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The first case of COVID-19 in Bangladesh was declared in March 08, 2020 and since then we are fighting against this deadly pandemic under the prudent and dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as Chief Advisor. The active, sincere and dedicated efforts of Prime Minister’s Office, Cabinet Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and other different ministries have proved this COVID battle to be a winning game for our country. All the doctors, nurses and health workers played the pivotal role along with administration, police and all others. Among the frontline doctors, the fellows and members of all specialties of Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS) had a significant participation. They remain to be appraised. This review article probes to reveal the enormous contributions of all fellows and members of BCPS in various sectors of the COVID-19 battle in Bangladesh. This paper analyzed all activities of BCPS fellows and members by collecting data from the COVID-19 dedicated hospitals, Directorate General of Health Services, Bangladesh and directly from fellows of BCPS. A systematic search in the net was also performed using specific search words to extract relevant data and articles published on COVID-19 from Bangladesh. A non-probability sampling technique was used without any structured questionnaire. Data were directly included in MS excel spread sheet. Simple description analysis was performed and results were expressed in tables and charts. We found that fellows and members of BCPS took a significant leadership and provided supreme dedicated services in almost all fields of COVID-19 crisis; e.g. frontline patientcare, education and training, national policy making, research and publication and nationwide guidance and awareness build-up. Among the doctors of government COVID-19 dedicated hospitals in Dhaka, about 650 fellows participated in treating about 1.5 lacs admitted patients. First interim guideline on COVID-19 management in Bangladesh was published by fellows in executive committee of Bangladesh Society of Medicine. It was later transformed into national guideline by DGHS. Fellows were the leaders at national level. The National Technical Advisor Committee and Directorate General of Health Services of Bangladesh are the two main bodies who lead the war in the frontline and both are headed by fellows of BCPS. Journal of BCPS was the first in Bangladesh to publish COVID-19 supplement issue on July 31, 2020 with 12 original articles. So far 128 COVID related articles from BCPS fellows have been published in national and international journals. Fellows fought in the frontline in every sector, shoulder to shoulder with all doctors and health workers of Bangladesh. They have triumphed their beloved college, Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons, to be one of the greatest centers of excellence for the medical education and patient care in Bangladesh. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2022; 40: 19-27

This study evaluated the interaction between probiotics and polyphenols in chocolates (45% and 70% cocoa) fortified with encapsulated probiotics. Cocoa powder was used as the main encapsulation component in a Na-alginate plus fructooligosaccharides formulation. Probiotic-chocolates (PCh) were produced by adding 1% encapsulated probiotics to the final mixture. The chocolate samples were subjected to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation. The data revealed that the most bioaccessible polyphenols in both formulations of PCh containing 45% and 70% cocoa were released in the gastric digested supernatant. The bioaccessible polyphenols from PCh with 70% cocoa reached 83.22–92.33% and 8.08–15.14% during gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation, respectively. Furthermore, the polyphenols with higher bioaccessibility during colonic fermentation of both PChs developed with the CA1 formulation (cocoa powder 10%, Na-alginate 1% and fructooligosaccharides 2%) were detected in the presence of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis. The results showed that PCh with specific probiotics favored the bioconversion of a specific polyphenol. For example, chocolate fortified with Lacticaseibacillus casei released larger quantities of epicatechin and procyanidin B1, while Lactiplantibacillus plantarum released more catechin and procyanidin B1 for Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LGG. Overall, the study findings concluded that chocolate polyphenols could be utilized by probiotics for their metabolism and modulating the gut, which improved the chocolates’ functionality.

This study evaluated the viability of encapsulated

This study reports on performance enhancement in a solar cell introducing Sb2S3 as hole transport layer (HTL)along WS2 as buffer layer. We have investigated photovoltaic (PV) characteristics by utilizing SCAPS-1D. A comparative observation on PV performances of conventional CZTS/CdS with proposed CZTS/WS2 and Ni/Sb2S3/CZTS/WS2 /FTO/Al solar cells is presented. It is revealed that “spike like” band structure at CZTS/WS2 interface having smaller conduction band offset makes it potential alternative to commonly used CdS buffer. This study also evaluates that Sb2S3 as an HTL proposed at back of CZTS enhances performances by reducing carrier recombination at back interface with appropriate band alignment. The impacts of thickness, carrier concentration of different layers, and bulk defect density in CZTS as well as defects at interfaces on performances are analyzed. The influences of temperature, work function as well as cell resistances are also explored. Optimum absorber thickness of 1.0 µm along doping of 10 17 cm-3 is selected. A maximum efficiency of 30.63% is achieved for the optimized CZTS cell. Therefore, these results suggest that Sb2S3 as HTLand WS2 as buffer layer can be employed effectively to develop highly efficient and low-cost CZTS solar cells.

Hate speech has spread more rapidly through the daily use of technology and, most notably, by sharing your opinions or feelings on social media in a negative aspect. Although numerous works have been carried out in detecting hate speeches in English, German, and other languages, very few works have been carried out in the context of the Bengali language. In contrast, millions of people communicate on social media in Bengali. The few existing works that have been carried out need improvements in both accuracy and interpretability. This article proposed encoder–decoder-based machine learning model, a popular tool in NLP, to classify user’s Bengali comments from Facebook pages. A dataset of 7,425 Bengali comments, consisting of seven distinct categories of hate speeches, was used to train and evaluate our model. For extracting and encoding local features from the comments, 1D convolutional layers were used. Finally, the attention mechanism, LSTM, and GRU-based decoders have been used for predicting hate speech categories. Among the three encoder–decoder algorithms, attention-based decoder obtained the best accuracy (77%).

Background: Peptic ulcer complication continues to inflict high morbidity. Surgery still remains the treatment of choice of peptic ulcer with Gastric Outlet Obstruction (GOO). With the advent of minimal access surgery laparoscopic truncalvagotomy with gastrojejunostomy is an attractive option. A selected group of patients may benefit more with laparoscopic than the open surgery. To evaluate the safety, efficacy and outcome of laparoscopic surgery for GOO in comparison with conventional laparotomy. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study comparing Laparoscopic Truncal vagotomy and Gastrojejunostomy (LTVGJ) with open procedure. We excluded patients with severely malnutrition, age >60 years, malignancy, chronic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, bleeding disorder, peritonitis, portal hypertension, jaundice, ASA >II. The study was performed on 30 patients who were clinically and radiologically diagnosed from June 2012 to June 2018. Out of them 15 patient were laparoscopically and 15 patients were done by laparotomy. Laparoscopic Truncal vagotmy and Gastrojejunostomy (LTVGJ) was done with ETS Flex 45 stapler. Operation technique, number of wound infection, post operative pain and hospital stay, early return to work were studied. Results: Thirty patients were studied, 28 male 2 female (Male to female ratio 9: 1) about 60% of the patients were within 3rd and 4th decade of age. Operation time was 120-180 minute, Only one patient had wound or port infection, 70% cases require less analgesic requirement than open surgery and hospital stay was 7 days. Conclusion: Laparoscopic truncal vagotomy with gastrojejunostomy is advantageous to open surgery by less postoperative pain, earlier return to normal diet, less wound infection, earlier discharge from hospital and early return to normal daily activity. Though it is costly, it offers excellent aesthetical results and may be considered as safe, effective and standard treatment option for selected patients. JCMCTA 2019 ; 30 (2) : 4-9

Conventional growth media for microbes contains lots of non-edible components that are harmful to consume when the organism is ready to intake—like probiotics growing in chemical media (Lactobacillus grown in MRS media). The study was conducted to develop an edible and low-cost growth media that supports the growth of probiotics Lactic Acid bacteria for the enhancement of probiotic research. The 04 isolates of Lactobacillus (L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, L. ferciminis and L. bifarmentans) and 02 Bifidobacterium (B. infantis and B. Bifidum) were used for the evaluation of medium efficacy. To formulate the edible culture media, 04 vegetables and 02 pulses were used. The media was formulated in different formulations. For Lactobacillus, maximum growth was observed at MM-2 media formulation that was about 15.62 log CFU/ml for L. plantarum and compared to MRS media that was 11.78 log CFU/ml. Bifidobaterium showed the highest viability at MW-1 edible media formulation which was about 12.72 log CFU/ml whereas in Bifidobacteria selective media the cell viability was 12.48 log CFU/ml. The edible media has no toxic or unhealthy effect on mice while trailing in an animal model and shows excellent results in encapsulation with alginate. In comparison with the performance of traditional chemical media, the formulated media were found to be cost-effective and safe for human consumption.

Biopreservation systems in foods are of increasing interest for industry and consumers. Bacteriocin producing Lactobacillus spp. is considered Generally Recognize as Safe (GRAS), useful to control the fast development of pathogens and spoiling microbes in food and feed. Lactobacillus spp. was isolated from traditional winter fermented vegetable cucumber & carrot by the use of selective media. Especially De Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) Agar media were used to isolate the Lactobacillus species. Morphologically identified by gram staining & colony morphology. Biochemically recognized by catalase, oxidase, MRVP & carbohydrate fermentation test. Antimicrobial activity of Lactobacillus spp. was confirmed by Well Diffusion Method. Molecular characterization of bacteriocin protein and molecular weight determined by SDS PAGE method. The isolate was found to be facultative anaerobic, Gram positive, and catalase negative. The result of antimicrobial activity measured by the Arbitrary Unit (AU/ml) of zone of the inhibition. Six isolates found from the sample but most activities exhibited isolate 4 against Bacillus megaterium (55 mm) zone of diameter. The molecular weight of the washed bacteriocin was calculated to be about 40 kDa (Isolate 1) and 15 kDa & 30 kDa (Isolate 5). Bacteriocin protein reduces chemical preservatives and uses in future as biopreservative in food industry.

Background The safety of health care workers (HCWs) in Bangladesh and the factors associated with getting COVID-19 have been infrequently studied. The aim of this study was to address this gap by assessing the capacity development and safety measures of HCWs in Bangladesh who have been exposed to COVID-19 and by identifying the factors associated with respondents’ self-reported participation in capacity development trainings and their safety practices. Methods This cross-sectional study was based on an online survey of 811 HCWs working at 39 dedicated COVID-19 hospitals in Bangladesh. A pretested structured questionnaire consisting of questions related to respondents’ characteristics, capacity development trainings and safety measures was administered. Binary logistic regressions were run to assess the association between explanatory and dependent variables. Results Among the respondents, 58.1% had been engaged for at least 2 months in COVID-19 care, with 56.5% of them attending capacity development training on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), 44.1% attending training on hand hygiene, and 35% attending training on respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette. Only 18.1% reported having read COVID-19-related guidelines. Approximately 50% of the respondents claimed that there was an inadequate supply of PPE for hospitals and HCWs. Almost 60% of the respondents feared a high possibility of becoming COVID-19-positive. Compared to physicians, support staff [odds ratio (OR) 4.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.25–8.51] and medical technologists (OR 8.77, 95% CI 3.14–24.47) were more exhausted from working in COVID-19 care. Respondents with longer duty rosters were more exhausted, and those who were still receiving infection prevention and control (IPC) trainings were less exhausted (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.34–0.86). Those who read COVID-19 guidelines perceived a lower risk of being infected by COVID-19 (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.29–0.67). Compared to the respondents who strongly agreed that hospitals had a sufficient supply of PPE, others who disagreed (OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.31–5.51) and strongly disagreed (OR 5.05, 95% CI 2.15–11.89) had a higher apprehension of infection by COVID-19. Conclusion The findings indicated a need for necessary support, including continuous training, a reasonable duty roster, timely diagnosis of patients, and an adequate supply of quality PPE.

This work reports the performance enhancement of lead free perovskite solar cell (PSC) with Sb2S3 as a novel hole transport layer (HTL) numerically by using Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator in One Dimensional (SCAPS-1D). Three different HTLs such as Sb2S3, Spiro-OMeTAD, and CuI are introduced into the conventional CH3NH3SnI3-based solar cell configuration consisting of Al/FTO/WS2/CH3NH3SnI3/Sb2S3 or Spiro-OMeTAD or CuI/Ni. The photovoltaic performances of the lead free perovskite solar cells with the proposed HTLs are evaluated extensively and compared using the SCAPS-1D simulation tool ...

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Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed. Bifidobacteria are one of the major genera of bacteria that make up the colon flora in mammals and have great beneficial impact on health. This study was performed to culture and characterize some potential Bifidobacterium sp. isolated from mother's milk and infant feces. Eleven isolates were presumptively identified as Bifidobacteriums sp. based on morphological characteristic and biochemical properties such as catalase, oxidase, Esculin test, Gelatinase activities and production of gas from glucose. Probiotic potentials of the isolates were investigated through probiotic potentiality tests e.g. pH tolerance test, NaCl tolerance test, bile salt tolerance test, antimicrobial activity, growth rate in gastric juice, antimicrobial susceptibility (Antibiogram). Four of the isolates BI-3, BI-5, BI-9, and BI-14 were observed as potential probiotic based on their probiotic activities. These isolates showed resistance to stomach pH (pH 3.0), tolerance against 0.3% bile concentration and gastric juice tolerance. Most of the isolates were able to grow at 1- 6% NaCl concentration and the growth declined with the increase of the salt concentration. Proteolytic activity was measured to estimate the probable role of probiotics in protein digestion. For this purpose milk protein digestion was tested and these isolates had showed better proteolytic activity than others. Antimicrobial activity against pathogens showed better probiotic properties. These isolates were found to have moderately antibiotic susceptible to common antibiotics. This experiment revealed that these four isolates BI-3, BI-5, BI-9, and BI-14 have good probiotic properties and can be used as probiotics after successful molecular identification and completion of animal trial. Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2018, 3 (2), 122-135

Aflatoxins are the potential lethal toxin produced by Aspergillus sp. important health hazard throughout the world. In this study, 26 Aspergillus sp. have been isolated from 50 samples of red chilli collected throughout the country. These 26 isolates were grown primarily on agar media to identify the aflatoxin producing species. It is possible to distinguish A. flavus strains from other Aspergillus sp. developing orange colour on the reverse of the plates. The Coconut Cream Agar (CCA) is used to detect aflatoxin producer strains having blue fluorescence when exposed to a UV-light. Several other media were used for morphological characteristics of Aspergillus sp. Out of 26 isolates, four isolates were confirmed as Aspergillus sp. These isolates were subjected to cross contamination with freshly ground, sterile maize and after 15 days of incubation the contaminated maize were analyzed by HPLC and found aflatoxin in each of the sample containing 186 ppb (max.). This study was conducted to assay the ability to produce aflatoxins by the Aspergillus spp. isolated from red chilli (Capsicum annuum L. Solanaceae) available throughout the country. The results found in the experiment are much more behind the acceptable limit according to some international standard. As red chilli is a widely used spice in Bangladesh, the proper controlling measures may be taken for controlling the surveillance of aflatoxinic fungi like as use of bio-pesticides, proper drying method and storage conditions.

The novel probiotic encapsulation approaches in snacks have not been thoroughly investigated. This study examined the viability of encapsulated Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG using chocolate as a carrier. Various encapsulants, including cocoa powder, Na-alginate, fructooligosaccharides, whey protein concentrate, hi-maize starch and skim milk powder were tested using a freeze-drying technique. The encapsulation efficiency of L. rhamnosus reached 91.82% using cocoa powder and Na-alginate formulations. The encapsulated probiotic survived at thermal exposure maintaining more than 9 logs at 60°C. Chocolate was proven as a good carrier for encapsulated probiotic maintained viability above the therapeutic level (107 log) up to 180 and 120 days stored at 4°C and 25°C, respectively. Additionally, encapsulated L. rhamnosus in chocolate showed higher survival number (8.47 log cfu/g) at the end of gastrointestinal digestion. Hence, cocoa powder with Na-alginate as an encapsulation agent has potential applications in the development of healthy probiotic chocolate.