Dietary supplementation with Bacillus mixture modifies the intestinal ecosystem of weaned piglets in an overall beneficial way

AIMS

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with a mixture of Bacillus, which serves as an alternative of antibiotics on the intestinal ecosystem of weaned piglets.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We randomly assigned 120 piglets to three groups: a control group (a basal diet), a probiotics group (a basal diet supplemented with 4 × 10⁹  CFU per gram Bacillus licheniformis-Bacillus subtilis mixture; BLS mix), and an antibiotics group (a basal diet supplemented with 0·04 kg t^-1 virginiamycin, 0·2 kg t^-1 colistin and 3000 mg kg^-1 zinc oxide). All groups had five replicates with eight piglets per replicate. On days 7, 21 and 42 of the trial, intestine tissue and digesta samples were collected to determine intestinal morphology, gut microbiota and bacterial metabolite composition, and the expression of genes related to the gut barrier function and inflammatory status. The results showed that the BLS mix decreased the jejunum crypt depth, while increased the ileum villus height and the jejunum and ileum villus height to crypt depth ratio. The BLS mix increased Simpson's diversity index in the gut microbiota and the relative abundances of o_Bacteroidetes and f_Ruminococcaceae, but decreased the relative abundances of Blautia and Clostridium. Dietary BLS mix supplementation also modified the concentration of several bacterial metabolites compared to the control group. In addition, BLS mix upregulated the expression level of E-cadherin in the colon and pro-inflammatory cytokines and TLR-4 in ileum and colon. Lastly, Spearman's rank-order correlation revealed a potential link between alterations in gut microbiota and health parameters of the weaned piglets.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that dietary BLS mix supplementation modifies the gut ecosystem in weaned piglets. The potential advantages of such modifications in terms of intestinal health are discussed.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Weaning is the most important transition period of piglet growth and development. This study showed that dietary supplementation of a probiotic mixture of Bacillus, an effective alternative of antibiotics, was beneficial in improving the intestinal ecosystem of weaned piglets.

Impact of Prebiotics on Enteric Diseases and Oxidative Stress

In animals, the gastrointestinal microbiota are reported to play a major role in digestion, nutrient absorption and the release of energy through metabolism of food. Therefore, microbiota may be a factor for association between diet and enteric diseases and oxidative stress. The gut microbial composition and concentration are affected by diet throughout the life of an animal, and respond rapidly and efficiently to dietary alterations, in particular to the use of prebiotics. Prebiotics, which play an important role in mammalian nutrition, are defined as dietary ingredients that lead to specific changes in both the composition and activity of the gastrointestinal microbiota through suppressing the proliferation of pathogens and by modifying the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the host intestine. A review of the evidence suggests possible beneficial effects of prebiotics on host intestinal health, including immune stimulation, gut barrier enhancement and the alteration of the gastrointestinal microbiota, and these effects appear to be dependent on alteration of the bacterial composition and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. The production of SCFAs depends on the microbes available in the gut and the type of prebiotics available. The SCFAs most abundantly generated by gastrointestinal microbiota are acetate, butyrate and propionate, which are reported to have physiological effects on the health of the host. Nowadays, prebiotics are widely used in a range of food products to improve the intestinal microbiome and stimulate significant changes to the immune system. Thus, a diet with prebiotic supplements may help prevent enteric disease and oxidative stress by promoting a microbiome associated with better growth performance. This paper provides an overview of the hypothesis that a combination of ingestible prebiotics, chitosan, fructooligosaccharides and inulin will help relieve the dysbiosis of the gut and the oxidative stress of the host.

Coblation versus Diode Laser Tonsillectomy in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of diode laser and coblation tonsillectomy in paediatric patients in relation to operative time, amount of blood loss, post operative pain, healing of tonsillar fossa and returns to normal diet. Methods: A total of 200 patients ,100 for coblaton and 100 for diode laser, aged 3-12 years with recurrent tonsillitis with or without snoring and sleep apnoea were recruited. Participants were prospectively randomised to diode laser and coblation tonsillectomy. Operative time and blood loss were recorded. Pain was recorded by VAS or assessed by using analgesic. Results: The operative time were recorded 07-15 minutes,mean 10 minutes in coblation group and 12-20 minutes ,mean 14 minutes in laser group., Blood loss was recorded 0-15 ml mean 8 ml in coblation group and 10-25 ml mean 13.5 ml in diode laser group . However, at post-operative day seven, the diode laser tonsillectomy group had significantly higher pain scores compared with coblationtonsillectomy groups.Coblation group started normal soft diet on day 5 whereas diode laser started on day 8 Conclusion: Coblation tonsillectomy is associated with less operative time and blood loss, early returns to normal diet and less pain score in comparison to Diode laser tonsillectomy Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol; October 2017; 23(2): 140-145

Evaluation of Blood Lactate Level as Predictor of Early Adverse Outcome after Cardiac Surgery under Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Background: We examined the hypothesis that high blood lactate level in intensive care unit patient after adult cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with early adverse outcome. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether high blood lactate level after cardiac surgery is a predictor of the early outcome after adult cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out in the department of Cardiac Surgery at National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (NICVD), Dhaka from July, 2013 to April 2014. A total number of 100 patients who underwent cardiac operation with cardiopulmonary bypass were enrolled in this study as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were divided into two groups according to their blood lactate level 6 hours after transferintensive care unit. Peroperative variables and postoperative variables were observed and recorded during the hospital course of patient. Categorical variables were analyzed by Chi- Square test and Fisher’s exact test and continuous variables were analyzed by ‘t’ test. Multiple Binary Logistic Regression Analysis of predictors for each of the outcome variables was done. Results: Blood lactate levels ≥3mmol/L 6 hours after transfer to intensive care unit were present in 57(57%) patients. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed higher blood lactate level was an independent predictor for early postoperative low output syndrome (OR 9.073, 95% CI 2.819 – 29.207, p = < .0001), pulmonary complication (OR 5.734, 95% CI 1.814 – 18.122, p = .003), neurological deficits (OR 9.725, 95% CI 1.111 - 85.147, p = .040), renal dysfunction (OR 7.393, 95% CI 1.855-29.469, p = .005), arrhythmia (OR 10.512, 95% CI 1.902 – 58.108, p = .007) and wound infection (OR 7.742, 95% CI 1.418 - 42.259, p = .018). Conclusions: High blood lactate level 6 hours after transfer to intensive care unit is an independent predictor for worse outcomes in adult patients after cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass. Bangladesh Heart Journal 2019; 34(1) : 25-30

Correction to: Polymyxin B causes DNA damage in HK-2 cells and mice

In the original publication of the article, part of Fig. 6 is missing. The missing subpanels, Fig. 6c, d are given below.

Fog Collection on Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Fibers: Influence of Cross Section and Surface Structure

Fog-collecting meshes show a great potential in ensuring the availability of a supply of sustainable freshwater in certain arid regions. In most cases, the meshes are made of hydrophilic smooth fibers. Based on the study of plant surfaces, we analyzed the fog collection using various polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers with different cross sections and surface structures with the aim of developing optimized biomimetic fog collectors. Water droplet movement and the onset of dripping from fiber samples were compared. Fibers with round, oval, and rectangular cross sections with round edges showed higher fog-collection performance than those with other cross sections. However, other parameters, for example, width, surface structure, wettability, and so forth, also influenced the performance. The directional delivery of the collected fog droplets by wavy/v-shaped microgrooves on the surface of the fibers enhances the formation of a water film and their fog collection. A numerical simulation of the water droplet spreading behavior strongly supports these findings. Therefore, our study suggests the use of fibers with a round cross section, a microgrooved surface, and an optimized width for an efficient fog collection.

Impact of livestock rearing practices on public health and environmental issues in selected municipality areas of Bangladesh

Livestock keeping at urbanized areas is increasing folds in rate now-a-days in Bangladesh. To characterize the urban livestock keeping practices and its implications on public health and environmental issues in Mymensingh, Gazipur and Shariatpur municipality, Bangladesh, a questionnaire survey was carried out. Ninety livestock keepers were freely characterized and data were obtained through interview. Data were analyzed using percentage and mean. Age does not have any role in keeping livestock at municipal areas. Majority (73%) of the respondents have at least primary education. Male dominates in keeping livestock than female. Local political leader kept the highest number of animals then self-employer or trader takes the second position. Dairy cattle share a lion number (67%) over other species. Ninety five per cent (95%) available breeds in municipal areas are crossbred and the rest is indigenous. More than 75% livestock holders keep their animals over 3 years and only 6% keepers sell their animals within 6 months. Most of the livestock keepers (56%) use their calf as replacement stock. The majority (66%) of the livestock depends on grazing and scavenging for feed from government and municipal lands, unfenced open land, roadsides, rubbish dumps. Most of the livestock owner (66%) does not supplement to their animals with feeds other than free scavenging throughout the rearing time. Most of the farmers (85%) have temporal shed for sheltering their animals during night time. Almost 78% flying herds available in municipal areas drink water from drainage line. Disease outbreaks are 21%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 13%, and 10% of ecto-parasite, mastitis, helminthosis, lumpy skin disease, wounds, and diarrhoea. 14% livestock owner follow vaccination program to keep better their animals from viral or bacterial infections. All the respondents (100%) are aware that livestock keeping could have a negative effect on urban health and environment. More than 50% of the respondents choose dung and urine disposal, malodor and blocked roads are the major damages caused by livestock. Strategies for controlling the damages were as follows: awareness through broadcasting documentary via mass media (4.33), regular health check via veterinary services (3.96), keeping database and regular updated of livestock keepers (3.82), proper disposal of waste (3.69), strengthening rules and policy development for local authority (3.61), reducing numbers of animal (3.48), provision of extension services (3.47), cleaning vicinity daily (3.32). There were some measures taken from public interviewing which need to amend for keeping health and environment free from diseases and pollution.Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2016. 45 (1): 44-51

Hierarchical Surface Architecture of Plants as an Inspiration for Biomimetic Fog Collectors

Fog collectors can enable us to alleviate the water crisis in certain arid regions of the world. A continuous fog-collection cycle consisting of a persistent capture of fog droplets and their fast transport to the target is a prerequisite for developing an efficient fog collector. In regard to this topic, a biological superior design has been found in the hierarchical surface architecture of barley (Hordeum vulgare) awns. We demonstrate here the highly wettable (advancing contact angle 16° ± 2.7 and receding contact angle 9° ± 2.6) barbed (barb = conical structure) awn as a model to develop optimized fog collectors with a high fog-capturing capability, an effective water transport, and above all an efficient fog collection. We compare the fog-collection efficiency of the model sample with other plant samples naturally grown in foggy habitats that are supposed to be very efficient fog collectors. The model sample, consisting of dry hydrophilized awns (DH awns), is found to be about twice as efficient (fog-collection rate 563.7 ± 23.2 μg/cm(2) over 10 min) as any other samples investigated under controlled experimental conditions. Finally, a design based on the hierarchical surface architecture of the model sample is proposed for the development of optimized biomimetic fog collectors.

Fog collecting biomimetic surfaces: Influence of microstructure and wettability

We analyzed the fog collection efficiency of three different sets of samples: replica (with and without microstructures), copper wire (smooth and microgrooved) and polyolefin mesh (hydrophilic, superhydrophilic and hydrophobic). The collection efficiency of the samples was compared in each set separately to investigate the influence of microstructures and/or the wettability of the surfaces on fog collection. Based on the controlled experimental conditions chosen here large differences in the efficiency were found. We found that microstructured plant replica samples collected 2-3 times higher amounts of water than that of unstructured (smooth) samples. Copper wire samples showed similar results. Moreover, microgrooved wires had a faster dripping of water droplets than that of smooth wires. The superhydrophilic mesh tested here was proved more efficient than any other mesh samples with different wettability. The amount of collected fog by superhydrophilic mesh was about 5 times higher than that of hydrophilic (untreated) mesh and was about 2 times higher than that of hydrophobic mesh.

Environmental Issues of Emerging Pangas (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) Farming in Bangladesh

Pangas farming is one of the fastest growing types of aquaculture in Bangladesh. A study was conducted to understand environmental issues of emerging pangas farming in Bangladesh. Data were collected through questionnaire interview and focus group discussion (FGD) with pangas farmers. All together 40 farmers were interviewed and 6 FGD sessions were conducted in Muktagacha, Trishal and Valuka Upazila of Mymensingh district. Positive and negative aspects of environmental integrity were compared. Potential environmental impacts of pangas farming were assessed using certain parameters like land use pattern, water quality management and eutrophication, pond waste management, use of chemicals and antibiotics, and escape of fish. It was found that conversion of agricultural land and beels into pangas pond were remarkable which leads to the quick loss of agricultural land that reduces rice production. The unutilized feed portion accumulated in pangas ponds produced huge pond bottom waste and caused water quality deterioration. Eutrophication was found as a common problem along with discharge of highly nutrient rich water in the paddy field. Management of pond bottom waste was found quite poor though it has some good use in vegetable production in the pond dyke. Indiscriminate use of chemicals and antibiotics had an adverse impact on the environment and human health.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v24i1-2.19118 Progress. Agric. 24(1&2): 159 - 170, 2013

Long term cyclic heat stress influences physiological responses and blood characteristics in indigenous sheep

The present study was designed to elucidate changes in physiological and blood parameters of indigenous sheep during cyclic heat exposure. Twelve 2-4 year-old sheep with an average body weight of 10.5±0.5 kg were randomly allocated to one of three experimental heat treatments: control (21°C, stall feeding), short term (21°C to 32°C; 32°C for 4 h/d, grazing), and long term (21°C to 32°; 32°C for 8 h/d, grazing).The results have shown that sheep exposed to cyclic heat treatments exhibited higher (P=0.05) rectal temperature, body temperature, and respiratory rate compared to the control group. Cyclic heat treatments significantly decreased heart rate of sheep. There was a sharp reduction in rumination and an increase in time spent by sheep in eating during cyclic heat treatments. Long term heat treatment significantly increased RBC and WBC counts, PCV values, and hemoglobin level than that of the control and short term heat treatments. Similar responses were also observed in plasma glucose, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, and blood urea nitrogen levels. These results suggest that short term heat stress is tolerable but long term is physiologically detrimental to them to indigenous sheep.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v42i2.18486 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2013. 42 (2): 96-100

Validation and Optimization of a Simple RP-HPLC Method for Determination of Trimetazidine in Human Serum and its Application in a Pharmacokinetic Study with Healthy Bangladeshi Male Volunteers

Trimetazidine is an effective and well-tolerated antianginal drug. In the present study, a simple, sensitive  and specific liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with UV detection was developed and validated for the  quantification of trimetazidine in human serum samples using caffeine as internal standard. Protein precipitation  method with methanol was employed in the extraction of trimetazidine and caffeine from biological matrix. The  chromatographic separation was accomplished on Xterra C18 Column with a mobile phase consisting 0.01 M  potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (pH 4.16 ± 0.01 adjusted with orthophosphoric acid, with a solvent system of  triethanolamine and acetonitrile (90:10) at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The chromatogram was monitored at a  wavelength of 207 nm. The method was validated over a linear concentration range of 5-200 ng/ml and limit of  quantification (LOQ) was 5.0 ng/ml with a coefficient of correlation (r2) ? 0.996. The intra-day and inter-day  precision expressed as relative standard deviation was 3.40%-11.63% and 1.30%-10.21%, respectively. The average  recovery of trimetazidine from serum was 97.44%. The method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study  after oral administration of modified release trimetazidine hydrochloride tablet (35 mg) in healthy Bangladeshi  volunteers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujps.v10i2.11783 Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 10(2): 71-78, 2011 (December)  

CYP3A genotypes in Bangladeshi tuberculosis patients

The purpose of this study is to investigate the genotype and allelic frequencies of CYP3A in Bangladeshi Tuberculosis (TB) patients which may help for individualized drug dosing and improved therapeutics. Genotyping was done using the extracted genomic DNA from 90 TB patients followed by amplification of target alleles by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Amplified alleles were then digested by restriction enzymes followed by gel electrophoresis & sequencing to identify the targeted alleles namely CYP3A4*1B, CYP3A4*2, CYP3A4*4, CY3A4*5, CYP3A4*6, CYP3A4*10, CYP3A4*18, and CYP3A5*3. In TB patients, no samples were positive for CYP3A4*2, CYP3A4*4, CYP3A4*5, CYP3A4*6, CYP3A4*10, and CYP3A4*18 alleles. One sample was found to be heterozygous for CYP3A4*1B (1.11%). The wild homozygous (CYP3A5*1/*1) genotype frequency was 7.78%, the heterozygous (CYP3A5*1/*3) frequency was 42.22% and the homozygous mutant (CYP3A5*3/*3) frequency was 50% in Bangladeshi TB patients. The absence of the common polymorphic gene suggests that there will be no impact of CYP3A drug metabolizing enzymes on antituberculosis drugs.

Enzyme Activities and Mobilization of Nutrients in Brassica (Brassica Spp.) and Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Seeds during Germination

Context: Determination of the activities of hydrolytic enzymes from germinating wheat seeds and investigation of degraded nutrients from brassica and wheat seeds at different periods of germination are important factors for identification of richest sources of hydrolytic enzymes and nutrients.Objectives: To study the activities of hydrolytic enzymes and degradation of seed storage substances of brassica (Brassica napus L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds during germination.Materials and Methods:  Three varieties of brassica (Brassica napus L., B. juncea L. and B. campestris L.) and three varieties of wheat (Akbar, Kanchan and Agrani) seeds were analyzed. Amylase, invertase, protease and lipase activities were assayed. Degradation of seed storage nutrients during germination were determined by conventional biochemical methods.Results: The activities of amylase, invertase, protease and lipase varied from 8.02 – 48.69, 2.45 – 15.32, 20.96 – 45.45 and 2.72 – 12.76 units/ ml respectively. Degradation of nutrients in the three species of brassica and wheat seeds was also studied at different periods of germination. The amount of free sugar in brassica and wheat seeds ranged from 0.93 – 4.27% and 3.82 – 4.88%; reducing sugar content from 0.012 - 0.093% and 0.032 - 0.078%; starch from 1.42 – 4.70% and 10.26 – 69.65%; total protein from 3.1 – 25.37% and 2.3 – 18.37%;  water-soluble protein from 1.5 – 14.24% and 1.0 – 6.50%;  and oil content from 2.49 – 43.6% and 1.04 – 1.92% respectively. Conclusion: The results suggest that the extracts from brassica and wheat seeds can be good sources of nutrients and hydrolytic enzymes which are applicable in food industry to improve food quality.Key words: Brassica; Wheat; Carbohydrate; Protein; Lipid; Hydrolytic Enzyme.DOI: 10.3329/jbs.v17i0.7114J. bio-sci. 17: 101-106, 2009