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Background: In December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic began in Wuhan and quickly spread in China and other countries in the world. The SARS-CoV-2 virus reached Bangladesh in March 2020 and the index case of the first cluster of COVID-19 was reported on 13 March, 2020, in Madaripur District. Methods: A team from the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh investigated the cluster, established active syndromic surveillance for respiratory diseases, and implemented control activities. Results: The index case traveled from Italy to Bangladesh and developed respiratory symptoms and sought medical treatment in Dhaka. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 and transferred and isolated in a hospital on the day of diagnosis. We followed up his contacts as soon as we got their names and contact information. We quarantined 34 among 139 contacts, rest of them were missed contacts. The attack rate among the index cases’ contacts was 18% (6/34). Eight cases in Madaripur District with COVID-19 were epidemiologically linked to the index case. The most common symptoms were fever (100%) and cough (86%). One case was asymptomatic. The Bangladesh influenza pandemic containment plan was modified for COVID-19 mitigation which included establishing a containment zone, mobilizing the local administrative authorities, and obtaining support from local community, religious and political leaders. Active case search in the containment zone identified new cases. No new cases were linked with the nine COVID-19 cases. Conclusion: Active surveillance by health authority, prompt isolation of cases, quarantine of contacts and establishing a containment zone to focus mitigation efforts supported the prevention efforts for further transmission of the virus from this first COVID-19 cluster in Bangladesh.

Climate changes effects, food security and self-sufficiency targets in densely populated countries like Bangladesh forced excessive human activities on vegetable farmland, and heavy metal contamination may result. An analysis of three toxic heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr), was conducted to determine their source and associated health risks in vegetables, taking into account source pathways, fertilizers/pesticides and soil, using 12 sampling points at two different locations in two different Flam-Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (F-AAS) and Graphite Furnace-AAS (GF-AAS) modes. In soil and fertilizers/pesticides, the mean concentration of heavy metals declined in the same order of Cr > Pb > Cd. For vegetables, the mean concentration decreased in the order of Pb > Cr > Cd with some extra quantity of Pb compared with an allowable limit of World Health Organization (WHO) predicting industrial and fertilizer usage impact on location B. For both locations, the quality indexing of soil projected low levels of contamination with insignificant ecological risks. The toxic metal transfer to vegetables followed the order Cd > Pb > Cr, the same for both locations but higher at location B. However, the toxic metals uptake through vegetables was much less than maximum tolerable daily intake. The human health risks arising from harmful metals exposure at both locations were ineffective (

The correct approach to treat low-risk intra thyroidal papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is still controversial. The traditional paradigm of treating all patients with thyroid cancer with total thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine and suppressive thyroid hormone therapy is no longer suitable. Many authors advocate unilateral thyroidectomy to minimize perioperative morbidity. The purpose of this study was to determine an effective treatment strategy for patients with small unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma in a low risk group. This is a prospective study of 300 patients who were diagnosed as papillary thyroid carcinoma by preoperative FNAC or postoperative histopathology. The age of the patients' was ranged between 15 to 45 years. The criteria were: tumor ≤4cm, unilateral involvement, cytological non-aggressive subtype, absence of lymph node (LN) involvement and extra thyroidal extension (ETE) on ultrasonography (USG) and absence of clinical distant metastases. Duration of the study period was 30 years from 1989 to 2019. The study was conducted in tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. All patients had undergone hemi thyroidectomy and followed up by a median period of 25 months (range, 6 to 166 months). Following hemithyroidectomy, among 300 patients, 267 patients (89.0%) did not show any recurrence of disease. Thirty three (33) patients (11.0%) came with locoregional recurrence of disease in clinical and USG findings without any distant metastasis. Maximum patients were between the ages 31-40 year followed by 21-30 years. Female was out number male in the ratio. Though further large scale study should require to determine the optimal treatment option for low risk PTC, but this study can lead to a result that hemi thyroidectomy is now-a-days a better surgical option for PTC even up to tumor size of ≤4cm.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Little has been reported on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the new delta variant, on cardiology services and catheterization volumes in South Asia, during the second year of the pandemic. Purpose We aimed to assess this impact during the second year of the pandemic on cardiology services, procedures and catheterization volumes at a tertiary cardiac centre in Bangladesh. Methods Data on patient visits (outpatient and emergency), admissions, procedures and catheterization volumes were collected for January to June 2020 and 2021 via hospital electronic records. Comparisons for each corresponding month were made between 2021 and 2020. The differences were expressed as a percentage (%Δ). Results Trends showed that admissions in cardiology and cardiac surgery units, outpatient visits, procedures and cardiac catheterization volumes had reached almost pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2021, as compared to 2020. However, ER visits showed >50% reductions in February (Δ-58.7%) and March (Δ -51.9%) 2021, compared to 2020. Admissions and procedures showed a steep decline from March to April 2021, coinciding with the COVID19 surge owing to the Delta variant. A gradual increase in numbers of admissions, patient visits, and procedures were seen in May and June 2021, as compared with corresponding months in 2020. In terms of catheterization volumes, a sharp decline was seen in angiographies and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from March to April 2021, similar to 2020. Cath lab procedures showed an increasing trend in May-June 2021, and were greater in numbers, compared to corresponding volumes in 2020 [May: Δ+36.9%; June: Δ+33.2% in 2021]. A greater increase was seen for PCI (May Δ+ 46.8%; June Δ+367%) than angiographies (May Δ+32.5%; June Δ+32.5%). Conclusion Cardiology services and cath lab volumes had reached almost pre-pandemic levels in January and February 2021. The surge caused by the delta variant resulted in reduced admissions, outpatient and cath lab volumes beginning from April 2021, however numbers remained greater in 2021 than corresponding months in March-June 2020, possibly indicating an adaptation of the healthcare system to the prevailing pandemic.

Glomerular disease is one of the most important causes of chronic kidney disease in developing countries like Bangladesh as well as the whole world. The pattern of glomerular disease varies in different countries and can have different clinical presentations. The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical profile and to determine the histological pattern of glomerular diseases in a large tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. All kidney biopsies performed in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh from October 2018 to March 2020 were prospectively analyzed in the study. A total of 101 patients with kidney biopsy were examined by clinical and laboratory findings and by light and immuno-fluorescence microscopy. The mean age was 30.0±14.6 years and 50(49.5%) were male and 51(50.5%) were female with a male to female ratio of 1:1. The clinical syndromes namely nephrotic syndrome, nephritic syndrome, nephrito-nephrotic presentation, RPGN like presentation, macroscopic haematuria and asymptomatic urine abnormality were present in 31.7%, 34.5%, 22.8%, 11.9%, 19.8% and 10.9% patients respectively. The most common histological varieties found in the study were mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MesPGN) (18.8%) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) (18.8%). Other histopathological pattern among the studied subjects revealed minimal change disease (MCD) in 5.9%, membranous nephropathy (MN) in 7.9%, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) in 16.8%, IgA nephropathy in 5%, IgM nephropathy in 2%, IgG nephropathy in 2%, diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (DPGN) in 1%, focal proliferative glomerulo-nephritis (FPGN) in 3%, crescentic GN in 3%, lupus nephritis (LN) in 13.9%, amyloidosis in 1% and fibrillary glomerulopathy in 1% patient. The pattern of glomerular disease found in this study was similar to other studies performed in Bangladesh with a little variation. It may guide the future researchers to establish a national kidney biopsy registry in Bangladesh.

The rapid emergence of virulent and multidrug-resistant (MDR) non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) enterica serovars are a growing public health concern globally. The present study focused on the assessment of the pathogenicity and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiling of NTS enterica serovars isolated from chicken processing environments at wet markets in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total number of 870 samples consisting of carcass dressing water (CDW), chopping board swabs (CBS), and knife swabs (KS) were collected from 29 wet markets. The prevalence of Salmonella was found to be 20% in CDW, 19.31% in CBS and 17.58% in KS, respectively. Meanwhile, the MDR Salmonella was found to be 72.41%, 73.21% and 68.62% in CDW, CBS, and KS, respectively. All isolates were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for eight virulence genes, namely invA, agfA, IpfA, hilA, sivH, sefA, sopE, and spvC. The S. Enteritidis and untyped Salmonella isolate harbored all virulence genes while S. Typhimurium isolates carried six virulence genes except sefA and spvC. Phenotypic resistance revealed decreased susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, streptomycin, ampicillin, tetracycline, gentamycin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and azithromycin. Genotypic resistance showed higher prevalence of plasmid mediated blaTEM followed by tetA, sul1, sul2, sul3, and strA/B genes. Harmonic and symmetrical trend was observed among the phenotypic and genotypic resistance patterns of the isolates. The research findings anticipate that MDR and virulent NTS enterica serovars are prevailing in the wet market environments which can easily enter into the human food chain. There was a resilient and significant correlation existent among the phenotypic and genotypic resistance patterns and virulence genes of Salmonella isolate recovered from carcass dressing water, chopping board swabs, and knife swabs (p < 0.05), respectively.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in reduced numbers of patients presenting with and undergoing procedures for cardiac conditions worldwide. This impact, specifically looking at the changes in patient visits, admissions and procedure volumes, has not been recorded thus far, in terms of a South Asian LMIC setting. Purpose We aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on emergency room (ER) visits, cardiology admissions, out-patient and in-patient procedures at a LMIC tertiary cardiac centre. Methods Data on ER visits, specific in-patient and out-patient procedures (echocardiography, exercise stress tests, electrocardiography [ECG]) were collected via hospital electronic records from January to December 2020, and compared with corresponding data for the same months in 2019. The difference or deficits were expressed as a percentage (%Δ). Data for each quarter were compared using paired t-test. A p value Results There were significantly reduced numbers of out-patient visits (Δ −31.2%; p=0.007), ER visits (%Δ −59.5%; p=0.0), in-patient admissions (Δ −33.1%; p=0.005), total out-patient procedures (%Δ −31.9%; p=0.008) and catheterization volumes (%Δ-29.7%; p=0.001) in 2020, as compared with 2019 (Table 1 & Figure 1). Among out-patient procedures, adult trans-thoracic echo, ECG and stress tests showed greatest deficits in April 2020. No trans-oesophageal echocardiograms were performed in April to July 2020. The greatest deficits were observed in April 2020, as compared with 2019 (out-patient visits: Δ-92.7%; out-patient procedures: %Δ-94.5%; in-patient admissions: %Δ-85.9%; catheterization procedures: %Δ-85.2%), except for ER visits, where the greatest deficit was seen in June 2020: %Δ-90.7%). Numbers continued to remain extremely low in May 2020, coinciding with the nation-wide lockdown measures. Out-patient visits, procedures and in-patient admissions have gradually increased since July 2020. However, the greatest impact seems to have been on ER visits, continued to remain low, with significantly reduced volumes in both 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2020. The lowest deficits in outpatient visits (Δ-4.9%), ER visits (Δ-31.9%) and out-patient procedures (Δ-0.9%) were seen in December 2020, while for in-patient admissions (Δ-7.9%) and catheterization procedures (Δ-6.5%) this was in October 2020. Conclusion There was a significant reduction of out-patient and in-patient cardiology services volumes in 2020, with the greatest reduction in April and May, coinciding with a general “lockdown”. ER visits were the most greatly affected. Trends show a steady increase in out-patient and catheterization procedures, beginning from July, but have not yet reached pre-COVID volumes, even by the end of 2020. These findings indicate that, the pandemic has resulted in significantly fewer ER visits; however, patients still present as outpatients, both for procedures and catheterization. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Table 1Figure 1

Since the first recorded case of SARS-CoV-2 in Bangladesh on 8th March 2020, COVID-19 has spread widely through different regions of the country, resulting in a necessity to re-evaluate the delivery of cardiovascular services, particularly procedures pertaining to interventional cardiology in resource-limited settings. Given its robust capacity for human-to-human transmission and potential of being a nosocomial source of infection, the disease has specific implications on healthcare systems and health care professionals faced with performing essential cardiac procedures in patients with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. The limited resources in terms of cardiac catheterization laboratories that can be designated to treat only COVID positive patients are further compounded by the additional challenges of unavailability of widespread rapid testing on-site at tertiary cardiac hospitals in Bangladesh. This document prepared for our nation by the Bangladesh Society of Cardiovascular Interventions (BSCI) is intended to serve as a clinical practice guideline for cardiovascular health care professionals, with a focus on modifying standard practice of care during the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to ensure continuation of adequate and timely treatment of cardiovascular emergencies avoiding hospital-based transmission of SARS-COV-2 among healthcare professionals and the patients. This is an evolving document based on currently available global data and is tailored to healthcare systems in Bangladesh with particular focus on, but not limited to, invasive cardiology facilities (cardiac catheterization, electrophysiologypacing labs). This guideline is limited to the provision of cardiovascular care, and it is expected that specific targeted pharmaco-therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 be prescribed as stipulated by the National Guidelines on Clinical Management of Corona virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) published by the Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh.

The study was performed with a view to collect epidemiological data to proper control of Duck Salmonellosis in Bangladesh. A total of 12 small to medium sized duck farms and 28 individual households were visited for data collection. On the basis of history and clinical signs and as per the information provided by the farmers the prevalence rate of Duck Salmonellosis was recorded as 38.1% and the P value was calculated as 0.003 (p

Clostridium chauvoei is the etiological agent of black quarter (BQ), an infectious disease affecting mainly young cattle and sheep. The present study was designed with a view to isolate and identifies Cl. chauvoei from field cases. A total of 4 clinically suspected samples were collected during the period from January 2013 to November 2013 from Monohardi, Narshindi (n=1); Sujanagar, Pabna (n=1) and Veterinary Clinic of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh (n=2). The samples were processed and were cultured anaerobically on blood agar. Gram stain and hanging drop techniques were performed with the cultured bacteria. Biochemical properties of the isolates were studied, and antibiotic sensitivity test was done by disk diffusion method. In Gram stain, all isolates showed numerous short, thick, straight, round-ended, gram positive rod occurs singly or in short chains. The spores of the organism were elongated, oval, sub terminal or terminal and wider than the cell, giving a typical pear-shaped appearance. All the Cl. chauvoei isolates fermented dextrose, maltose, lactose and sucrose and produced acid and gas. In case of mannitol fermentation, only acid was produced. Catalase, oxidase, methyl red, Voges-Proskauer and indole tests were found to be negative. All isolates were resistant to oxytetracycline, amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin, whereas the isolates were sensitive to penicillin and gentamicin. In conclusion, penicillin and gentamicin can be the drugs of choice for effective treatment of BQ in cattle of Bangladesh.

Background: The aged birds are known to induce good immunity against Salmonella enteritidisas compared to young. To judge this hypothesis layer birds at 42 and 49 days old were vaccinated with AVI Pro®109SE4 vaccine and immune response in terms of antibody titers was measured. Methods: A composition of antibody production in vaccinated chicken was performed following a usual vaccination schedule with a newly suggested vaccination schedule. To study the immunogenicity of vaccine a total of 15 chickenswere divided into three groups. Each group comprised of 5 layer chicken. Chicken in group A and B were vaccinated with AVI Pro®109SE4 vaccine with a dose of 0.5ml/bird through SC route. Primary vaccination was performed at 42 days and 49 days of age respectively and booster vaccination was given at 72 days and 79 days of age respectively. Blood samples were collected to obtain sera from each chicken at every 7 days interval up to 93 days post vaccination for the determination of antibody titer using microplate agglutination test. Results: Highest mean antibody titers were recorded as179.20±70.11and 307.20±114.49 in birds of group A and B respectively. The highest mean antibody titer was recorded as 307.20±114.49 in chicken at 21 days post vaccination with AVI Pro®109SE4 vaccine using newly suggested schedule as compared to usual schedule of vaccination. Conclusions: Primary vaccination at birds at 49 days (newly planned vaccination schedule) of age induced better immune response as compared to birds vaccinated at 42 days of age.

A total of 17 stool samples were collected from enteric fever suspected patients of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Results of morphological, biochemical examinations and pathogenicity test revealed Escherichia coli (47%), Klebsiella spp. (41%), Citrobacter spp. (29%). In cultural examination, all Escherichia coli showed metallic sheen on EMB agar, Klebsiella spp. showed moist shiny mucoid colonies and Citrobacter spp. showed large convex colorless dwarf colonies on MacConkey agar. In biochemical examination, all the isolates fermented five basic sugars with the production of acid and gas where the Citrobacter spp. were late lactose fermenter. Escherichia coli was indole and MR positive but V-P negative, Klebsiella spp. were V-P positive but MR and Indole negative and Citrobacter spp. were MR positive but V-P and Indole negative. All isolated bacterial species were sensitive to ciprofloxacin but resistant to amoxicillin. Salmonella typhi or Salmonella paratyphi organisms were not present in the stool samples examined. This may be due to collection of samples from patient having antibiotic therapy with Ceftriaxone through intravenous route for 3 days prior to collection of samples. From this study, it may be concluded that Escherichia coli , Kelbsiella spp. and Citrobacter spp. may be commonly present in enteric fever suspected patients or they may produce enteric fever like symptoms in human. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v20i1-2.16857 Progress. Agric. 20(1 & 2): 85 – 92, 2009

The present study was conducted with a view to isolate and characterize Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) from horses reared in and around Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) campus and to know the clonal relationship of the isolates with E. coli of cattle, goat and chicken. It also focused on the determination of antimicrobial sensitivity and resistant pattern of the isolated horse E. coli. A total of 10 faecal samples, comprising 4 from diarrhoeic horses and 6 from apparently healthy horses were collected. The overall prevalence of E. coli was recorded as 60%. All isolates fermented dextrose, maltose, sucrose, lactose and mannitol with the production of both acid and gas. The isolates were positive to MR and Indole tests, but negative to VP test. DNA fingerprinting analysis using PFGE of Xbal -digested genomic DNA revealed that the strains of E. coli from different areas seem to be same clonal lineage, although no genetic clue could be found related to cattle, goat and chicken E. coli strains. The antimicrobial sensitivity and resistance pattern showed that the isolates of horse E. coli were highly sensitive to ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol but to the amoxicillin and cephalexin, the isolates were highly resistant. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v22i1-2.16464 Progress. Agric. 22(1 & 2): 27 - 35, 2011

Component lines (A and R lines) of BRRI hybrid dhan2 were assessed under treatment of GA 3 application and row ratio on days to 5% and 50% flowering, duration of opening of floret, angle of open floret, filament length, anther length, stigma length, panicle exsertion rate, stigma exsertion rate and outcrossing rate. The CMS line viz; BRRI 10A have been found to be usable female parents for hybrid rice seed production due to their stigma length, stigma exsertion rate, duration of blooming, anther length and filament length. The different between genotypic and phenotypic variation was not remarkable for most of the characters studied indicating negligible environmental influence on the traits. The maximum duration of opening of floret (158.10 min) and angle of floret opening (28.87 0 ) were obtained with the application of 350 g GA 3 ha -1 . The improvement in the floral traits with increased GA 3 level might be due to increased availability of GA 3 which enhanced floral traits. The CMS line can be used as potential female parent in hybrid rice seed production of BRRI hybrid dhan2. Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 38(1): 155-163, March 2013 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v38i1.15202

An experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Gazipur, during November to May 2009-10 to study the effect of GA 3 and row ratio of restorer and CMS lines on different characters and F 1 seed production of BRRI hybrid dhan 2 . The treatments were of four levels of GA 3 viz., (i) control, (ii) 150 g/ha, (iii) 250 g/ha, and (iv) 350 g/ha and five row ratios (R:A) viz., (i) 2:8, (ii) 2:10, (iii) 2:12, (iv) 2:14, and (v) 2:16. Different doses of GA 3 ignificantly influenced growth and yield components of rice except total tillers/hill and 1000-grain weight. The highest F 1 seed yield (2.34 t/ha) of BRRI hybrid dhan 2 was obtained with an application of GA 3 @ 250 g/ha which enhanced the maximum number of effective tillers, the highest number of grains/panicle, panicle exsertion rate and outcrossing rate. The lowest seed yield (1.10 t/ha) was produced without application of GA 3 i.e., control. The row ratio of 2:12 and 2:8 produced the highest (2.05 t/ha) and the lowest (1.63 t/ha) F1seed yield, respectively. The interaction between GA 3 and row ratio of restorer and CMS lines was significant for F 1 seed yield. The highest F 1 seed yield (2.90 t/ha) was obtained with the application of GA 3 @ 250 g/ha at the row ratio of 2:12 (R: A). The lowest seed yield (0.95 t/ha) was recorded without application of GA 3 (control) at row ratios of 2:16. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v37i4.14391 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 37(4): 665-676, December 2012

Bupropion hydrochloride is a norepinephrine-dopamine disinhibitor (NDDI) approved for the treatment of depression and smoking cessation. Bupropion is a trimethylated monocyclic phenylaminoketone second-generation antidepressant, which differs structurally from most antidepressants, and resides in a novel mechanistic class that has no direct action on the serotonin system. Comprehensive chemical, physical, and spectroscopic profiles are presented. This analytical profile provides an extensive spectroscopic investigation utilizing mass spectrometry, one- and two-dimensional NMR, solid-state NMR, IR, NIR, Raman, UV, and X-ray diffraction. The profile also includes significant wet chemistry studies for pH, solubility, solution, and plasma stability. Both HPLC and UPLC methodology are presented for bupropion and its related impurities or major metabolites. The profile concludes with an overview of biological properties that includes toxicity, drug metabolism, and pharmacokinetics.

The present research work was carried out to isolate and identify Newcastle disease virus (NDV) by using haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. A total of 160 clinical (blood, tracheal and cloacal swabs) and post-mortem (brain, lung, colon and spleen) samples were collected from chickens of two field outbreaks of Newcastle disease (ND) in 2006, one in a broiler (Cobb-500) farm of Mymensingh district and other one in a layer (Sonali) farm of Gazipur district. All the samples were inoculated onto 10-day-old embryonated chicken eggs through allantoic sac route and in the chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEFs) cell culture. The allantoic fluid (AF) of the dead embryos and the infected culture fluid (ICF) of the CEF were harvested at 48 and 96 hours of post-infection, respectively. The HI and RT-PCR were employed to detect NDV in tissue homogenates of all the clinical and post-mortem samples as well as laboratory samples (AF and ICF). Among the clinical samples, virus isolation rate was found higher from tracheal swab (90%) compared to those of cloacal swab (85%) and serum (65%). On the other hand, among the four different types of post-mortem samples, virus isolation rate was found higher in spleen (100%) compared to those of lungs (80%), colon (60%), and brain (80%) samples. In CEF cell culture system, the rate of virus isolation from all the aforesaid samples was found 100% with the exception of serum samples. The isolation rate of NDV was higher in CEF culture system (93.8%) compared to that of avian embryos (80%). Among the clinical and post-mortem samples, inoculum of only cloacal swab and colon showed HA and HI activities. The anti-NDV hyperimmune serum revealed complete inhibition of the 4 haemagglutination unit of each isolate of viruses isolated from broiler and layer chickens present in the laboratory samples (AF and ICF). The NDV specific primers used in the direct RT-PCR for genome detection of NDV showed equal sensitivity and specificity with the RNA extracted from the clinical, post-mortem and laboratory samples (AF and ICF) as with the genomic RNA of reference NDV. Higher rate of detection of NDV was recorded with RT-PCR assay than HI test. Therefore, the molecular method (RT-PCR) can be introduced for rapid and confirmatory detection of NDV from any form of outbreak of ND in the field level of Bangladesh.DOI = http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v8i2.9618 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2010). 8 (2) : 87–92

The present study aimed at isolation and identification of Salmonella serovars from human stool and characterization of the isolated serovars using biochemical, serological, molecular and antimicrobial sensitivity techniques. A total of 25 samples were collected of which 16% were positive to Salmonella serovars. All the culturally positive isolates fermented dextrose, maltose and mannitol with the peoduction of acid and gas but not fermented sucrose and lactose. The same isolates showed Indole and V-P tests negative but M-R test positive. All the culturally and biochemically positive Salmonella serovars showed agglutination with poly ‘O’ and poly ‘H’ antisera. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that the isolated Salmonella serovars were highly sensitive to ciprofloxacin and moderately sensitive to chloramphenicol, kanamycin, cotrimoxazol and nalidixic acid. However, the positive isolates were resistant to erythromycin. The present study indicates that ciprofloxacin can be used as a first line therapy for the treatment of Salmonella gastroenteritis.DOI = http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v9i1.11218Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2011). 9(1): 85-93

In response to concerns raised about the quality of parenteral vancomycin products, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating the product quality of all FDA-approved parenteral vancomycin products available in the United States. Product quality was evaluated independently at two FDA Office of Testing and Research (FDA-OTR) sites. In the next phase of the investigation, being done in collaboration with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the in vivo activity of these products will be evaluated in an appropriate animal model. This paper summarizes results of the FDA investigation completed thus far. One site used a validated ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography method (OTR-UPLC), and the second site used the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for related substances provided in the British Pharmacopeia (BP) monograph for vancomycin intravenous infusion. Similar results were obtained by the two FDA-OTR laboratories using two different analytical methods. The products tested had 90 to 95% vancomycin B (active component of vancomycin) by the BP-HPLC method and 89 to 94% vancomycin by OTR-UPLC methods. Total impurities were 5 to 10% by BP-HPLC and 6 to 11% by OTR-UPLC methods. No single impurity was >2.0%, and the CDP-1 level was ≤2.0% across all products. Some variability in impurity profiles of the various products was observed. No adverse product quality issues were identified with the six U.S. vancomycin parenteral products. The quality parameters of all parenteral vancomycin products tested surpassed the United States Pharmacopeia acceptance criteria. Additional testing will characterize in vivo performance characteristics of these products.

Cerium oxide (CeO2) thin films have been prepared by electron beam evaporation technique onto glass substrate at a pressure of about 6 × 10−6 Torr. The thickness of CeO2 films ranges from 140–180 nm. The optical properties of cerium oxide films are studied in the wavelength range of 200–850 nm. The film is highly transparent in the visible region. It is also observed that the film has low reflectance in the ultra-violet region. The optical band gap of the film is determined and is found to decrease with the increase of film thickness. The values of absorption coefficient, extinction coefficient, refractive index, dielectric constant, phase angle and loss angle have been calculated from the optical measurements. The X-ray diffraction of the film showed that the film is crystalline in nature. The crystallite size of CeO2 films have been evaluated and found to be small. The experimental d-values of the film agreed closely with the standard values.

We report measurements of the transition temperature (TC) of superconducting films composed of various combinations of Ag and Pb layers. For samples with good electrical contact between the layers, the measured TC values show reasonable agreement with the Cooper model of the proximity effect. In poorly coupled samples, the normal layers appear to cause little if any suppression of the TC. We present a simple predictive expression for TC as a function of Ag content.

Infectious bursal disease is one of the most important viral disease of poultry usually affects young chickens of 3- 6 weeks. Hygienic management and proper vaccination are main way of control of this disease. But maternal antibody affects vaccination with live vaccine. To determine the effect of maternally derived antibody on live vaccine, the study was conducted. A total of 100 day old chicks (50 from vaccinated parent stock and 50 from non-vaccinated parent stock) were used in this study. A preset vaccination schedule was followed for chicken and blood samples were collected to find out the actual effect. It is observed that day old chicks contain high level (6294.14±24.95) of maternally derived antibody which gradually decline below positive level within 15-20 days (390.45 ±19.42) and half-life is about 5 days. Vaccination of chicken with high level of maternally derived antibody interferes with the vaccine virus results no immune response but revaccination provokes immune response. Better immune response is found in chickens vaccinated at day 21 and boostered at day 28. But there may be chance of infection because maternal antibody declined below positive level within 15-20 days. Chickens from non- vaccinated parent stock shows good immune response from first time that is from primary vaccination at day 7 and boosting at day 14.

From 1998 to 1999, a total of 128 blood samples were collected from scarlet macaws (Ara macao), kept in captivity in 11 different aviaries located in six provinces of Costa Rica. The sera were examined for antibodies directed against Chlamydophila psittaci, Newcastle disease virus (NDV), avian polyoma virus (APV), and Pacheco disease virus (PDV). Testing by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), showed 16 (12.39%) of the samples (n = 129) exhibited antibodies directed against C. psittaci. Employing haemagglutination inhibition tests for NDV antibodies, all of the samples were found to be negative. The prevalence of antibodies specific for APV was tested with a blocking ELISA and serum neutralization tests (SNT) and 12 of 128 samples (9.37%) were found to be positive with both tests. In SNT, two out of 128 samples (1.56%) were positive for PDV. This is the first description of the serological status in scarlet macaws in captivity in Costa Rica. The study demonstrates the absence of NDV antibodies in the birds investigated on one hand, but also indicates a health hazard for numerous avian species due to the risk of infections with C. psittaci, APV or PDV. Entre 1998 y 1999 se recogieron un total de 128 muestras de sangre de guacamayos rojos (Ara macao), mantenidos en cautividad en 11 aviarios diferentes situados en seis provincias de Costa Rica. Se examinaron los sueros para detectar anticuerpos dirigidos contra Chlamydophila psittaci, el virus de la enfermedad de Newcastle (NDV), el virus del polioma aviar (APV) y el virus de la enfermedad de Pacheco (PDV). La prueba de inmunoabsorción ligada a enzimas (ELISA) mostró que 16 (12,39%) de las muestras (n = 129) presentaban anticuerpos dirigidos contra C. psittaci. Las pruebas de inhibición de la hemaglutinación para detectar anticuerpos contra el virus de la enfermedad de Newcastle resultaron negativas en todas las muestras. La prevalencia de anticuerpos específicos contra el APV se comprobó con un ELISA de bloqueo y con pruebas de neutralización del suero (SNT) y 12 de 128 muestras (9,37%) resultaron positivas con ambas pruebas. En la SNT, dos de las 128 muestras (1,56%) resultaron positivas para el VDP. Esta es la primera descripción del estado serológico en guacamayos rojos en cautiverio en Costa Rica. El estudio demuestra, por un lado, la ausencia de anticuerpos contra el NDV en las aves investigadas, pero también indica un peligro sanitario para numerosas especies aviares debido al riesgo de infecciones por C. psittaci, APV o PDV. Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria

The liquefaction of natural gas is an energy intensive process and accounts for a considerable portion of the costs in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) value chain. Within this, the selection of the driver for running the gas compressor is one of the most important decisions and indeed the plant may well be designed around the driver, so one can appreciate the importance of driver selection. This paper forms part of a series of papers focusing on the research collaboration between Shell Global Solutions and Cranfield University, looking at the equipment selection of gas turbines in LNG service. The paper is a broad summary of the LNG Technoeconomic and Environmental Risk Analysis (TERA) tool created for equipment selection and looks at all the important factors affecting selection, including thermodynamic performance simulation of the gas turbines, lifing of hot gas path components, risk analysis, emissions, maintenance scheduling, and economic aspects. Moreover, the paper looks at comparisons between heavy duty industrial frame engines and two artificial design variants representing potential engine uprates. The focus is to provide a quantitative and multidisciplinary approach to equipment selection. The paper is not aimed to produce absolute accurate results (e.g., in terms of engine life prediction or emissions), but useful and realistic trends for the comparison of different driver solutions. The process technology is simulated based on the Shell DMR technology and single isolated trains are simulated with two engines in each train. The final analysis is normalized per tonne of LNG produced to better compare the technologies.

The association between nephrolithiasis and many chronic kidney diseases suggests a common causative link. There are indications that stone formation can lead to hypertension, diabetes, chronic disease and myocardial infarct. The reverse also appears to be true in that diabetes and hypertension can lead to stone formation. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the development of oxidative stress (OS) are common features of many renal and cardiovascular diseases including, hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and nephrolithiasis. It is my hypothesis that oxidative stress produced by one disease may lead to another under suitable conditions. For example mild hypercalciuria, hyperoxaluria, hypocitraturia which under normal conditions may just be a curiosity or nuisance can promote crystallization when cells are injured by ROS produced by the co-morbid condition. On the other hand OS produced during or as a result of nephrolithiasis may promote hypertension or diabetic nephropathy.

PbSe thin films are prepared on glass substrate by a simple evaporation technique at a pressure of 3.33 x 10 -3 Pa. The resistivity of the films is determined in the thickness range from 20 to 350 nm. The temperature dependence of resistivity shows some peculiarities. The resistivity shows semiconducting behaviour at temperatures below 390 K and exhibits semimetallic characteristics above 390 K. The thickness dependence of resistivity is found to follow the Fuchs-Sondheimer size effect theory. The activation energy is determined and the aging effect study of the films reveals a low oxygen absorption. Hall coefficient, carrier concentration, and thermoelectric power are also studied. The Hall coefficient shows a positive sign exhibiting p-type carriers. Investigations on thermoelectric power show a positive value which signifies a p-type sample. A preliminary study of the p-type sample exhibits photoconductivity.

Evaluation of genotoxicity of RISUG® - a vas based contraceptive, was carried out in the present study. Animals were allotted into groups of sham operated control, vas occlusion with RISUG (5-7 μl) for 360 days and reversal by DMSO (250-500 μl) and 5% NaHCO₃ (500 μl). Blood samples and testis were collected at 360 days of vas occlusion and 90 days of vas occlusion reversal for comet analysis. Hydrogen peroxide induced samples were used as positive control. Olive moment, tail length and percentage DNA in tail were recorded with minimum variation in all groups for both leukocytes and testis. When compared with positive control the variation was highly significant for both 20 μM and 50 μM H₂O₂ (p0.001). It is concluded that vas occlusion with RISUG at the contraceptive dose regimen is not associated with genotoxicity in leukocytes or the testis of pre- and post-reversal rats.

The ultraviolet, visible and infrared properties of as-deposited and annealed Cu-SiO cermet thin films prepared by co-evaporation in vacuo at approximately 1 mPa in the thickness range 100-400 nm were investigated. The composition of copper was varied between 2-20vol%Cu. The evaluated optical band gap E opt varied between 2.71 and l.98eV over the composition range studied. A systematic reduction of E opt and an increase in the width of the band tailing E e were observed with increasing copper content. At 20°C, E opt for a fixed composition was found to increase with film thickness while the value of E e decreased. For annealed films, the absorption edges shifted towards shorter wavelength, with E opt, increasing and E e decreasing. The values of refractive index varied between 2.16 and 2.63, depending on film thickness and composition. The main infrared absorption band of the films was found at 1000cm−1. Electron diffraction and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the cermet structure consisted...

Procurement of process plant equipment involves decisions based not only on an economic agenda but also on long term plant capability, which in turn depends on equipment reliability. As the greater global community raises environmental concerns and pushes for economic reform, a tool is evermore required for specific and critical selection of plant equipment. Risk assessments based on NASA’s Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale have been employed in many previous risk models to map technology in terms of risk and reliability. The authors envisage a scale for quantifying technical risk. The focus of this paper is the technical risk assessment of gas turbines as mechanical drivers for producing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). This risk assessment is a cornerstone of the TERA philosophy, a Technoeconomic and Environmental Risk Analysis developed by Cranfield University’s Department of Power and Propulsion in the UK. Monte Carlo simulations are used in order to compare the risks of introducing new plant equipment against existing and established plant equipment. Three scenarios are investigated using an 87MW single spool, typical industrial machine; a baseline engine followed by an engine with increased firing temperature and finally an engine with a zero staged compressor. The results suggest that if the baseline engine was to be upgraded then the zero staging option would be a better solution than increasing firing temperature since zero staging gives the lower rise in Total Time to Repair (TTTR), or downtime. The authors suggest a scaling system based on NASA’s TRL but with modified definition criteria for the separate technology readiness levels in order to better relate the scale to gas turbine technology. The intention is to link the modified TRL to downtime, since downtime has been identified as a quantitative measure of technical risk. Latest developments of the modelling are looking at integrating risk analysis and a maintenance cost and scheduling model to provide a platform for total risk assessment. This, coupled with emissions modelling, is set to provide the overall TERA tool for LNG technology selection.Copyright © 2010 by ASME

In Pakistan there are a number of acute problems related to maternal and infant health in the perinatal period. There is also lack of reliable data needed for the formulation of action strategies. To provide a database 1490 women have been followed from the 5th month of pregnancy in four different areas at various levels of urbanization and socio-economic development. After adjusting for gestational age, the proportion of newborns with weight for length < -2SDS in relation to the Swedish National Standard was 12-31% for boys and 12-25% for girls, the figure being highest in the most deprived area. Preterm birth was infrequent compared with IUGR. The overall prevalence rate of birth defects was 21% out of which 8% were severe defects. The overall perinatal mortality rate was 56/1000 births, with rates of 60, 75, 36 and 33/1000 births for the village, periurban slum, urban slum and the upper middle class. Two thirds of the deaths were related to either a continuation of intrauterine disturbances or severe congenital defects incompatible with life. One third of the deaths were due to infection; mostly diarrhoea, clinical sepsis and ARI. Neonatal mortality was significantly related to birth length (< -2SDS, odds ratio 5.5) and length of gestation (< 37 weeks, odds ratio 5.6) and was to a lesser extent related to weight (< -2SDS, odds ratio 2.0) and weight for length (< -2SDS, odds ratio 1.3). Forty percent of the mothers had weight for height below -2SDS, 23-35% had height < -2SDS. Forty percent of mothers from a subset within the cohort had a hemoglobin < 10 gm/dl and 20% showed signs of pre-eclampsia. This presentation raises the issue of expanding the current Child Survival Programs into the perinatal period as well.

Thin vanadium oxide films were made by vacuum evaporation followed by the annealing posttreatment in the presence of air. The thickness increased by a factor as large as approximately 2.3 on oxidation. Electron diffractograms indicated a bcc ? monoclinic transformation during the annealing, and electron micrographs showed pronounced grain growth. Temperature-dependent electrical conductivity as well as spectral transmittance was measured vs annealing time. At an initial thickness of 0.12 microm, it took a few hours to establish VO(2) films with a well defined semiconductor-metal transition and concomitant thermochromic switching at approximately 57 degrees C.

The study was performed with a view to isolate and identify a virulent strain of S. gallinarum and determine the purity, safety and efficacy of BIO-TYPHOID ® vaccine. A total of 40 backyard layer chicken were used for this study where Group A was used for experimental vaccination, Group B kept as control and Group C was used for calculating virulent S. gallinarum challenge dose. Primary and secondary vaccination was carried out at 40 days and 110 days of age, respectively. Blood samples were collected to obtain the sera after vaccination from both vaccinated and unvaccinated control group and antibody titres were determined by Microplate agglutination test. The antibody titre increased in primary vaccination up to days 56 days post vaccination (DPV) and then decreased gradually. The highest antibody titre (Mean ± SE) 384.00 ± 42.67 was obtained at 91 DPV (21 days later of secondary vaccination) and maintained up to 98 DPV. Safety test was done by inoculating mice and purity test of the vaccine was done by inoculating on to Blood Agar media. The efficacy of BIO-TYPHOID ® vaccine was recorded as 90% which was determined by challenge infection with 0.1 ml of 5x10 5 CFU virulent S. gallinarum . Results of this study revealed successful protections by BIO-TYPHOID ® vaccine. Keywords: BIO-TYPHOID ® vaccine; Chicken; Efficacy; Fowl Typhoid DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i2.4737 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(2): 295-299, 2009

This paper concentrates on the emissions module of what is part of a wider project dealing with various aspects of gas turbine usage as drivers for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) production. The framework is known as TERA, a Techno-Economic and Environmental Risk Analysis, developed at Cranfield University with the core of the study being the performance module whilst the risk, economics and environmental modules are built around the performance. Whilst TERA exists for aviation and power production no such system is available for assessment of LNG production. With environmental issues high on the public agenda new legislation on emissions can be expected, especially in Europe. This will mean Oil & Gas companies will have to look for ways to reduce their emissions. One way to reduce turbo machinery losses is to replace out dated and/or obsolete machinery having less overall energy efficiency. The selection of turbomachinery involves assessments of risk, both economic and technical, as well as environmental impacts of the new technology. The core to all of this is the performance assessment, the primary basis on which selection is made. An aviation emissions model, developed at Cranfield University, is adapted for industrial applications. Technical performance calculations are made using the inhouse software called Turbomatch. Performance results for three typical days of the year (summer, winter and spring/autumn) are fed into the emissions model to get the levels of NOx, CO2, H2O, CO and unburnt hydrocarbon emissions. Later, NOx, CO2 and H2O emissions levels are fed into the environmental module to estimate the damage the engine causes to the environment over 100 years with respect to global warming. Two hypothetical engine configurations are investigated based on engine data available in the public domain. The first one, an 85MW single spool industrial machine (SSI-85), is used as the baseline to compare against a 100MW triple spool, intercooled aeroderivative (ITSA-100). The results suggest that the ITSA-100 produces more NOx but has less carbon emissions and consequently less global warming effects. This has varied economic impacts depending on which emission is a priority for reduction. CO2 and H2O emissions are more important than NOx for LNG gas turbine applications. The paper shows how this simple but effective system can be utilised to give a viable comparison between one or more proposed solutions for turbomachinery selection and replacement. The scope of the system is expanded as other modules come together to give a total assessment in terms of technical, economic, environmental and risk perspectives for LNG production.

Rectal cultures from Swedish and Pakistani hospital-delivered newborn infants were analysed regarding the early acquisition of enterobacteria. Swedish infants were delivered vaginally, Pakistani infants were delivered either vaginally or by caesarean section. The Swedish infants were all breast-fed, whereas breastfeeding was incomplete and often started late among the Pakistani infants. Both groups of Pakistani infants were more rapidly colonized with enterobacteria than were the Swedish infants. Cultures from Swedish infants seldom yielded more than one kind of enterobacteria; E. coli and Klebsiella were most frequently isolated. E. coli dominated in both Pakistani groups, but especially caesarean section delivered infants were in addition often colonized with Proteus, Klebsiella, Enterobacter or Citrobacter species. Breastfeeding from the first day of life reduced colonization with Klebsiella/Enterobacter/Citrobacter. The results suggest that environmental exposure, delivery mode and early feeding habits all influence the early intestinal colonization with enterobacteria.

Thin films of LixVO2(0≤x≲0.43) were made by reactive sputtering and annealing post‐treatment, followed by electrochemical cycling in an electrolyte containing LiClO4. The films showed electrochromism, and bleached under Li insertion. Weak thermochromism was observed with a drop of the transmittance, accompanied by a conductivity increase, at ∼60 °C.