Explore the vast range of titles available.

Integrated chicken and fish farming systems, common in Bangladesh, present significant public health risks due to the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factors (VFGs) through mobile genetic elements (MGEs). This study employs metagenomic sequencing to explore the diversity and abundance of ARGs, VFGs, and MGEs in various environmental samples from these farming systems. A total of 384 ARGs were detected, with tetracycline resistance genes such as tetM and tetX being the most abundant, alongside macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin and aminoglycoside resistance genes. Droppings harbored the highest proportion of ARGs (62.2%), whereas sediment served as a reservoir for multi-metal resistance genes. Virulence factors associated with immune modulation, such as pvdL and tssH , and biofilm formation genes like algC were particularly prevalent in sediment and droppings. Among MGEs, plasmids and transposons like Tn6072 and Tn4001 were the most abundant, playing a critical role in horizontal gene transfer. Bacterial genera including Bacteroides , Clostridium , and Escherichia were strongly associated with MGEs, indicating their role in the dissemination of resistance and virulence traits. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences in the abundance of ARGs, VFGs, and MGEs across sample types, with sediment and droppings identified as hotspots for gene exchange. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved antibiotic stewardship and waste management practices to limit the spread of antimicrobial resistance and pathogenic bacteria within integrated farming environments.

Antibacterial finishing of textile materials using natural resources is now a trend due to the growing concerns about infectious diseases caused by microorganisms. In this study, antibacterial finishing has been applied to cotton fabric using red dragon fruit ( Hylocereus polyrhizus ) peel extracts through microencapsulation technique using the pad-dry-cure method as well as direct application with pre-mordanting and cross-linking. The antibacterial activity of the developed cotton fabric samples was assessed against a Gram-positive and a Gram-negative bacterium. The samples treated with microcapsules showed significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli even after being subjected to several washing cycles which is almost identical with the sample prepared through direct application with cross-linking. However, the samples prepared with pre-mordanting showed moderate antibacterial activity against the bacterium. Experimental data ensured that the microcapsule-treated fabric sample was durable. Topographical and elemental analyses of the samples were done using a Field Emission Scanning Electron microscope, and the chemical compound and chemical bonding was investigated using FTIR spectroscopy. Graphical Abstract

Yeast Cdc48 is a well-conserved, essential chaperone of ATPases associated with diverse cellular activity (AAA) proteins, which recognizes substrate proteins and modulates their conformations to carry out many cellular processes. However, the fundamental mechanisms underlying the diverse pivotal roles of Cdc48 remain unknown. Almost all AAA proteins form a ring-shaped structure with a conserved aromatic amino acid residue that is essential for proper function. The threading mechanism hypothesis suggests that this residue guides the intrusion of substrate proteins into a narrow pore of the AAA ring, thereby becoming unfolded. By contrast, the aromatic residue in one of the two AAA rings of Cdc48 has been eliminated through evolution. Here, we show that artificial retrieval of this aromatic residue in Cdc48 is lethal, and essential features to support the threading mechanism are required to exhibit the lethal phenotype. In particular, genetic and biochemical analyses of the Cdc48 lethal mutant strongly suggested that when in complex with the 20S proteasome, essential proteins are abnormally forced to thread through the Cdc48 pore to become degraded, which was not detected in wild-type Cdc48. Thus, the widely applicable threading model is less effective for wild-type Cdc48; rather, Cdc48 might function predominantly through an as-yet-undetermined mechanism.

Bangladeshi yogurt is a creamy, tangy dairy product with culinary significance in Bangladesh, often consumed alone or as a complement to spicy dishes. This study investigates the microbial diversity and nutritional composition in 38 samples, spanning commercial and locally produced varieties from eight districts. Through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, 650 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were identified: sour yogurt contained 493 OTUs, and sweet yogurt 441 OTUs. Firmicutes were predominant across both yogurt types, with unique appearances of Gracilibacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, and Spirochaetes in sour yogurt, while Euryarchaeota and Lentisphaerae were found only in sweet yogurt. Streptococcus and Lactobacillus emerged as the most abundant genera, with local sour samples presenting lower Firmicutes levels (84.98%) compared to commercial types (> 99.27%). Among the samples, those from Cox's Bazar exhibited the greatest bacterial diversity. Nutritional assessments revealed that branded yogurts were denser in nutrients, especially solids-not-fat (SNF), total solids, and essential minerals like iron and zinc. In contrast, local yogurts contained higher fat and lower sodium, appealing to consumers favoring richer textures with less salt. Increased acidity in local varieties also matched preferences for tangier flavors. Physicochemical analysis identified a negative association between Lactobacillus levels and pH, while higher fat content reduced overall bacterial diversity except for Lactobacillus , which further decreased mineral bioavailability. Carbohydrate metabolism was dominant in both types, with increased amino acid metabolism (11.72%) and xenobiotics biodegradation (3.94%) in sour yogurt. This study underscores the health-promoting properties of Bangladeshi yogurt, highlighting its unique regional microbiological and biochemical characteristics.

Background and Aims Since the beginning of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic, multiple new variants have emerged posing an increased risk to global public health. This study aimed to investigate SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, their temporal dynamics, infection rate (IFR) and case fatality rate (CFR) in Bangladesh by analyzing the published genomes. Methods We retrieved 6610 complete whole genome sequences of the SARS‐CoV‐2 from the GISAID (Global Initiative on Sharing all Influenza Data) platform from March 2020 to October 2022, and performed different in‐silico bioinformatics analyses. The clade and Pango lineages were assigned by using Nextclade v2.8.1. SARS‐CoV‐2 infections and fatality data were collected from the Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Bangladesh. The average IFR was calculated from the monthly COVID‐19 cases and population size while average CFR was calculated from the number of monthly deaths and number of confirmed COVID‐19 cases. Results SARS‐CoV‐2 first emerged in Bangladesh on March 3, 2020 and created three pandemic waves so far. The phylogenetic analysis revealed multiple introductions of SARS‐CoV‐2 variant(s) into Bangladesh with at least 22 Nextstrain clades and 107 Pangolin lineages with respect to the SARS‐CoV‐2 reference genome of Wuhan/Hu‐1/2019. The Delta variant was detected as the most predominant (48.06%) variant followed by Omicron (27.88%), Beta (7.65%), Alpha (1.56%), Eta (0.33%) and Gamma (0.03%) variant. The overall IFR and CFR from circulating variants were 13.59% and 1.45%, respectively. A time‐dependent monthly analysis showed significant variations in the IFR (p = 0.012, Kruskal–Wallis test) and CFR (p = 0.032, Kruskal–Wallis test) throughout the study period. We found the highest IFR (14.35%) in 2020 while Delta (20A) and Beta (20H) variants were circulating in Bangladesh. Remarkably, the highest CFR (1.91%) from SARS‐CoV‐2 variants was recorded in 2021. Conclusion Our findings highlight the importance of genomic surveillance for careful monitoring of variants of concern emergence to interpret correctly their relative IFR and CFR, and thus, for implementation of strengthened public health and social measures to control the spread of the virus. Furthermore, the results of the present study may provide important context for sequence‐based inference in SARS‐CoV‐2 variant(s) evolution and clinical epidemiology beyond Bangladesh.

The prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) is high in Bangladesh, but no study has collated recent estimates of LBW prevalence from throughout the country. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the prevalence of LBW and birth weight status in Bangladesh. We searched PubMed, Medline, Ovo and Google Scholar to find published articles in national and international journals from 2000–2020 and reviewed for relevance. Meta-analysis and Q test were performed to estimate the prevalence and heterogeneity of LBW from all included articles. Meta-regression was done to quantify associations with sample size and study year. Stratified analysis was conducted and effect size calculated for differences in LBW prevalence by sex, division and urban/rural area. In total 48 studies with 166,520 births were found and included in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of LBW was 29.1% (95% CI, 28.9–29.3%) in overall, 29.9% (29.7–30.2%) in rural and 15.7% (14.9–16.6%) in urban areas. There was no significant difference in average birth weight between boys and girls (SD, 0.71; 95% CI, −0.43–1.83). Prevalence of LBW was higher in north-east Bangladesh compared to other zones (p<0.05). The pooled prevalence of LBW did not change significantly for last two decades. The prevalence of LBW in Bangladesh remains high. Lack of improvement suggests an urgent need for scaled up maternal and prenatal interventions and services known to reduce LBW. Urban/rural and divisional differences in rates suggest areas of greatest need.

Background and Aim: The use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in the poultry industry has raised concern because of their potential harm to human health. Emerging evidence suggests that probiotics are a safer substitute, although little research has explored this in Bangladesh. We recently isolated local bacterial strains with probiotic properties. We aimed to determine their impact on the growth, hematobiochemical parameters, and production costs of broiler chicks relative to that of a commercial probiotic (CP) and AGP. Materials and Methods: Day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb 500, n=63) were divided equally into three experimental groups (three replicates per group and seven chicks per replicate). First group was fed a basal diet supplemented with the AGP, ciprofloxacin (CTL group), second group was fed a basal diet supplemented with the CP, Protexin® (CP group), and the third group was fed a basal diet supplemented with our isolated bacterial strains (study probiotic [SP] group) for 36 days. Body weight was recorded daily, and relative growth rate (RGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and organ weights and carcass yields were calculated at the study's end. Blood obtained on day 36 was used to determine the number of red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cells (WBCs), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, packed cell volume, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, as well as levels of serum glucose, total and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides (TGs). Total production costs were estimated by summing the variable and fixed costs. Results: Chicks in both the CP and SP groups experienced significant decreases in blood glucose levels and significant increases in BW, RGR, FCR, levels of RBC and WBC, Hb concentration, and packed cell volume compared with those in the CTL group (p<0.05 for all). Our data suggested a numerical reduction (p>0.05) in levels of total cholesterol, TGs, and HDL in the SP and CP groups when compared to the CTL group. In addition, both CP and SP treatments resulted in significant (p<0.05) gains in net profit compared with the treatment given to the CTL group. Conclusion: Administration of probiotics, either from a commercialized or local source, led to greater improvements in growth, hematological parameters, and net profits of broiler chicks when compared with that of an AGP. This suggests that they are suitable alternatives to the AGPs used in poultry feed and that our isolated strains, in particular, are an ideal option for farmers in Bangladesh.

Purpose Identifying the factors influencing the preventive practices of the healthcare workers (HCWs) is crucial during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) because the HCWs are exposed to unparalleled levels of risks. Such concern is starting to be explored worldwide although there is only a single study available in Bangladesh with a limited scope of explorations of the domain. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the factors determining better preventive practices of HCWs toward COVID‐19. Materials and methods A cross‐sectional one‐to‐one survey was carried out using a validated questionnaire from December 15, 2020 to March 15, 2021 among a sample of 640 HCWs from Khulna, a southwestern division of Bangladesh, consisting of ten districts. The measures included socio‐demographics, knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices related information. A binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors determining preventive practices of HCWs toward COVID‐19. Results More than half of the respondents (62%) were following better preventive practices. Besides, around 70% of them had better knowledge and attitudes toward the disease. Regression analysis showed a number of major determining factors of the HCWs' better preventive practices including being a nurse or other professionals (ie, radiologists and pathologists), being graduates, working in coronavirus isolation units, managing COVID‐19 patients, having previous training, and having better attitudes toward COVID‐19. Conclusion The findings confirmed that the HCWs were generally practicing preventive manners although these trends followed were not at the standard level. So, providing guidance and information from authentic sources and organizing proper training could possibly enhance the preventive behavior in managing COVID‐19 patients.

Medical report of the male patient Blood group ABO B Rh Positive Hematological report HGB (Hemoglobin) (cyanomethanoglobin method) 13.0 g/dL ESR (westergren) 35 mm Differential count WBC Total count of WBC 5300/cmm Neutrophils 43% Lymphocytes 48% Eosinophils 3% Monocytes 6% Basophils 0% Total count of platelet 210 000/cmm Biochemical analysis report Random plasma glucose 5.8 mmol/L S. Creatinine 0.9 mg/dL SGPT (ALT) 32 U/L Immunology report D-Dimer 0.21 Case 2: Medical report of the female patient Hematological report HGB (hemoglobin) (cyanomethanoglobin method) 11.5 g/dL ESR (westergren) 20 mm Differential count WBC Total count of WBC 8200/cmm Neutrophils 57% Lymphocytes 35% Eosinophils 6% Monocytes 2% Basophils 0% Total count of platelet 1,86 000/cmm Biochemical analysis report S. Bilirubin 0.8 mg/dL SGPT (ALT) 32 U/L SGOT (AST) 45 Immunology report D-Dimer Not done Partial sequencing of the RBD portion of the spike protein revealed two featured mutations (L452R and T478K) of the B.1.617.2 PANGO lineage for both samples. 14 Whole-genome sequences revealed 38 mutations and 29 aa substitutions for the sample JUST1 (Collected from the female patient, GISAID accession ID—EPI_ISL_ 2 036 272) and 33 mutations and 26 aa substitutions for sample JUST2 (Collected from the male patient, GISAID accession ID—EPI_ISL_1942249). [...]the Nextstrain server (https://nextstrain.org/sars-cov-2/) for SARS-CoV-2 phylodynamics also bolstered our interpretation based on the mutation pattern of the strains. The Delta variants were 50% more transmissible and 60% more lethal (For every one death 1.6 death in ratio compared with the previous version of the virus) with reduced affinity for neutralizing antibody (The L452R mutation confers a reduction of the recognition capability of the immune system) as demonstrated by other studies. 15,16 Transmission of these new variants may cause a similar impact among Bangladeshi population, which introduced the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine.

The loss of electronic medical records has seriously affected the practical application of biomedical data. Therefore, it is a meaningful research effort to effectively fill these lost data. Currently, state-of-the-art methods focus on using Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to fill the missing values of electronic medical records, achieving breakthrough progress. However, when facing datasets with high missing rates, the imputation accuracy of these methods sharply deceases. This motivates us to explore the uncertainty of GANs and improve the GAN-based imputation methods. In this paper, the GRUD (Gate Recurrent Unit Decay) network and the UGAN (Uncertainty Generative Adversarial Network) are proposed and organically combined, called UGAN-GRUD. In UGAN-GRUD, it highlights using GAN to generate imputation values and then leveraging GRUD to compensate them. We have designed the UGAN and the GRUD network. The former is employed to learn the distribution pattern and uncertainty of data through the Generator and Discriminator, iteratively. The latter is exploited to compensate the former by leveraging the GRUD based on time decay factor, which can learn the specific temporal relations in electronic medical records. Through experimental research on publicly available biomedical datasets, the results show that UGAN-GRUD outperforms the current state-of-the-art methods, with average 13% RMSE (Root Mean Squared Error) and 24.5% MAPE (Mean Absolute Percentage Error) improvements.