Inhibition of herpes simplex virus type 2 replication in vitro by 1-N-pentadecanoyl-3''-N-trifluoroacetyl kanamycin A

The in vitro antiviral activity as well as the mechanism of action of a new antiviral agent, a kanamycin analogue, 1-N-pentadecanoyl-3''-N-trifluoroacetyl kanamycin A (PTKA) against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) was investigated. The drug showed excellent antiviral action with negligible cytotoxic effect on the culture cells. Based on plaque reduction assays the 50% inhibitory dose (ID50) of the drug was 1 microgram/ml, and at 20 micrograms/ml plaque formation was totally suppressed. The compound inhibited viral protein synthesis in infected cells without affecting RNA and DNA synthesis, when added to the cultures after virus adsorption. Moreover, pretreatment of the cells with PTKA before HSV-2 infection, increased the antiviral activity significantly. Dot-blot hybridization analysis revealed that the drug reduced the level of immediate early viral mRNA if applied before infection. There was no detectable action at the level of virus adsorption, penetration or uncoating. These results indicate that PTKA exerted its antiviral action at the early stage of viral replication as well as at the level of viral protein synthesis.

Local production of rotavirus specific IgA in breast tissue and transfer to neonates

Rotavirus specific IgA, secretory component, and IgG were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in 20 pairs of mothers and babies to estimate antibody transfer from the mother, particularly from breast milk to neonatal faeces. Colostrum contained high titres of specific IgA and secretory component, which decreased gradually. Faeces after breast feeding for three days showed detectable titres of IgA and secretory component, with further increases by seven days. There was a positive correlation between titres of secretory component in breast milk and in faeces. To clarify the mechanism of high anti-rotavirus activity in breast milk, ratios of rotavirus specific IgA in maternal serum samples to breast milk were calculated and compared with those that were herpes simplex virus specific. Significantly higher concentrations were obtained for the herpes simplex virus specific samples, indicating that anti-rotavirus IgA is selectively produced in breast tissue.

The prevalence of atypical serum cholinesterase in a Nigerian population

The prevalence of the atypical phenotype of pseudocholinesterase was looked for in 345 individuals living in Zaria district of Northern Nigeria by the differential inhibitory actions of dibucaine and sodium fluoride. The frequency of the atypical gene, Ea1 was found to be 0.9% and the frequency of the fluoride insensitive phenotype Ef1, was 0.74%. The atypical enzyme or the intermediate phenotype was not observed in any of the 42 patients with sickle-cell disease.

Cell mediated immune response following foot-and-mouth disease vaccination in buffalo calves

The cell mediated immune (CMI) response was studied by E-rosette formation in vitro and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin reaction in buffalo calves vaccinated with monovalent type 0 as well as with a polyvalent foot-and-mouth disease vaccine. Up to 35 days post-vaccination there was a significant increase (P less than 0.05) in the number of T-lymphocytes in both animal groups. Thereafter, the number of lymphocytes decreased. Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin reaction was characterized by a significant increase in skin thickness; histology showed mononuclear infiltration and perivascular cuffing.

An animal model of haemolytic--uraemic syndrome in shigellosis: lipopolysaccharides of Shigella dysenteriae I and S. flexneri produce leucocyte-mediated renal cortical necrosis in rabbits

To develop an animal model of the haemolytic-uraemic syndrome during shigellosis, rabbits were injected with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) extracted by the hot phenol-water method from Shigella dysenteriae I and from S. flexneri. Two intravenous injections of LPS spaced by 24 h elicited renal cortical necrosis in a generalized Shwartzman reaction characterized by fibrin deposition in glomerular capillaries and by elevated plasma creatinine concentration. Rabbits rendered leucopenic by busulphan treatment were protected against renal cortical necrosis after injection with LPS derived from S. dysenteriae I. Both LPS preparations derived from Shigella species were also active in producing fever in rabbits, death in rabbits, and gelation of limulus lysate with approximately the same potency as a standard LPS of E. coli 055:B5. These results demonstrated that the LPS of Shigella species given intravenously to rabbits produces renal cortical necrosis, which is caused by leucocyte-mediated intravascular fibrin deposition in renal blood vessels and which resembles histologically the renal lesion in the haemolytic-uraemic during shigellosis in humans.

Intrabiliary rupture of hepatic hydatid cyst

Frank intrabiliary rupture of hepatic hydatid cysts is not uncommon in Iraq. Thirteen patients have been studied and three types of presentations described: i) typical, a patient with known hydatid cyst of the liver presents with pain, fever and jaundice; ii) asymptomatic, in a patient with hepatic hydatid cyst; and iii) atypical, simulating cholelithiasis, liver abscess, peritonitis, hepatitis and persistent biliary fistula.

Study of energy expenditure and food intake of some working class people of Bangladesh

No information is available on energy expenditure and dietary intake of Bangladesh population carried out simultaneously. As a preliminary step in this direction, forty volunteers mostly from the low socio-economic groups were subjected to these studies for a 3-4 day period. Indirect calorimetric method was used for the measurement of oxygen consumption and energy expenditure. Actual weighing of food articles were carried out before consumption and values calculated from standard tables. It was found that values obtained during rest like sitting and lying including basal metabolic rate (BMR) fell within values reported in the literature. Resting energy expenditure, however, tended to rise in the later part of the day and the degree of physical activity carried out by the subjects. Rickshawpedalling required 6.66 Kcal/min to be expended without passenger and 7.84 Kcal/min with two passengers. Cartpulling required 5.5 Kcal/min without load compared to 6.08 Kcal/min with a load of 350 kg. The small difference was obviously due to a reduction in the speed of cartpulling. This was, however, not true with rickshawpedallers. Dietary intake showed that all the subjects were getting a low protein and low fat diet and that carbohydrates were the main source (over 80%) of calories. The doctors were the only group receiving some animal protein and the cartpullars eating almost none. The number of calories taken were consistent with their activities. One rickshawpedaller had an unusually high intake of over 6000 calories daily.

Effects of Probiotics Supplementation on Growth Performance and Certain Haemato-biochemical Parameters in Broiler Chickens

The study was carried out to know the effects of probiotics (Protexin® Boost) supplementation on growth performances and haemato-biochemical parameters of "Shaver Star Bro" broiler chickens during the period from September to October 2003. A total of 20, day-old broiler chickens were randomly assigned into four equal groups (n = 5) as A, B, C and D. Group A was considered as control fed with commercial ration while group B, C and D were fed with commercial ration with the addition of 1 g, 2 g and 3 g probiotics / 10 litres drinking water respectively up to 35 days of age. The results showed that the body weight gains corresponding to the different treatments were differed significantly (p < 0.01) at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th weeks of age. The meat yield characteristics corresponding to the different treatments did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) whereas bursa weight differed significantly (p < 0.05) among the different groups. The mean values of Hb, PCV and ESR corresponding to the different treatments were significantly (p < 0.01) differ. Triglycerides, HDL, LDL, SGPT and SGOT values corresponding to the different treatments were also differed significantly (p < 0.01). The findings suggest that supplementation of probiotics has significant effects on live weight gain and haemato-biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. Key words: Probiotics; effects; growth; haemato-biochemical parameters; broiler chickens doi: 10.3329/bjvm.v2i1.1933 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2004). 2 (1) : 39-43

Clinical Profile of Neurological Disorders in Children

A study was done on 110 children in the age group of 1 month to 12 years admitted with neurological problems in the Dept. of Paediatrics, IPGMR, Dhaka from September 1993 to August 1994. The aim of the study was to find out neurological disorders of children and to investigate the quality of neurodiagnostic services presently available. These 110 neurological cases comprised of 8.9% of the total admission during this period. Of the 110 patients 69.10% (76) patients were male and 30.90% (34) female with a male-female ratio of 2.23%:1. 50% (55) of the patients were under two years of age. Majority of the neurological disorders were meningitis (24.55%) and cerebral palsy (21.91%). Febrile convulsion was present in 15 patients (13.64%). Other neurological problems were Encephalitis (7.27%), Epilepsy (8.81%), Hydrocephalus (3.36%), Guillain-Barré syndrome (5.45%), Brain Tumours (3.65%), Post-Polio Paresis (3.65%), Cerebral Infarction (1.82%) and others. Among 27 children with meningitis 11 cases were pyogenic, 12 cases tubercular and 4 cases were aseptic. Of the 23 cerebral palsy children 6 were due to birth asphyxia and 6 were post meningitis and in the rest 11 the cause could not be ascertained. CT scan of the brain was an effective method of investigation to determine the patholocal lesions. Only one patient (0.9%) suffering from cerebellar haemorrhage expired among these 110 patients. This study emphasized the need for a comprehensive, preventive, better neurodiagnostic service and timely management of neurological cases.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v3i1.8223BJMS 1996; 3(1): 21-26

Effect of Intercropping with Mustard with Onion and Garlic on Aphid Population and Yield

Field experiments were conducted to study the effect of intercropping of mustard (Brassica napus, Var. Bari Sarisha-7) with onion (Allium cepa L.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.) on aphid [Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach)] population and yield. Intercropped with these two medicinal as well as spice crops reduced the aphid population significantly (P < 0.05). Mustard blocks intercropped with garlic gave highest cost-benefit ratios (1:2.07 and 1: 2.96) than onion intercropped blocks. Sole mustard blocks produced lowest cost-benefit ratios (1:1.65 and 1:2.06). Key words: Intercropping, onion, garlic, agronomic benefits. doi: 10.3329/jbs.v15i0.2200 J. bio-sci. 15: 35-40, 2007

Efficacy of different bagging materials for the control of mango fruit fly

Key Words: Bagging materials; control; mango fruit fly. DOI: 10.3329/bjar.v34i1.5766Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 34(1) : 165-168, March 2009

Effect Of Supplementation Of Organic Acids On Laying Performance, Body Fatness And Egg Quality Of Hens

The study was conducted to determine the effect of organic acids supplementation on body weight changes, feed intake, feed efficiency, egg production, egg weight and egg quality in laying hens at age between 67 and 74 weeks. A total of 48 Shaver 579 laying hens of 67 weeks age were allotted into 4 groups, each containing 12 hens. The hens were fed basal diet (17% CP and 2800 kcal ME/kg diet) supplemented with 0 (T1), 260 (T2), 520 (T3) and 780 ppm (T4) of organic acid mixture (fumaric acid and salt of butyric, propionic and lactic acids). The results revealed no effect of organic acids supplementation on body weight change and feed intake but improvement of egg production and feed conversion were observed. Organic acids supplementation significantly increased egg production by about 2.26, 8.0 and 9.84% on 260, 520 and 780 ppm respectively when compared with the untreated group (P<0.05). Feed conversion showed a significant (P<0.05) improvement in laying hen groups which fed on the basal diet supplemented with organic acids at 260, 520 and 780 ppm by about 1.85, 8.48 and 7.74% respectively when compared with the control. On the other hand, dietary organic acid had no effect on the average egg weight, while showed a lower percentage of large (P<0.05) and extra large egg (P<0.01) size compared with control group. Body composition parameters were not affected (P>0.05) by dietary treatments. Inclusion of organic acids improved egg shell thickness (P<0.05) while significantly reduced albumen index (P<0.05). Incorporation of organic acids attributed to significant increase per cent albumen (P<0.01) and significant decrease in yolk per cent (P<0.05). It can be concluded that organic acid supplementation of laying hens diet may improve persistency of lay and feed conversion. From economical point of view, it is concluded that organic acid addition (520 ppm) may result an economic benefit of layer production at older age. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v37i2.9884 BJAS 2008; 37(2): 74-81

Distribution of Radionuclides in Surface Soil and Bottom Sediment in the District of Jessore, Bangladesh and Evaluation of Radiation Hazard

This paper presents the first reports on the natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in soil and sediment of Jessore, a south-western district of Bangladesh. Surface soil and freshwater sediment were collected from in and around some major water-bodies of this district. To assess the radiological hazard of the natural radioactivity, the radium equivalent activity, the absorbed dose rate, and the external and internal hazard indices were calculated. In the soil and sediment in general, the activity concentration of 232Th was found to be higher than that of  226Ra, while that of 40K markedly exceeds the values of both 226Ra and 232Th. The average activities of 226Ra and 232Th in this area were found to be higher than the world average. There was no activity due to fallout (137Cs) in this area. The radium equivalent activity and the absorbed dose rate due to the natural radionuclides were found to be respectively lower and higher than the world average. The external and internal hazard indices were found to be well below the hazard limit of unity. Our results compare fairly well with other published results.  Key words: Soil, Sediment, Natural lake, Radioactivity, Dose rate DOI: 10.3329/jbas.v33i1.2956 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 33, No. 1, 117-130, 2009

PREVALENCE OF SUBCLINICAL GASTRO-INTESTINAL PARASITOSIS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON MILK PRODUCTION WITH THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT IN RED CHITTAGONG CATTLE

The prevalence of sub-clinical gastro-intestinal parasitosis and their effects on health and milk production with therapeutic management were studied in 87 Red Chittagong cattle (RCC) reared at the Bangladesh Agricultural University Dairy Farm (BAUDF), Mymensingh during the period from March to July 2008. Of the 87 RCC aged between 1 to 96 months which included 22 milch cows, 15 pregnant cows, 8 dry cows, 18 weaned calves and 24 unweaned calves. Parasitological examination of faecal samples of all the selected 87 RCC showed that 51.72% (n = 45) animals affected with different types of gastro-intestinal parasites, of which 37.93% had single, 12.64% had dual and only 1.15% animals had triple types of infection. An overall 34.48% paramphistomiasis, 25.29% balantidiasis, 2.30% toxocariasis, 2.30% strongyloidiasis, 1.15% trichuriasis and 1.15% fascioliasis was recorded in RCC. However, toxocariasis (18.75%), strongyloidiasis (18.75%) and trichuriasis (6.25%) were recorded in calves up to 6 months old, and paramphistomiasis (34.48%) and fascioliasis (1.15%) in cattle more than 6 months of age whereas balantidiasis (25.29%) was recorded in all age groups of cattle. The anthelmintic efficacy of the combined commercial preparations with Tetramisole hydrochloride 2.0g and Oxyclozanide 1.4g per bolus (Levanid®, Acme ; Tetranid®, Techno Drugs) @ 1 bolus / 100 kg body weight with a single oral dose caused 100% reduction of faecal egg count at day 7 post-treatment. A single oral dose of 1% copper sulfate solution @ 10 ml / kg and metranidazole (Flagyl®, Aventis) @ 4 mg /kg body weight resulted 100% and 42.85% reduction of Balantidium coli trophozoites, respectively. The average milk production records of RCC affected with gastro-intestinal parasitosis (1.41litre / day / animal) were compared with the mean milk production records at day 7 post-anthelmintic treatment (1.73 liter / day / animal) and results showed an average increased milk yield +0.32 litre / day / animal. This study indicates that RCC affected with sub-clinical gastro-intestinal parasitosis caused ill-health and decrease milk yield like zebu and cross-bred cattle. It may be concluded from this study that the RCC should be regularly monitored through faecal examination for the presence of gastro-intestinal parasites in order to provide rational treatment and control management to make the RCC farming profitable. DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v8i1.7395 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2010). 8(1): 11-16

Growth Performance And Nutritional Value Of Scenedesmus Obliquus Cultured In Different Concentrations Of Sweetmeat Factory Waste Media

The growth performance of Scenedesmus obliquus was studied in the laboratory in different concentration of sweetmeat factory waste media (SFWM). Four different concentrations viz. 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0% of SFWM and Bold basal medium (BBM) as control was used with three replications for a period of three months. Each trial was done for a period of 14 days in the laboratory. The initial density of Scenedesmus obliquus was 2.1×105 cell/ml which attained a maximum density of 136.30×105 cell/ml in BBM followed by 97.05, 83.21, 65.19 and 51.21 (×105 cell/ml) in 2.5, 0.3, 2.0 and 1.5 % SFWM respectively on the 10th day of culture. Highest chlorophyll a content was also observed on the 10th day of culture with value of 6.14 and 5.52 mg/l in BBM and SFWM, respectively. The specific growth rate (SGR, m/day) and total biomass were significantly (P<0.05) higher in BBM than all other treatments. The overall growth performance of the alga Scenedesmus obliquus was significantly (P<0.05) higher in 2.5% SFWM than other concentrations of SFWM. The cultured microalgae were found nutritionally rich. During the whole culture period the pH range was 7.03 to 8.05. The other physico-chemical parameters of the culture media were found within the suitable range of the microalgae culture. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v37i1.9874 BJAS 2008; 37(1): 86-93

PREVALENCE OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF BROILER CHICKENS IN GAZIPUR DISTRICT

The study was conducted to determine the occurrence of infectious diseases in broiler chickens at kapasia in Gazipur district during the period from 16th October to 16th December 2008. Detection was made on the basis of history, clinical findings and post-mortem lesions. A total of 199 broiler chickens were examined during the study where Colibacillosis 104 (52.26%), Mycoplasmosis 25 (12.56%), Salmonellosis 02 (1.01%), Omphalitis 23 (11.56%), Coccidiosis 09 (4.52%), Gumboro 22 (11.06%), Mycotoxicosis 11 (5.53%) and mixed infection of Gumboro & Coccidiosis 03 (1.51%) were recorded. In the conclusion it has been remarked that Collibacillosis is a major problem for broiler production and hence poultry farmers can not earn their profit perfectly due to adverse effect of those diseases. Further laboratory examination is needed to confirm the identified diseases.

Molecular methods in medical microbiology: Current and future trends

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/ 10.3329/bjms.v10i3.8355BJMS 2011; 10(3): 141-147