegetables were 90μgkg−1, 111μgkg−1, 0.80mgkg−1, 168μgkg−1, 13mgkg−1, 2.1mgkg−1, 65mgkg−1, 1.7mgkg−1, and 50mgkg−1, respectively. Daily intakes of As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, manganese (Mn), Ni, and Zn from vegetables and drinking water for adults were 839μg, 2.9μg, 20.8μg, 5.5μg, 0.35mg, 56.4μg, 2.0mg, 49.1μg, and 1.3mg, respectively. The health risks from consuming vegetables were estimated by comparing these figures with the WHO/FAO provisional tolerable weekly or daily intake (PTWI or PTDI). Vegetables alone contribute 0.05μg of As and 0.008mg of Cu per kg of body weight (bw) daily; 0.42μg of Cd, 8.77mg of Pb, and 0.03mg of Zn per kg bw weekly. Other food sources and particularly dietary staple rice need to be evaluated to determine the exact health risks from such foods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A field study was conducted at Regional Seed Production Office of Lal Teer Seed Limited, Dinajpur, Bangladesh during 2008-09. The objective was to see the effect of bulb size and plant spacing on seed quality of onion cultivar Taherpuri. The experiment included three bulb sizes viz, small (10±1g); medium (15±1g) and large (20±lg); and four plant spacings viz. 20x15, 25x20, 25x15, and 25x10 cm2. Data on number of green leaves per plant, umbel diameter, number of flowers per umbel, seed yield per plant, seed yield per plot and germination percentage of seed were recorded. The results revealed that the highest seed yield per plant (3.78 g) was obtained from large bulb (20 ± 1g) at closer spacing of 25 x 20 cm whereas maximum seed yield per plot (411.61 g) was obtained with large bulb size (20 ± 1g) with minimum spacing of 25 x 10 cm2. The highest seed germination percentage (87.22) was obtained from same bulb size with spacing of 25 x 15 cm . Hence, for quality onion seed production, large bulb size combined with wider plant spacing is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feeding behavior of marine bivalves is largely regulated by the interactive effects of various intrinsic biological factors and extrinsic ecological factors. Therefore, an integrated multivariate approach was applied to explore a deeper knowledge about the feeding biology of the green mussel (Perna viridis), collected from the south-east coastal regions of the Bay of Bengal in Bangladesh, by interlinking among ecological factors, seasonal plankton dynamics, reproductive traits and plankton ingestion data. The correlation test, multivariate approaches and cluster analysis displayed that both the water parameters and ingested gut plankton abundance and their compositions were predominantly influenced by the seasonality and ecological factors of the environment. The selectivity indices analysis confirmed that green mussels preferentially ingested on the selective taxa of plankton. The multivariate analyses revealed that plankton ingestion by green mussels was not discriminated by their sexual dimorphism, however, it displayed an enhancement during their gonad development and maturation stages confirming that P. viridis espouses opportunistic patterns to build up their gonads by utilizing energy from the ingested planktons available in the water column. The correlation outcomes consistently demonstrated that the quantitative ingestion of plankton was positively correlated with the gonadosomatic index value of the green mussels. Although, green mussels predominantly ingested the Coscinodiscophyceae (20–60% of total ingestion), they also selectively ingested an increased amount of Bacillariophyceae, Fragillariophyceae, Dinophyceae and zooplankton during their gonad development and maturation stages to meet the special and unique metabolic requirements of crucial gametogenesis stages. Taken together all datasets, principal component analysis (PCA) was applied: the first two principal components showed that seasonality and reproductive cycle explained >47% of the variability. In both cases, PCA analysis revealed that the multiplex scenario of selective ingestion of P. viridis on different plankton taxa were predominantly interlinked with the seasonality, ecological drivers, and plankton biomass and their community structure in the water column depending on the metabolic energy requirement during their crucial gametogenesis stages. Finally, the outcomes from these broad datasets provide a better understanding about the selective feeding behavior of P. viridis , which is essential to maintain the sustainability of the ecosystems as well as to improve the growth and productivity of the existing production systems of this important species. • Multifaceted linkage among eco-physiological factors, seasonal plankton dynamics and selective feeding behavior of P. viridis were evaluated. • Plankton dynamics are predominantly influenced by the seasonal variation of a set of environmental factors. • Selective ingestion of different groups of plankton is not discriminated by the sex of P. viridis. • Selective ingestions are largely influenced by the ecological factors, plankton dynamics, and gametogenesis stages. • The outcomes of the present study provide a better understanding of the feeding biology of P. viridis [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multidisciplinary approach was applied to explore deeper knowledge about the reproductive biology and ecology of the green mussel (Perna viridis) by interlinking among ecological factors, ingested gut plankton, gonad fatty acid profile, and reproductive traits. Mussels were collected throughout the year from the coastal region of the Bay of Bengal of Bangladesh, and the histological analysis of 242 mussels revealed five stages of gametogenesis with an annual spawning season from January to April. The gonadosomatic index showed a strong correlation with the water quality parameters, ingested gut plankton groups, and gonadal fatty acids, and also displayed prominent effects of seasonality. In all datasets, we performed principal component analysis in which the first two principal components showed that seasonality explained >65% of the variability, and the multivariate spaces of seasonality corresponded to the gonad development. High salinity, nutrients, chlorophyll a, and plankton abundance in the water column were positively correlated with gonad development and the spawning of mussels. During the development stage, mussel ingested more plankton, particularly Bacillariophyceae and Pyrrophyceae, which were an important source of increased n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids content in gonads. Furthermore, gonads accumulated more lipids and saturated fatty acids during the mature and spawning stages, which were probably utilized during embryogenesis and early larval development as energy sources and constituents of the cell membrane. This research provides a model toward a better understanding of reproductive biological traits and how these traits are interrelated with the surrounding environmental variables of the green mussel, which would be helpful in marine aquaculture and the sustainable exploitation of the fishery resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although the link between elevated uric acid and metabolic syndrome has been reported in some studies; the relationship of serum uric acid (SUA) with lipid profile has not well studied or little is known so far. This study was conducted to assess the relationship between SUA and lipid profile among the general adults in Bangladesh.Methods: In total, 280 blood samples were collected from general adult participants (male, n = 150 and female, n = 130) and analyzed for serum lipid profile (TC, TG, HDL and LDL) and SUA levels. The study subjects were divided by quartiles based on SUA levels (Q1: ≤225 μmol/L, Q2: 226-285 μmol/L, Q3: 286-340 μmol/L and Q4: > 340 μmol/L). Linear regression modeling was used to evaluate the relationship between SUA and lipid levels.Results: The prevalence of hyperuricemia was 9.2% in males and 10.4% in females. The mean level of SUA was significantly higher in male (317 ± 90 μmol/L) than in the female (255 ± 65 μmol/L) subjects (p < 0.001). An increasing trend for elevated lipid profile was observed in both gender with increasing levels of SUA in the quartiles (p < 0.05). In regression analysis, a significant positive correlation was found between SUA and TG, TC and LDL (p < 0.01) while an inverse correlation was observed between SUA and HDL (p < 0.01). After adjusting for potential confounders, lipid profile was linearly associated with SUA levels (p < 0.01 for trend).Conclusions: Present study showed a significant positive relationship for SUA with TG, TC and LDL levels, and an inverse relationship for SUA with HDL. Early prevention of hyperuricemia and dyslipidemia may be helpful to reduce the incidence of associated cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite rapidly growing understandings and dependency on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), highly variable autosomal short tandem repeats (STRs) are still regarded as the most established method to differentiate individuals at forensic level. Here with large number of various ethnic groups we undertook this study to reveal the genetic structure of the most densely populated part of South Asia i.e. the Bangladesh. The purpose of this work was to estimate population parameters based on the allele frequencies obtained for 15 polymorphic autosomal STR loci investigated in caste and tribal populations from Bangladesh ( n = 706). We compared the results in a broader context by merging 24 different populations of Asia to pertain their affinity. Various statistical analyses suggested a clear cut demarcation of tribal and non-tribal in Bangladesh. Moreover, beside the phylogenetic structure of the studied populations, it is found that the mean heterozygosity value was highest among the populations of Bangladesh, likely because of gene flow from different directions. However, Tonchangya, Adi and Khumi showed sign of genetic isolation and reduced diversity, possibly as a result of genetic drift and/or strong founder effects working on small endogamous populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production performance and biochemical composition of agar-enriched Gracilaria sp. were evaluated under three farming systems (off-bottom net, floating long-line and off-bottom long-line) from October 2021 to April 2022. For this study, 25 off-bottom long-line (14 m × 5 m), 20 off-bottom net (1.8 m × 3.5 m), and 10 floating long-line (10 m × 3 m) were established and managed in a participatory farming approach with coastal communities at the south-east coast of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. While growing to a length of 30–40 cm, Gracilaria sp. was partially harvested every 15–30 days, depending on the culture months. The average biomass production in the floating long-line system was 135% and 67.2% higher than the off-bottom long line and off-bottom net culture systems, respectively. Harvested Gracilaria sp. from floating culture was very clean, mostly free from encrusting organisms and impurities, and had an attractive reddish coloration. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the growth performances of Gracilaria sp. were positively influenced by high salinity, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient concentration and negatively influenced by high temperature, turbidity, and total suspended solids. Gracilaria sp. harvested from the floating long-line system had higher amount of protein and lipids compared to the off-bottom systems. The total essential amino acid content of Gracilaria sp. in the floating long-line system was 18.4% and 13.3% higher (p < 0.05) than in off-bottom long-line and off-bottom net culture systems, respectively. Among the 10 minerals analyzed, Ca, K, and Zn contents were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the floating long-line system. Among fatty acids, the n6-PUFA content of Gracilaria sp. in the floating long-line system was 11.2% higher (p < 0.05) than in the off-bottom long-line system. The Gracilaria sp. from the floating long-line culture system contained 18.8–21.3% higher agar than the off-bottom systems. The study also revealed that Gracilaria sp. obtained from the floating long-line system contained significantly lower heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Pb, and As) than the off-bottom systems. The findings of the present study demonstrated that raft-based floating long-line systems could be a promising culture technology for the production of agar-enriched Gracilaria sp. along the coastal areas of Bangladesh and elsewhere. • Production performance and biochemical composition of Gracilaria sp. were evaluated among three culture systems. • Interactions among ecological drivers and production performances of Gracilaria sp. were also evaluated. • Biomass production was 67.28–135% higher in the floating system than in the off-bottom systems. • Gracilaria sp. from floating long-line systems are of superior quality than off-bottom systems. • Floating long-line systems can be a promising culture technology for Gracilaria sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to compare dengue virus (DENV) cases, deaths, case-fatality ratio [CFR], and meteorological parameters between the first and the recent decades of this century (2000-2010 vs. 2011-2022) and to describe the trends, seasonality, and impact of change of temperature and rainfall patterns on transmission dynamics of dengue in Bangladesh. For the period 2000-2022, dengue cases and death data from Bangladesh's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's website, and meteorological data from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department were analyzed. A Poisson regression model was performed to identify the impact of meteorological parameters on the monthly dengue cases. A forecast of dengue cases was performed using an autoregressive integrated moving average model. Over the past 23 yr, a total of 244,246 dengue cases were reported including 849 deaths (CFR = 0.35%). The mean annual number of dengue cases increased 8 times during the second decade, with 2,216 cases during 2000-2010 vs. 18,321 cases during 2011-2022. The mean annual number of deaths doubled (21 vs. 46), but the overall CFR has decreased by one-third (0.69% vs. 0.23%). Concurrently, the annual mean temperature increased by 0.49 °C, and rainfall decreased by 314 mm with altered precipitation seasonality. Monthly mean temperature (Incidence risk ratio [IRR]: 1.26), first-lagged rainfall (IRR: 1.08), and second-lagged rainfall (IRR: 1.17) were significantly associated with monthly dengue cases. The increased local temperature and changes in rainfall seasonality might have contributed to the increased dengue cases in Bangladesh., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America.)

Aim: This study aimed to identify the predictors of mortality and ICU requirements in hospitalized COVID-19 Patients with Diabetes., Design: Cross-sectional study., Methods: It was a retrospective study of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection from October 2020-February 2021 in four hospitals in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Logistic regression analysis was applied to explore the predictors of ICU requirement and in-hospital mortality., Results: In the whole cohort (n = 500), 11% of patients died and 24% of patients required intensive care unit (ICU) support. Non-survivors had significantly higher prevalence of lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis. Significant predictors of in-hospital mortality were older age, neutrophil count, platelet count and admission peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2). Older age, ischemic heart disease, WBC count, D-dimer and admission SpO2 were identified as significant predictors for ICU requirement., Patient or Public Contribution: No., (© 2022 The Authors. Nursing Open published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: This study aimed to (1) evaluate the psychometric properties of a Comprehensive Short-Form Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-SF) and (2) examine the associated factors of GDS-SF among the elderly. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2019 to April 2020 in Dhaka City Corporation, Bangladesh. Data of 377 elderly were collected, including socio-demographic characteristics, social supports, comorbidities, sleep behaviours, and depression (as measured by the GDS-SF). We used the principal component analysis, correlation analysis, and logistic regression analysis to validate GDS-SF, and explore its associations. Results: The GDS-SF was reliable and homogeneous with Cronbach’s alpha = 0.836, and McDonald’s Omega = 0.841, with no floor/ceiling effects. The questionnaire demonstrated a good construct validity with item-scale convergent validity and KMO measure of sampling adequacy (0.869 for the total sample, 0.838 for the community subsample, and 0.851 for the slum subsample). In the multivariate model, older people had a higher likelihood of moderate and severe depression (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.00, 1.12; p = 0.048). The likelihood of having moderate and severe depression was lower in men (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.28, 0.85; p = 0.011) and those satisfied with their children’s support (OR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.08, 0.35; p < 0.001), compared with their counterparts, respectively. Conclusions: The GDS-SF is a reliable and valid survey tool for evaluating depression in Bangladeshi older adults. Age, gender, and satisfaction with children’s support were predictors of depression.

Obesity is a global health concern because of its increasing trend both in developed and developing countries. A limited number of studies have evaluated the association of liver enzymes with both general and abdominal obesity in the general population; data for the Bangladeshi population are not available yet. This study aimed to assess the relationship of serum liver enzymes activity with both general and abdominal obesity in Bangladeshi adults. In total, 540 blood samples were obtained from the participants (388 males and 152 females) and analyzed for serum levels of ALT, AST, GGT, and ALP using standard methods. General obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27.5 kg/m 2 and abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference (WC) ≥ 90 cm in males and ≥ 80 cm in females. The relationship between liver enzymes and obesity was evaluated by multivariate logistic regression models. Overall, 58% of participants in the general obesity group and 55% of the participants in the abdominal obesity group had at least one or more elevated levels of liver enzymes. The prevalence of elevated liver enzymes was significantly higher in the obesity group compared to the normal BMI and WC groups (p < 0.05 for all cases). The mean level of serum ALT, AST and GGT were significantly higher in the obesity group than the normal BMI group (p < 0.05). In the WC groups, mean AST and GGT were significantly higher in the obesity group compared to the normal group (p < 0.05). In regression analysis, serum levels of ALT showed an independent and significant association with general obesity, whereas, serum GGT showed a significant association with both general and abdominal obesity. In conclusion, a high prevalence of elevated liver enzymes was observed among participants included in the present study. Of the four enzymes, serum GGT was independently associated with both general and abdominal obesity. Further studies are required to understand the complex relationship between liver enzymes and obesity in the general population.

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common type of malignancy worldwide that may develop due to the accumulation of several genetic variations. Different single nucleotide polymorphisms of SMAD1 gene are assumed to be linked with increased colorectal cancer risk. The current case-control study was conducted to verify the association of genetic polymorphisms of SMAD1 (rs11100883 and rs7661162) with colorectal cancer in the Bangladeshi population. This study was performed on 275 colorectal cancer patients and 300 healthy volunteers using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The odds ratios were adjusted for age and sex with logistic regression analysis. In case of SMAD1 rs11100883 polymorphism, GA heterozygous genotype, GA + AA (dominant model), and minor allele "A" were significantly associated with colorectal cancer (adjusted odds ratio = 1.55, 95% confidence interval = 1.09-2.20, p = 0.014; adjusted odds ratio = 1.59, 95% confidence interval = 1.13-2.23, p = 0.008; and odds ratio = 1.35, 95% confidence interval = 1.06-1.73, p = 0.015, respectively) and the significance exists after the Bonferroni correction. Again, single nucleotide polymorphism rs7661162 showed significant association with an elevated colorectal cancer risk for AG heterozygous genotype, AG + GG (dominant model), AG versus AA + GG (overdominant model), and minor allele "G" (adjusted odds ratio = 1.78, 95% confidence interval = 1.24-2.56, p = 0.002; adjusted odds ratio = 1.68, 95% confidence interval = 1.18-2.39, p = 0.004; adjusted odds ratio = 1.76, 95% confidence interval = 1.23-2.53, p = 0.002; and odds ratio = 1.47, 95% confidence interval = 1.08-2.00, p = 0.014, respectively) and significance withstands after the Bonferroni correction. No significant age and gender differences between cases and controls were observed. In silico, gene expression analysis showed that the SMAD1 mRNA level was downregulated in the colon and rectal cancer tissues compared to healthy tissues. In conclusion, our findings indicate that SMAD1 rs11100883 and rs7661162 polymorphisms are responsible for increasing the susceptibility of colorectal cancer development in the Bangladeshi population.

Objectives: In case of Bangladeshi population, no report is observed till now showing the genetic variations of RAD51 (rs1801320) and XRCC2 (rs3218536) genes polymorphism having association with colorectal cancer risk. For this reason the aim of this study is to ascertain their interrelation with colorectal cancer occurrence in Bangladeshi population., Materials and Methods: A case control study was conducted where 200 colorectal cancer patients and 200 healthy volunteers were figured for this research using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP)., Results: Here, in case of RAD51 (rs1801320), G/C heterozygous genotype was found significant (p=0.037; OR=1.64; 95% CI=1.03 to 2.6). On the other hand, G/G genotype was not found statistically significant (p=0.423; OR=1.61; 95% CI=0.49 to 5.22) and significance was observed for GC+GG (p=0.030; OR=1.63; 95% CI=1.05 to 2.55). In case of XRCC2 (rs3218536), C/T heterozygous genotype was remarked statistically significant (p=0.033; OR=1.60; 95% CI=1.04 to 2.46). The T/T genotype was not recorded statistically significant (p=0.237; OR=1.65; 95% CI=0.72 to 3.76) but significance found for CT+TT (p=0.027; OR=1.61; 95% CI=1.05 to 2.45). Moreover, it is found that the risk factor of developing CRC is observed in G/C, C/T heterozygote and GC+GG, CT+TT (heterozygote+ mutant) in RAD51 (rs1801320) and XRCC2 (rs3218536) respectively although no significance is observed in case of G/G and T/T mutant., Conclusions: So, the association of RAD51 (rs1801320) and XRCC2 (rs3218536) genes polymorphism with colorectal cancer risk is observed in Bangladeshi population.

Objectives: We aimed to examine whether an association exists between maternal high-risk fertility behavior and chronic undernutrition among children under 5 y of age. In addition, we explored the relationship between poverty and high-risk fertility behavior and the relative roles they play as obstacles in the reduction of the risk of undernutrition among children., Methods: The analysis was based on responses from married women ages 15 to 49 who lived with at least one child under the age of 5; and three cross-sectional, nationally representative samples from India, Bangladesh, and Nepal were considered., Results: Maternal high-risk fertility behavior was associated with an increased risk of chronic undernutrition among children in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Multiple high-risk categories appeared to have more profound consequences on the outcomes measured. Findings also demonstrated that with regard to the risk of undernutrition, children of mothers who were either poor or who experienced high-risk fertility were not uniquely disadvantaged., Conclusions: The results suggest that with regard to the risk of chronic undernutrition, the negative effect of high-risk fertility behavior extends across all economic backgrounds and is not limited to children of mothers who were either poor or who experienced high-risk fertility., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Previous studies conducted on animals linked consumption of Nigella sativa L. seeds (NS) to decreased anxiety and improved memory. The present study, which was carried out at a boarding school in Bangladesh, was designed to examine probable effect of NS on mood, anxiety and cognition in adolescent human males., Materials and Methods: Forty-eight healthy adolescent human males aged between 14 to 17 years were randomly recruited as volunteers and were randomly split into two groups: A (n=24) and B (n=24). The treatment procedure for group A and B were one capsule of 500 mg placebo and 500 mg NS respectively once daily for four weeks. All the volunteers were assessed for cognition with modified California verbal learning test-II (CVLT-II), mood with Bond-Lader scale and anxiety with State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) at the beginning and after four weeks of either NS or placebo ingestion., Results and Discussion: No parameter showed statistically significant variation between A and B in measurements in the beginning, but after 4 weeks of one capsule of NS 500 mg intake, there was statistically significant variation of mood within group B but there was not statistically significant variation between group A and B. No significant variation was found in state anxiety within groups and between group A and B but in case of trait anxiety, significant variation was found within group B but not between group A and B. In case of CVLT II, there was significant variation within B in immediate short-term recall at trial 4 and 5 whereas this difference was found only in case of trial 5 between group A and B. Within group B, short term-free recall, long-term free recall and long-term cued recall had statistical difference whereas between group A and B long-term free recall and long-term cued recall had statistical difference. No parameters had significant variation within group A after placebo intake for 4 weeks., Conclusions: Over the 4 weeks study period, the use of NS as a nutritional supplement been observed to- stabilize mood, decrease anxiety and modulate cognition positively. However, long term study is suggested before using NS extensively., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)