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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Axfors, Cathrine, et al.
(author)
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Association between convalescent plasma treatment and mortality in COVID-19 : a collaborative systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
- 2021
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In: BMC Infectious Diseases. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1471-2334. ; 21:1
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Convalescent plasma has been widely used to treat COVID-19 and is under investigation in numerous randomized clinical trials, but results are publicly available only for a small number of trials. The objective of this study was to assess the benefits of convalescent plasma treatment compared to placebo or no treatment and all-cause mortality in patients with COVID-19, using data from all available randomized clinical trials, including unpublished and ongoing trials (Open Science Framework, ). Methods: In this collaborative systematic review and meta-analysis, clinical trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform), the Cochrane COVID-19 register, the LOVE database, and PubMed were searched until April 8, 2021. Investigators of trials registered by March 1, 2021, without published results were contacted via email. Eligible were ongoing, discontinued and completed randomized clinical trials that compared convalescent plasma with placebo or no treatment in COVID-19 patients, regardless of setting or treatment schedule. Aggregated mortality data were extracted from publications or provided by investigators of unpublished trials and combined using the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman random effects model. We investigated the contribution of unpublished trials to the overall evidence. Results: A total of 16,477 patients were included in 33 trials (20 unpublished with 3190 patients, 13 published with 13,287 patients). 32 trials enrolled only hospitalized patients (including 3 with only intensive care unit patients). Risk of bias was low for 29/33 trials. Of 8495 patients who received convalescent plasma, 1997 died (23%), and of 7982 control patients, 1952 died (24%). The combined risk ratio for all-cause mortality was 0.97 (95% confidence interval: 0.92; 1.02) with between-study heterogeneity not beyond chance (I-2 = 0%). The RECOVERY trial had 69.8% and the unpublished evidence 25.3% of the weight in the meta-analysis. Conclusions: Convalescent plasma treatment of patients with COVID-19 did not reduce all-cause mortality. These results provide strong evidence that convalescent plasma treatment for patients with COVID-19 should not be used outside of randomized trials. Evidence synthesis from collaborations among trial investigators can inform both evidence generation and evidence application in patient care.
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| 5. |
- Roig-Puiggros, S., et al.
(author)
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Construction and reconstruction of brain circuits: normal and pathological axon guidance
- 2020
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In: Journal of Neurochemistry. - : Wiley. - 0022-3042 .- 1471-4159.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Perception of our environment entirely depends on the close interaction between the central and peripheral nervous system. In order to communicate each other, both systems must develop in parallel and in coordination. During development, axonal projections from the CNS as well as the PNS must extend over large distances to reach their appropriate target cells. To do so, they read and follow a series of axon guidance molecules. Interestingly, while these molecules play critical roles in guiding developing axons, they have also been shown to be critical in other major neurodevelopmental processes, such as the migration of cortical progenitors. Currently, a major hurdle for brain repair after injury or neurodegeneration is the absence of axonal regeneration in the mammalian CNS. By contrasts, PNS axons can regenerate. Many hypotheses have been put forward to explain this paradox but recent studies suggest that hacking neurodevelopmental mechanisms may be the key to promote CNS regeneration. Here we provide a seminar report written by trainees attending the second Flagship school held in Alpbach, Austria in September 2018 organized by the International Society for Neurochemistry (ISN) together with the Journal of Neurochemistry (JCN). This advanced school has brought together leaders in the fields of neurodevelopment and regeneration in order to discuss major keystones and future challenges in these respective fields.
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| 6. |
- Ahmed, Anisuddin, et al.
(author)
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Measuring the effectiveness of an integrated intervention package to improve the level of infection prevention and control : a multi-centre study in Bangladesh
- 2024
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In: Journal of Hospital Infection. - : Elsevier. - 0195-6701 .- 1532-2939. ; 145, s. 22-33
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a critical component of delivering safe, effective and high -quality healthcare services, and eliminating avoidable healthcare -associated infections (HAIs) in health facilities, predominantly in populationdense settings such as Bangladesh.Aim: Our study aimed to assess the effect of an integrated intervention package in improving the IPC level of the health facilities in Bangladesh.Methods: We conducted a pre -post intervention study in six district hospitals (DHs) and 13 Upazila Health Complexes (UHCs) in the six districts of Bangladesh. Baseline and endline assessments were conducted between March and December 2021 using the adapted World Health Organization Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (WHO-IPCAF) tool. The IPCAF score, ranging from 0-800, was calculated by adding the scores of eight components, and the IPC promotion and practice level was categorized as Inadequate (0 -200), Basic (201-400), Intermediate (401-600) and Advanced (601-800). The integrated intervention package including IPC committee formation, healthcare provider training, logistics provision, necessary guidelines distribution, triage/flu corners establishment, and infrastructure development was implemented in all facilities.Results: The average IPCAF score across all the facilities showed a significant increase from 16% (95% CI: 11.5-20.65%) to 54% (95% CI: 51.4-57.1%). Overall, the IPCAF score increased by 34 percentage points (P<0.001) in DHs and 40 percentage points (P<0.001) in UHCs. Following the intervention, 12 (three DHs, nine UHCs) of 19 facilities progressed from inadequate to intermediate, and another three DHs upgraded from basic to intermediate in terms of IPC level.Conclusion: The integrated intervention package improved IPCAF score in all facilities.
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| 7. |
- Biswas, M. K., et al.
(author)
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In exploitation of genetic diversity in potato breeding
- 2010
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In: Agronomski Glasnik (Agronomy Journal). - Zagreb : Hrvatsko agronomsko društvo. - 1848-8900. ; 72:4-5, s. 261-276
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- With a view to select divergent parents genetic diversity was estimated among twenty genotypes. Thirty F1 progenies developed by line-tester mating were studied from seedling generation to first clonal generation for five important agronomic traits. Cluster analysis reveals that the parents could be grouped into seven different clusters. Cluster means showed wide range of variation for several traits among singles as well as multi genotypic clusters. Considering diversity pattern, parents should select from cluster I, III, IV, and V for the improvement of potato. Analysis of variance revealed that all most all the sources of variation were highly significant for all the studied traits in both generations. Parents Challisha, Lalpakri, Patnai, Chamak, Sadagoti, TPS-67 and TPS-364 were found to be good general combiners for tuber yield and yield contribution traits due to their gca effects. The sca effects showed that out of 30 hybrids 12 were found to have specific combining ability for tuber yield and those hybrids also exhibited considerable heterosis for tuber yield and yield contributing traits.
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| 8. |
- Ahmed, K. M., et al.
(author)
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Groundwater quality contrasts between Upper and Lower Dupi Tila Aquifers in Megacity Dhaka, Bangladesh
- 2011
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In: Groundwater quality contrasts between Upper and Lower Dupi Tila Aquifers in Megacity Dhaka, Bangladesh. - 9781907161162 ; , s. 71-74
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Dhaka is one of the fastest growing megacities of the world and is set to become the third largest by 2025. Currently about 86% of the municipal water supply comes from over 500 wells drilled in the Dupi Tila aquifers underlying the city. The Upper Dupi Tila aquifer (UDTA) is overexploited and a large part has been dewatered; abstractions from the lower Dupi Tila started only recently. Results of water analysis and EC surveys have been used to decipher the variations in groundwater quality in the UDTA and LDTA. EC surveys reveal a systematic deterioration of water quality in the vicinity of the Buriganga River in southeast Dhaka. The UDTA is more widely affected by anthropogenic processes than the LDTA, which still largely exhibits its intrinsic water quality characteristics. Regular monitoring and proper management practices are essential to protect the quality of this precarious resource.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Rahman, M., et al.
(author)
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The Ameliorating Effects Of Zingiber Zerumbet Linn On Sodium Arsenite-Induced Changes Of Blood Indices In Experimental Mice
- 2012
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In: Life Sciences and Medicine Research. - : Aston Journals. - 1948-7886. ; , s. LSMR-41-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of Zingiber zerumbet Linn powder on sodium arsenite-induced changes of blood indices in experimental mice. Swiss albino male mice were divided into four groups. The first group was used as control, while the second, third and fourth groups were treated with Z. zerumbet (L.) powder, sodium arsenite and Z. zerumbet (L.) powder plus sodium arsenite, respectively. Animals (third and fourth groups) were exposed to sodium arsenite at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight/day for 12 weeks. Exposure to sodium arsenite revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase of serum urea, uric acid, triglyceride (TG), glucose levels and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Serum butyryl cholinesterase (BChE) activity significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in sodium arsenite-treated group as compared with control group. Interestingly, food supplemented with Z. zerumbet (L.) (50 mg/kg body weight/day) showed protective effect against sodium arsenite-induced increase of serum urea, uric acid and TG levels except serum glucose levels. Moreover, Z. zerumbet (L.) also abrogated the sodium arsenite-induced changes of BChE and ALP activities. Therefore, the ameliorating effects of Z. zerumbet (L.) on sodium arsenite-treated mice suggested the future application of Z. zerumbet (L.) to reduce or prevent arsenic toxicity in human.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
- Hassan, Mohammad M., et al.
(author)
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Serological Evidence of Avian Influenza in Captive Wild Birds in a Zoo and Two Safari Parks in Bangladesh
- 2020
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In: Veterinary Sciences. - : MDPI AG. - 2306-7381. ; 7:3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Avian influenza (AI) is endemic and frequently causes seasonal outbreaks in winter in Bangladesh due to high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 and low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H9N2. Among avian influenza A viruses (AIV), H5, H7, and H9 subtypes have the most zoonotic potential. Captive birds in zoos and safari parks are used for educational, recreational, breeding, and conservational purposes in Bangladesh. To screen for AIV in captive birds to assess potential public health threats, we conducted a cross-sectional study in two safari parks and one zoo in Bangladesh for four months, from November to December 2013 and from January to February 2014. We collected blood samples, oropharyngeal, and cloacal swabs from 228 birds. We tested serum samples for AIV antibodies using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) and AIV sero-subtype H5, H7, and H9 using hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. Swab samples were tested for the presence of avian influenza viral RNA using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). Across all the samples, AIV antibody prevalence was 9.7% (95% CI: 6.1-14.2, n = 228) and AIV HA subtype H5, H7 and H9 sero-prevalence was 0% (95% CI: 0-1.6, n = 228), 0% (95% CI: 0-1.6, n = 228) and 6.6% (95% CI: 3.72-10.6, n = 228), respectively. No AI viral RNA (M-gene) was detected in any swab sample (0%, 95% CI: 0-1.6, n = 228). Birds in the Safari park at Cox's Bazar had a higher prevalence in both AIV antibody prevalence (13.5%) and AIV H9 sero-prevalence (9.6%) than any of the other sites, although the difference was not statistically significant. Among eight species of birds, Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) had the highest sero-positivity for both AIV antibody prevalence (26.1%) and AIV H9 prevalence (17.4%) followed by Golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) with AIV antibody prevalence of 18.2% and AIV H9 prevalence of 11.4%. Our results highlight the presence of AI antibodies indicating low pathogenic AIV mingling in captive birds in zoos and safari parks in Bangladesh. Continuous programmed surveillance is therefore recommended to help better understand the diversity of AIVs and provide a clear picture of AI in captive wild birds, enabling interventions to reduce the risk of AIV transmission to humans.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
- Akhter, Shahida, et al.
(author)
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Glassy behavior of diluted Cu-Zn ferrites
- 2018
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In: Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials. - : ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV. - 0304-8853 .- 1873-4766. ; 452, s. 261-265
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The magnetic behavior of Zn substituted Cu-Zn spinel ferrites having chemical formula Cu1-xZnxFe2O4 (x = 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 and 1.0) has been studied by SQUID magnetometry, by means of magnetic hysteresis, field-cooled (FC) and zero-field-cooled (ZFC) magnetization, memory effect and low field ac susceptibility measurements. These measurements suggest that the ferrimagnetic phase of the x <= 0.8 samples is gradually turned into a spin glass (x >= 0.9). The compound with x = 0.9 exhibits the typical dynamical behavior of spin glasses, with indication of aging, rejuvenation and memory effects. The evolution of the magnetic properties of Cu-Zn spinel ferrites with substitution of Zn for Cu is discussed.
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| 17. |
- Akhter, Shahida, et al.
(author)
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Magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of Cu1-xZnxFe2O4 (x=0.6, 0.7, 0.8) ferrites
- 2014
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In: Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials. - : Elsevier BV. - 0304-8853 .- 1873-4766. ; 367, s. 75-80
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The effect of Zn substitution on the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of Cu1-xZnxFe2O4 (x=0.6, 0.7, 0.8) ferrites over a wide temperature range has been investigated. The polycrystalline samples were synthesized using the solid-state reaction at sintering temperature 1050 degrees C (1323 K) for 2 h and has been characterized by SQUID magnetometry. Magnetization versus temperature showed that all samples exhibit a paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transition with decreasing temperature. The Curie temperature T-c is found to decrease from 373 K for x=0.6 to 140 K for x=0.8 as well as the saturation magnetization Ms which shifts from 100 to 44 emu/gm. The magnetocaloric effect was obtained by measuring a family of M-I1 curves at set temperature intervals and calculating the entropy change, LIS for this system using the Maxwell relation. The AS of all samples increased with increasing applied field and showed a maximum around their respective 'Fe. The entropy change (Delta S) decreased with increasing Zn content, whereas the relative cooling power (RCP) slightly increased. The large RCP and Delta S found in Zn substitution Cu-Zn ferrites will be interesting for magnetic refrigeration near room temperature.
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
- Gardner, Renee M., et al.
(author)
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Arsenic methylation efficiency increases during the first trimester of pregnancy independent of folate status
- 2011
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In: Reproductive Toxicology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0890-6238 .- 1873-1708. ; 31:2, s. 210-218
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Exposure to inorganic arsenic during pregnancy may negatively influence the offspring, though efficient metabolism of arsenic to dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) likely reduces the health risks. This study aimed to evaluate methylation of arsenic over the entire pregnancy and the influence of nutritional status. We studied longitudinally the arsenic metabolite pattern in the urine of 324 pregnant women exposed to arsenic via drinking water and food in rural Bangladesh. Metabolism of arsenic to DMA increased markedly over the course of pregnancy, with the greatest improvement occurring in the first trimester, along with a marked decrease in the most risk-associated monomethylated metabolite. This improvement in methylation was not associated with nutritional status, including vitamin B(12) and folate. Efficient methylation to DMA was associated with improved urinary excretion of arsenic, relative to blood arsenic concentrations, indicating that micronutrient-independent up-regulation of arsenic metabolism already in early pregnancy may provide protection for the fetus.
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| 20. |
- Gardner, Renee M, et al.
(author)
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Pregnancy and the methyltransferase genotype independently influence the arsenic methylation phenotype.
- 2012
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In: Pharmacogenetics & Genomics. - 1744-6872 .- 1744-6880. ; 22:7, s. 508-516
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: The methyltransferase genotype and pregnancy both influence the arsenic metabolism phenotype, but it is unknown whether these factors interact, explaining the drastic changes in the efficiency of arsenic metabolism observed among pregnant women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative contribution of the methyltransferase genotype and pregnancy to the arsenic metabolism phenotype. METHODS: We studied longitudinally the arsenic metabolite pattern in urine (at approximately gestational weeks 8, 14, and 30) of 303 women exposed to arsenic through drinking water and food in rural Bangladesh. Urinary arsenic metabolites were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Data were available on genotypes for 16 polymorphisms, combined as haplotypes, in three methyltransferases: arsenic(+III)methyltransferase (AS3MT) and DNA-methyltransferases 1a and 3b (DNMT1a and DNMT3b). Changes in the arsenic metabolite pattern over time were evaluated by haplotype using logistic quantile regression. RESULTS: All four AS3MT haplotypes and all three DNMT1a haplotypes significantly influenced the metabolite pattern in the pregnant women, with consistent effects of genotype over the entire course of pregnancy. No interaction was found between the haplotypes and pregnancy-related changes in the arsenic metabolism phenotype. DNMT3b haplotypes did not significantly influence the metabolite pattern. We observed a pregnancy-attributable decrease of 5.7% in the most risk-associated monomethylated metabolite, methylarsonic acid, whereas changes between 1.6 and 5.3% of methylarsonic acid could be attributed to haplotypes of AS3MT and DNMT1a. CONCLUSION: Independent of the genotype, the efficiency of arsenic methylation increased markedly over the course of pregnancy. The effect of pregnancy on the metabolite pattern during the observational period was greater than the effect of genotype.
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| 21. |
- van Halem, D., et al.
(author)
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Small-scale piped water supply : End-user inclusive water research in arsenic affected areas in India and Bangladesh (DELTAP)
- 2018
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In: Environmental Arsenic in a ChangingWorld - 7th International Congress and Exhibition Arsenic in the Environment, 2018. - London : CRC Press/Balkema. - 9781138486096 ; , s. 636-637
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- DELTAP is a multi-disciplinary research project, where geologists, water treatment scientists and industrial design engineers join forces to develop an integrated approach towards small-scale piped water supply (SPWS) systems in the arsenic-affected Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Delta. The project has started in 2016 with a field study in Bihar (India) with a focus on water quality mapping with mobile crowd participation. The coming years the research will continue with 3 PhD candidates, both in India and Bangladesh, with the ultimate aim to develop blueprints for end-user inclusive SPWS systems.
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| 22. |
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| 23. |
- Dankert, André, 1986, et al.
(author)
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Spin-Polarized Tunneling through Chemical Vapor Deposited Multilayer Molybdenum Disulfide
- 2017
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In: ACS Nano. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1936-086X .- 1936-0851. ; 11:6, s. 6389-6395
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has attracted widespread attention for its extraordinary electrical-, optical-, spin-, and valley-related properties. Here, we report on spin-polarized tunneling through chemical vapor deposited multilayer MoS2 (∼7 nm) at room temperature in a vertically fabricated spin-valve device. A tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) of 0.5–2% has been observed, corresponding to spin polarization of 5–10% in the measured temperature range of 300–75 K. First-principles calculations for ideal junctions result in a TMR up to 8% and a spin polarization of 26%. The detailed measurements at different temperature, bias voltages, and density functional theory calculations provide information about spin transport mechanisms in vertical multilayer MoS2 spin-valve devices. These findings form a platform for exploring spin functionalities in 2D semiconductors and understanding the basic phenomena that control their performance.
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| 24. |
- Dorsey, E. Ray, et al.
(author)
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Deep Phenotyping of Parkinson's Disease
- 2020
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In: Journal of Parkinson's Disease. - : IOS Press. - 1877-7171 .- 1877-718X. ; 10:3, s. 855-873
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Phenotype is the set of observable traits of an organism or condition. While advances in genetics, imaging, and molecular biology have improved our understanding of the underlying biology of Parkinson's disease (PD), clinical pheno-typing of PD still relies primarily on history and physical examination. These subjective, episodic, categorical assessments are valuable for diagnosis and care but have left gaps in our understanding of the PD phenotype. Sensors can provide objective, continuous, real-world data about the PD clinical phenotype, increase our knowledge of its pathology, enhance evaluation of therapies, and ultimately, improve patient care. In this paper, we explore the concept of deep phenotyping-the comprehensive assessment of a condition using multiple clinical, biological, genetic, imaging, and sensor-based tools-for PD. We discuss the rationale for, outline current approaches to, identify benefits and limitations of, and consider future directions for deep clinical phenotyping.
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| 25. |
- Hakim, M. A., et al.
(author)
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Dilution of the magnetic moment of Fe by Cr for Fe73.5-xCrxCu1Nb3Si13.5B9 and the field-cooled and zero-field-cooled behavior for higher Cr content
- 2008
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In: Journal of the Korean Physical Society. - 0374-4884 .- 1976-8524. ; 53:2, s. 766-771
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The temperature and the field dependences of the magnetization have been measured for Fe73.5-xCrxCu1Nb3Si13.5B9 (0 < ;= x < ;= 17.5) prepared by using a melt spin technique. The temperature dependence of the magnetization in the range of 5 to 300 K with an applied field of I Tesla for all the compositions follows the relaxation M(T) = M-0(1 - BT3/2 - CT5/2), which is indicative of the presence of a spin wave excitation. The saturation magnetizations at 5 and 300 K decrease linearly with Cr concentration for the entire composition range, which indicates that a simple dilution of the Fe moment takes place due to Cr substitution. The field-cooled (FC) and the zero-field-cooled (ZFC) magnetizations measured with an applied field of 1 Oe show divergences for x = 10, 12.5, 15 and 17.5, which may be attributed to the magnetic hardening at low temperatures.
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| 26. |
- Hassan, Mohammad M., et al.
(author)
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Prevalence and Distribution of Avian Influenza Viruses in Domestic Ducks at the Waterfowl-Chicken Interface in Wetlands
- 2020
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In: Pathogens. - : MDPI AG. - 2076-0817. ; 9:11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ducks are a natural reservoir of influenza A viruses (IAVs) and can act as a reassortment vessel. Wetlands, such as Hakaluki and Tanguar haor in Bangladesh, have unique ecosystems including domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) rearing, especially household and free-range ducks. A cross-sectional study was, therefore, conducted to explore avian influenza status and its distribution and risk factors in the wetland areas. During the three consecutive winters of 2015–2017, specifically in December of these years, we collected a total of 947 samples including blood, oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs from domestic ducks (such as free-range ducks (n = 312 samples) and household ducks (n = 635 samples) in wetlands. We screened serum samples using a nucleoprotein competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) to estimate seroprevalence of IAV antibodies and swab samples by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) to detect IA viral M gene. Eleven M gene positive samples were subjected to sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Serological and viral prevalence rates of IAVs were 63.8% (95% CI: 60.6–66.8) and 10.7% (8.8–12.8), respectively. Serological and viral RNA prevalence rates were 51.8% (95% CI: 47.2–56.4) and 10.2% (7.6–13.3) in Hakaluki haor, 75.6% (71.5–79.4) and 11.1% (8.5–14.3) in Tanguar haor, 66.3% (62.5–69.9) and 11.2% (8.8–13.9) in household ducks and 58.7% (52.9–64.2) and 9.6% (6.5–13.4) in free-range ducks, respectively. The risk factors identified for higher odds of AI seropositive ducks were location (OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 2.2–3.8, p < 0.001; Tanguar haor vs. Hakaluki haor), duck-rearing system (OR = 1.4, 1.1–1.8, household vs. free-range), farmer’s education status (OR = 1.5, 1.2–2.0, p < 0.05 illiterate vs. literate) and contact type (OR = 3.0, 2.1–4.3, p < 0.001; contact with chicken vs. no contact with chicken). The risk factors identified for higher odds of AI viral RNA positive ducks were farmer’s education status (OR = 1.5, 1.0–2.3, p < 0.05 for illiterate vs literate), contact type (OR = 2.7, 1.7–4.2, p < 0.001; ducks having contact with chicken vs. ducks having contact with waterfowl). The phylogenetic analysis of 11 partial M gene sequences suggested that the M gene sequences detected in free-range duck were very similar to each other and were closely related to the M gene sequences of previously reported highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) subtypes in waterfowl in Bangladesh and Southeast Asian countries. Results of the current study will help provide significant information for future surveillance programs and model IAV infection to predict the spread of the viruses among migratory waterfowl, free-range ducks and domestic poultry in Bangladesh.
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| 27. |
- Hassan, Mohammad M., et al.
(author)
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Prevalence and Diversity of Avian Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin Sero-Subtypes in Poultry and Wild Birds in Bangladesh
- 2020
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In: Veterinary Sciences. - : MDPI. - 2306-7381. ; 7:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 viruses have pandemic potential, cause significant economic losses and are of veterinary and public health concerns. This study aimed to investigate the distribution and diversity of hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes of avian influenza virus (AIV) in poultry and wild birds in Bangladesh. We conducted an avian influenza sero-surveillance in wild and domestic birds in wetlands of Chattogram and Sylhet in the winter seasons 2012-2014. We tested serum samples using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA), and randomly selected positive serum samples (170 of 942) were tested using hemagglutination inhibition (HI) to detect antibodies against the 16 different HA sero-subtypes. All AIV sero-subtypes except H7, H11, H14 and H15 were identified in the present study, with H5 and H9 dominating over other subtypes, regardless of the bird species. The diversity of HA sero-subtypes within groups ranged from 3 (in household chickens) to 10 (in migratory birds). The prevalence of the H5 sero-subtype was 76.3% (29/38) in nomadic ducks, 71.4% (5/7) in household chicken, 66.7% (24/36) in resident wild birds, 65.9% (27/41) in migratory birds and 61.7% (29/47) in household ducks. Moreover, the H9 sero-subtype was common in migratory birds (56%; 23/41), followed by 38.3% (18/47) in household ducks, 36.8% (14/38) in nomadic ducks, 30.6% (11/66) in resident wild birds and 28.5% (2/7) in household chickens. H1, H4 and H6 sero-subtypes were the most common sero-subtypes (80%; 8/10, 70%; 7/10 and 70%; 7/10, respectively) in migratory birds in 2012, H9 in resident wild birds (83.3%; 5/6) and H2 in nomadic ducks (73.9%; 17/23) in 2013, and the H5 sero-subtype in all types of birds (50% to 100%) in 2014. The present study demonstrates that a high diversity of HA subtypes circulated in diverse bird species in Bangladesh, and this broad range of AIV hosts may increase the probability of AIVs' reassortment and may enhance the emergence of novel AIV strains. A continued surveillance for AIV at targeted domestic-wild bird interfaces is recommended to understand the ecology and evolution of AIVs.
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| 28. |
- Hoque, S. Manjura, et al.
(author)
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Detailed study of ultra-soft magnetic properties of Fe74Cu0.8Nb2.7Si15.5B7
- 2011
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In: Philosophical Magazine. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1478-6435 .- 1478-6443. ; 91:16, s. 2117-2139
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The magnetic properties of nanocrystalline Fe74Cu0.8Nb2.7Si15.5B7 alloy, which were rapidly solidified and then annealed at various temperatures between 475 and 650 degrees C for different holding time, have been studied. Grain size, silicon content and the lattice parameter of alpha-Fe(Si) nanograins at the annealing temperatures were determined. Curie temperature of the amorphous phase was determined from the temperature dependence of permeability. For higher annealing temperatures and times, some Si diffused out of the alpha-Fe(Si) phase and formed an ordered DO3 phase of Fe3Si. This changed the overall magnetostriction and average anisotropy of the matrix, which deteriorated the magnetic softness of the material at higher annealing temperatures. Ultra-soft magnetic properties were achieved by averaging the random anisotropy via exchange interaction. Hysteresis loops for samples in as-cast and annealed conditions have also been studied.
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| 29. |
- Islam, Md Aminul, et al.
(author)
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An Estimation of Five-decade Long Monkeypox Case Fatality Rate : Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
- 2022
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In: JOURNAL OF PURE AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY. - : DR M N KHAN. - 0973-7510. ; 16, s. 3036-3047
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- On July 23, 2022 the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the Monkeypox disease (MPXD) as a worldwide public health issue. This study conducts a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the overall case fatality rate (CFR) of MPXD worldwide during 1970-2022. The tenure-tracked MPXD outbreaks associated with CFR were calculated based on available published data from six different periods (i.e., 1970-79, 1980-89, 1990-99, 2000-09, 2010-19, and 2000-2022). A total of 229 peer-reviewed accessible articles were investigated, of which, 17 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Most of the studies on MPXD CFR were published in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) providing 47% of data for the current meta-analysis. The overall pooled CFR of MPXD was 4.14% (range: 0.62% - 9.51%) during 1970-2022. In this study, total of 379 death cases were found from published MPXV based research articles where the pooled estimate CFR was 1.87%. The pooled CFR was higher during the earlier outbreak of the MPXD such as 10.71% in 1970-1979. With the progress of time, the CFR from MPXD followed a decreasing trend and reached 5.38% in 1980-1999 and 4.45% in 2000-2022. Young male children aged< 10 years were found to experience the worst outcome with a CFR of >73.0%. This is the first meta-analysis using 52 years of data which indicates that the CFR of MPXV is decreasing from previous years. The findings of this meta-analysis might be paramount for the policymakers to tackle MPXD and minimize the overall CFR of MPXD through strategic actions.
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| 30. |
- Islam, Md. Aminul, et al.
(author)
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Variant-specific deleterious mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome reveal immune responses and potentials for prophylactic vaccine development
- 2023
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In: Frontiers in Pharmacology. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1663-9812. ; 14
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, has had a disastrous effect worldwide during the previous three years due to widespread infections with SARS-CoV-2 and its emerging variations. More than 674 million confirmed cases and over 6.7 million deaths have been attributed to successive waves of SARS-CoV-2 infections as of 29th January 2023. Similar to other RNA viruses, SARS-CoV-2 is more susceptible to genetic evolution and spontaneous mutations over time, resulting in the continual emergence of variants with distinct characteristics. Spontaneous mutations of SARS-CoV-2 variants increase its transmissibility, virulence, and disease severity and diminish the efficacy of therapeutics and vaccines, resulting in vaccine-breakthrough infections and re-infection, leading to high mortality and morbidity rates.Materials and methods: In this study, we evaluated 10,531 whole genome sequences of all reported variants globally through a computational approach to assess the spread and emergence of the mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. The available data sources of NextCladeCLI 2.3.0 () and NextStrain () were searched for tracking SARS-CoV-2 mutations, analysed using the PROVEAN, Polyphen-2, and Predict SNP mutational analysis tools and validated by Machine Learning models.Result: Compared to the Wuhan-Hu-1 reference strain NC 045512.2, genome-wide annotations showed 16,954 mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. We determined that the Omicron variant had 6,307 mutations (retrieved sequence:1947), including 67.8% unique mutations, more than any other variant evaluated in this study. The spike protein of the Omicron variant harboured 876 mutations, including 443 deleterious mutations. Among these deleterious mutations, 187 were common and 256 were unique non-synonymous mutations. In contrast, after analysing 1,884 sequences of the Delta variant, we discovered 4,468 mutations, of which 66% were unique, and not previously reported in other variants. Mutations affecting spike proteins are mostly found in RBD regions for Omicron, whereas most of the Delta variant mutations drawn to focus on amino acid regions ranging from 911 to 924 in the context of epitope prediction (B cell & T cell) and mutational stability impact analysis protruding that Omicron is more transmissible.Discussion: The pathogenesis of the Omicron variant could be prevented if the deleterious and persistent unique immunosuppressive mutations can be targeted for vaccination or small-molecule inhibitor designing. Thus, our findings will help researchers monitor and track the continuously evolving nature of SARS-CoV-2 strains, the associated genetic variants, and their implications for developing effective control and prophylaxis strategies.
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| 31. |
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| 32. |
- Kang, S, et al.
(author)
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Are better existing WASH practices in urban slums associated with a lower long-term risk of severe cholera? A prospective cohort study with 4 years of follow-up in Mirpur, Bangladesh
- 2022
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In: BMJ open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 12:9, s. e060858-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To investigate the association between existing household water quality, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices and severe cholera risk in a dense urban slum where cholera is highly endemic.Design, setting and participantsWe assembled a large prospective cohort within a cluster randomised trial evaluating the effectiveness of oral cholera vaccine. Our dynamic cohort population (n=193 576) comprised individuals living in the ‘non-intervention’ clusters of the trial, and were followed over 4 years. This study was conducted in a dense urban slum community of Dhaka, Bangladesh and cholera surveillance was undertaken in 12 hospitals serving the study area.Primary outcome measureFirst severe cholera episode detected during follow-up period.MethodsWe applied a machine learning algorithm on a training subpopulation (n=96 943) to develop a binary (‘better’, ‘not better’) composite WASH variable predictive of severe cholera. The WASH rule was evaluated for performance in a separate validation subpopulation (n=96 633). Afterwards, we used Cox regression models to evaluate the association between ‘better’ WASH households and severe cholera risk over 4 years in the entire study population.ResultsThe ‘better’ WASH rule found that water quality and access were the most significant factors associated with severe cholera risk. Members of ‘better’ WASH households, constituting one-third of the population, had a 47% reduced risk of severe cholera (95% CI: 29 to 69; p<0.001), after adjusting for covariates. The protective association between living in a ‘better’ WASH household and severe cholera persisted in all age groups.ConclusionsSalutary existing household WASH practices were associated with a significantly reduced long-term risk of severe cholera in an urban slum of Dhaka. These findings suggest that WASH adaptations already practised in the community may be important for developing and implementing effective and sustainable cholera control programmes in similar settings.Trial registration numberThis article is a re-analysis of data from a cluster randomized trial; can be found on ClinicalTrials.govNCT01339845
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| 33. |
- Kippler, Maria, et al.
(author)
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Accumulation of cadmium in human placenta interacts with the transport of micronutrients to the fetus
- 2010
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In: Toxicology Letters. - : Elsevier BV. - 0378-4274 .- 1879-3169. ; 192:2, s. 162-168
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread, highly toxic environmental pollutant known to accumulate in human placenta. The aim of the present study was to elucidate to what extent the accumulation of Cd in human placenta interacts with the transport of micronutrients to the fetus. Cd and micronutrients were measured in placenta and umbilical cord blood from 44 non-smoking, rural Bangladeshi women, using ICPMS. Metallothionein (MT) protein expression was determined in placenta using Western blot. Cd in placenta (median 110 microg/kg dry weight, 20 microg/kg wet weight) was positively associated with maternal urinary Cd. It was also positively associated with Cd in umbilical cord blood (median 0.16 microg/kg), but negatively associated with zinc (Zn; median 3mg/kg) in umbilical cord blood. Umbilical cord blood Zn was positively associated with birth anthropometry measures, and the Cd-related impairment of Zn in umbilical cord blood seemed to decrease size at birth. In multivariate analysis, MT protein expression was associated with Cd (positively) in placenta, but not with Zn or copper (Cu) in placenta. In conclusion, the Cd concentrations in placenta were clearly elevated, which seemed to impair Zn transfer to the fetus. Induction of MT explained the placental accumulation of Cd, but not the impairment of Zn transport.
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| 34. |
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| 35. |
- Noor, Saroaut, et al.
(author)
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Magnetic behavior of Cd2+ substituted cobalt ferrites
- 2012
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In: Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids. - : Elsevier BV. - 0022-3697 .- 1879-2553. ; 73:2, s. 227-231
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The effect of Cd-substitution on the variation of saturation magnetization M,, Curie temperature T-c, and magnetic moments n(B) of Co1-xCdxFe2O4 (x=0.0-1.0 in steps of 0.1) ferrites have been investigated using SQUID magnetometer and impedance analyzer. The samples were prepared by conventional double sintering ceramic technique and found to be single-phase cubic spinel structure by X-ray diffraction. Saturation magnetization M-s, is found to increase with increase of Cd substitution attaining a maximum value at x=0.4 and decreases thereafter. Curie temperature decreases almost linearly with increasing x content up to x=0.7. Samples having x >= 0.8 display complex magnetic behavior with competing antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interactions with the manifestation of large hysteresis at low temperature and no sign of saturation. Samples with x > 0.8 show paramagnetic characteristic at T=5 K with no spontaneous magnetization revealed through Arrot-Belov-Kouvel (ABK) plots.
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| 36. |
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| 37. |
- Raqib, Rubhana, et al.
(author)
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Effects of in utero arsenic exposure on child immunity and morbidity in rural Bangladesh
- 2009
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In: Toxicology Letters. - : Elsevier BV. - 0378-4274 .- 1879-3169. ; 185:3, s. 197-202
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Chronic exposure to arsenic, a potent carcinogen and toxicant, via drinking water is a worldwide public health problem. Because little is known about early-life effects of arsenic on immunity, we evaluated the impact of in utero exposure on infant immune parameters and morbidity in a pilot study. Pregnant women were enrolled at 6-10 weeks of gestation in Matlab, a rural area of Bangladesh, extensively affected by arsenic contamination of tubewell water. Women (n=140) delivering at local clinics were included in the study. Anthropometry and morbidity data of the pregnant women and their children, as well as infant thymic size by sonography were collected. Maternal urine and breast milk were collected for immune marker and arsenic assessment. Maternal urinary arsenic during pregnancy showed significant negative correlation with interleukin-7 (IL-7) and lactoferrin (Ltf) in breast milk and child thymic index (TI). Urinary arsenic was also positively associated with fever and diarrhea during pregnancy and acute respiratory infections (ARI) in the infants. The effect of arsenic exposure on ARI was only evident in male children. The findings suggest that in utero arsenic exposure impaired child thymic development and enhanced morbidity, probably via immunosuppression. The effect seemed to be partially gender dependent. Arsenic exposure also affected breast milk content of trophic factors and maternal morbidity.
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| 38. |
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| 39. |
- Sharker, Bishal, et al.
(author)
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Characterization of lignin and hemicellulose degrading bacteria isolated from cow rumen and forest soil : Unveiling a novel enzymatic model for rice straw deconstruction
- 2023
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In: Science of the Total Environment. - : Elsevier BV. - 0048-9697 .- 1879-1026. ; 904
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Application of greener pretreatment technology using robust ligninolytic bacteria for short duration to deconstruct rice straw and enhance bioethanol production is currently lacking. The objective of this study is to characterize three bacterial strains isolated from the milieux of cow rumen and forest soil and explore their capabilities of breaking down lignocellulose – an essential process in bioethanol production. Using biochemical and genomic analyses these strains were identified as Bacillus sp. HSTU-bmb18, Bacillus sp. HSTU-bmb19, and Citrobacter sp. HSTU-bmb20. Genomic analysis of the strains unveiled validated model hemicellulases, multicopper oxidases, and pectate lyases. These enzymes exhibited interactions with distinct lignocellulose substrates, further affirmed by their stability in molecular dynamic simulations. A comprehensive expression of ligninolytic pathways, including β-ketoadipate, phenyl acetate, and benzoate, was observed within the HSTU-bmb20 genome. The strains secreted approximately 75–82 U/mL of cellulase, xylase, pectinase, and lignin peroxidase. FT-IR analysis of the bacterial treated rice straw fibers revealed that the intensity of lignin-related peaks decreased, while cellulose-related peaks sharpened. The values of crystallinity index for the untreated control and the treated rice straw with either HSTU-bmb18, or HSTU-bmb19, or HSTU-bmb20 were recorded to be 34.48, 28.49, 29.36, 31.75, respectively, which are much higher than that of 13.53 noted for those treated with the bacterial consortium. The ratio of fermentable cellulose in rice straw increased by 1.25-, 1.79-, 1.93- and 2.17-fold following treatments with HSTU-bmb18, HSTU-bmb20, HSTU-bmb19, and a mixed consortium of these three strains, respectively. These aggregative results suggested a novel model for rice straw deconstruction utilizing hydrolytic enzymes of the consortium, revealing superior efficacy compared to individual strains, and advancing cost-effective, affordable, and sustainable green technology.
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| 40. |
- Uddin, Md Bashir, et al.
(author)
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Molecular Detection of Colistin Resistance mcr-1 Gene in Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolated from Chicken
- 2022
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In: Antibiotics. - : MDPI AG. - 2079-6382. ; 11:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Zoonotic and antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli (hereafter, E. coli) is a global public health threat which can lead to detrimental effects on human health. Here, we aim to investigate the antimicrobial resistance and the presence of mcr-1 gene in E. coli isolated from chicken feces. Ninety-four E. coli isolates were obtained from samples collected from different locations in Bangladesh, and the isolates were identified using conventional microbiological tests. Phenotypic disk diffusion tests using 20 antimicrobial agents were performed according to CLSI-EUCAST guidelines, and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined for a subset of samples. E. coli isolates showed high resistance to colistin (88.30%), ciprofloxacin (77.66%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (76.60%), tigecycline (75.53%), and enrofloxacin (71.28%). Additionally, the pathotype eaeA gene was confirmed in ten randomly selected E. coli isolates using primer-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The presence of mcr-1 gene was confirmed using PCR and sequencing analysis in six out of ten E. coli isolates. Furthermore, sequencing and phylogenetic analyses revealed a similarity between the catalytic domain of Neisseria meningitidis lipooligosaccharide phosphoethanolamine transferase A (LptA) and MCR proteins, indicating that the six tested isolates were colistin resistant. Finally, the findings of the present study showed that E. coli isolated from chicken harbored mcr-1 gene, and multidrug and colistin resistance. These findings accentuate the need to implement strict measures to limit the imprudent use of antibiotics, particularly colistin, in agriculture and poultry farms.
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| 41. |
- Willis, S., et al.
(author)
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The human cost of global fishing
- 2023
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In: Marine Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0308-597X. ; 148
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Seafood is central to global protein and food security, and the livelihoods of millions worldwide. Yet the fishing sector is universally acknowledged as one of the most dangerous in the world (ILO, 1999). Conservative esti-mates over the past two decades have put the fatalities at between 24,000 and 32,000 a year - but these estimates are generally accepted to be significantly below the true figure. Emerging research by the FISH Safety Foundation reveals that fishing is even more dangerous than currently thought, with rates shown to be at least three to four times higher than currently accepted estimates. Beyond determining a more accurate mortality figure, the research also aimed to identify any contributing drivers to fisher fatalities. The research thus shows that fishing for the global community therefore comes at a staggeringly high cost of human life. This toll is most often paid by the most vulnerable communities around the globe, regardless of region, and their deaths are also less likely to be tracked or reported. Fishing is so dangerous - and affects the most marginalised - because people are often forced to take extraordinary risks to provide food for their families, communities, and world markets. Collective, in-ternational action is needed now to ensure fishing communities continue to provide sustainable, high-quality protein without such a staggering loss of life. While some reasons why fishing is so dangerous are difficult to tackle, others are tractable, including addressing data and reporting gaps and limitations, and international policy change.
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