Biosecurity, health and disease management practices among the dairy farms in five districts of Bangladesh

Herd health management is a planned program to optimize health, welfare, and production of dairy cows. A cross-sectional study focused on herd health management of dairy farms, was carried out to assess the biosecurity, health, and disease management practices with associated socio-demographic factors. A structured questionnaire with closed- and open-ended questions was employed for farmers' interviews to acquire information on dairy farms. Data were collected from randomly selected 205 dairy farms in five districts (Dhaka-Savar, Mymensingh, Gazipur, Rangpur, and Sirajganj) of Bangladesh. Overall, 1.5% farms had "good", 17% had "moderate" and 81.5% had "poor" levels of biosecurity, health and disease management practices (BHDMP). Analysis of variance revealed that mean BHDMP scores were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in farms of Rangpur (27.6 ± 0.8) and Gazipur (26.7 ± 0.6) than those of the other three districts. Educational status had a significant effect on BHDMP scores. The farms owned by graduated farmers had the highest mean BHDMP score (30.4 ± 1.1) while the farms operated by illiterate farmers had the lowest BHDMP score (20.4 ± 0.4). Multiple linear regression analysis also revealed that educational status (secondary to post-graduation), training experience, area of study (Rangpur district), and herd size were significantly associated with BHDMP score of the farms. The findings lay a basis for improving dairy farms' biosecurity, health and disease management practices, which further envisage the adoption and implementation of herd health management programs.

A Self-Attention-Based Neural Network for Predicting Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Response

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Cancer cells evade immune system by negatively regulating T cells via immune checkpoints (e.g., PD-1). By blocking these checkpoints, the ability of immune system to recognize and kill cancer cells restores. Individual response rate of checkpoint blockade varies among patients, with 50%-80% in specific types of cancer such as melanoma, while only 15%-30% in most other tumors. Yet it is still an open question what is the set of biomarkers that are crucial to the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). The overall goal of this study is to develop and validate a biologically-aware interpretable deep learning model to identify the biomarkers that can predict the survival outcome to ICI treatment.

MATERIALS/METHODS

The self-attention mechanism could yield interpretable results where important biomarkers may have more "attention". However, in classical self-attention mechanism, the prior biological knowledge of protein interactions (PPI) and gene pathways are not incorporated. In this study, we propose a weighted biologically-aware attention score, where it is weighted against the gene centrality and pathway length. The genes that are closely connected to mutated genes receive 'high attention', while the genes that are far away from mutated genes along the pathway receive "lower attention". We then train, validate and test our model using 1,660 patients of nine types of cancer. To validate the prediction, 1. We evaluate the accuracy via concordance index. 2. We identified the genes that receive high attention and verify their functions in existed literature. 3. We perform sanity check by removing these genes from the data, re-training and predicting again, and comparing the prediction accuracy.

RESULTS

Our framework has achieved an average accuracy (measured via c-index) of 0.60 ± 0.06 for NSCLC and 0.58 ± 0.07 for melanoma, which is superior to both the gold standard COX-PH model (0.57 ± 0.06 for NSCLC and 0.53 ± 0.03 for melanoma) and DeepSurv (0.54 ± 0.05 for NSCLC and 0.51 ± 0.10 for melanoma). Genes that receive high attention have been validated by supporting literature, which provides an additional means of verifying the prediction in comparison to "black box" deep learning models, where there is no way to comprehend the reason behind predictions. Removing the top 8% high-attention genes (∼25 genes) from the data while using the remaining 92% for making predictions resulted in a drop in accuracy to 0.55 ± 0.073 for NSCLC and 0.56 ± 0.03 for melanoma, underscoring the significance of these genes. Patient stratification is also performed by dividing patients into responders and non-responders based on prediction score.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we propose and validate a biologically-aware self-attention based deep learning model which outperforms commonly-used survival models. Additionally, this tool has the potential to identify key biomarkers while assist in clinical decision-making, which demonstrates a promising step for immunotherapy response prediction.

Accelerating Volumetric CT and MRI Imaging by Reference-Free Deep Learning Transformation from Low-Resolution to High-Resolution

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

High-resolution (HR) images are important in precision radiation oncology. However, acquiring HR volumetric CT and MRI images is often time consuming; also, the resolution in some direction(s) (e.g., z-direction in the case of CT) is often limited by imaging hardware or fundamental imaging principle. Super-resolution (SR) imaging, i.e., the low-resolution (LR) to HR image transformation, is widely used to improve image resolution. Data-driven deep learning (DL) methods have achieved great success in SR imaging, yet they can hardly be applied to medical imaging as they require large amount of LR-HR image pairs to train the model. We therefore propose a reference-free DL method to increase resolutions of volumetric medical images in an efficient way.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We propose a maximum likelihood estimation (MLE)-based implicit neural representation (INR) network for SR imaging. The INR network aims to represent an image as a continuous function parameterized by a coordinate-based multi-layer perceptron. The INR network takes image coordinates as input and outputs corresponding pixel intensities. To train the network without using any HR images, we use a MLE framework to model LR observations' statistics and their relation to the latent HR image. The predicted HR image from the INR's output is transformed to LR images based on the MLE, and the network parameters are then optimized by minimizing the distance between the transformed LR images and actual LR observations. We demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method on CT and MRI images for 2x, 4x, and 8x SR using only one or two LR image(s). The performance is compared with a conventional SR method named plain MLE, in terms of visual quality and numerical qualities of PSNR and SSIM.

RESULTS

Our method outperformed the plain MLE method in the experiment. Table 1 reports the numerical improvements of our method over the compared plain MLE method. For 2x SR with a single LR image, our method achieved significant improvements in both PSNR and SSIM. When using two LR images, the better structural restoration capability of our method became more obvious with higher SR magnifications, as indicated by the increased SSIM differences. Better noise suppression capability of our method is observed in all our studies, as indicated by the PSNR values. In visual quality evaluation, we observed sharper image details with less noise in SR images generated by the proposed method, compared with the plain MLE method.

CONCLUSION

The proposed novel reference-free DL method can efficiently provide high-quality HR images with only one or two LR images for CT and MRI imaging. This method can be easily generalized to many other radiation therapy related applications without the requirement for HR reference images.

Detection of antimicrobial resistance genes in Lactobacillus spp. from poultry probiotic products and their horizontal transfer among Escherichia coli

The study was conducted to identify the antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in Lactobacillus spp. from poultry probiotic products and their potential to spread among Escherichia coli. Lactobacillus spp. were isolated and identified from 35 poultry probiotic samples based on the cultural, biochemical, and molecular findings. All the isolates (n = 35) were screened for the presence of some ARGs such as β-lactamases encoding genes (blaTEM, blaCTXM-1, and blaCTXM-2), plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance gene (qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS), and tetracycline resistance genes (tetA and tetB). Five Lactobacillus spp. isolates from three brands were positive for one or more ARGs. The qnrS was detected in four isolates. The blaTEM and tetB were detected in two isolates. One isolate contained blaCTX-M-1, blaCTX-M-2, and tetA genes. Brand-wise analysis revealed that one isolate from Brand 4 contained blaTEM, blaCTX-M-1, blaCTX-M-2, qnrS, and tetA genes, one isolate from Brand 2 contained blaTEM gene, and three isolates from Brand 7 harbored qnrS gene. The co-culture of Lactobacillus spp. and E. coli resulted in the transmission of qnrS, CTX-M-1, and tetA from Lactobacillus spp. to E. coli. Results of antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed that the highest resistance was observed to cefepime and cefotaxime followed by penicillin G, oxacillin, cefuroxime, and ofloxacin. The findings of the present study indicate the potential risk of horizontal spread of antimicrobial resistance through probiotic bacteria among the poultry population. Therefore, it is very necessary to check for ARGs along with other attributes of probiotic bacteria to avoid the inclusion of resistant strains in probiotics.

Socio-demographic determinants of use and misuse of antibiotics in commercial poultry farms in Bangladesh

Objectives

This study was conducted to assess poultry farmers' knowledge and practices regarding antibiotics, antimicrobial usage (AMU), and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and to identify the sociodemographic factors of inappropriate use of antibiotics in commercial poultry farms in Bangladesh.

Methods

A qualitative survey of 140 farmers in Bangladesh was conducted from March to May 2019. A logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with the inappropriate use of antibiotics.

Results

47.1% of farmers were unable to explain antibiotics, 42.9% used antibiotics for preventive purposes, 4.3% used them as growth promoters, 25.7% used them as suggested by veterinarians, 42.9% used leftover antibiotics, 50% did not maintain antibiotics residual withdrawal period, and 98.6% did not know about AMR. In bivariable regression analysis, sex and primary occupation of poultry farmers, their knowledge about withdrawal periods for antibiotics, and no contact with veterinary surgeons (VS) were found to be significantly associated with the inappropriate use of antibiotics, while only 'no contact with VS' was identified in multivariable regression analysis.

Conclusions

The findings suggest an urgent need to improve understanding of antibiotics and AMR. Adequate supervision by veterinarians would ensure adherence to appropriate AMU patterns, and would limit the misuse of antibiotics and associated AMR development in farms.

Investigation of respiratory disease outbreaks of poultry in Bangladesh using two real-time PCR-based simultaneous detection assays

For rapid and sensitive pathogen screening from field outbreaks, molecular techniques such as qPCR-based simultaneous detections are efficient. Respiratory diseases are the most detrimental diseases to the poultry industry and need to be addressed because of their major economic losses. In the current study, we have applied two different detection assays: one for simultaneous detection of avian influenza virus (AIV; M gene) and subtyping (H5, N1, H9, N2) using TaqMan probe chemistry (TaqMan multitarget) and another for simultaneous detection of Newcastle disease virus (NDV), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), and infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) using SYBR Green chemistry (SYBR Green multitarget). Two individual qPCRs were conducted for the detection of four pathogens. Surveillance of tissue (n = 158) and oropharyngeal swab (206) samples from multiple poultry flocks during the years April 2020-July 2022 applying the TaqMan and SYBR Green multitarget qPCRs revealed that 48.9% of samples were positive for respiratory infections, of which 17.2% were positive for NDV, 25.5% were positive for AIV, 9.9% were positive for IBV, and only a single positive (0.3%) for ILTV. Among the AIV, 35% were highly pathogenic subtype H5N1 and 65% were low pathogenic subtype H9N2. Co-infections of 2-3 respiratory viruses were also accurately detected. Respiratory viral pathogens are quite common in Bangladeshi poultry and can be successfully detected using multitarget simultaneous real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays like those adopted in the current study. Increased mass surveillance, along with the molecular characterization of the circulating respiratory viruses, is crucial to control the epidemic and subsequently save the Bangladeshi poultry industry.

Clinical Epidemiology, Pathology, and Molecular Investigation of Lumpy Skin Disease Outbreaks in Bangladesh during 2020-2021 Indicate the Re-Emergence of an Old African Strain

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) emerged in Bangladesh in mid-2019, leading to great economic losses for cattle farmers. This study describes the recent occurrence of the LSDV in Bangladesh and examines the clinical manifestation of the disease in local cattle breeds, characteristic epidemiological features, and pathological findings in affected animals. In addition, a full-genome sequencing of two local LSDV isolates was carried out. A total of 565 animals from 88 households were investigated, and 165 samples (skin lesions, saliva, nasal discharge, feces, and milk) were collected for virus detection. Pathology and immunohistochemistry were performed on nodule biopsies. Fever, nodular skin lesions, and swelling of the joints were the most common clinical manifestations. Skin lesions had a higher concentration of viral DNA compared to other sample types and were therefore selected for virus isolation and characterization. Pathology of the LSD skin nodules comprised a granulomatous reaction in the dermis and hypodermis that extended to the surrounding tissues. Development of the skin lesions started with swelling of keratinocytes with cytoplasmic vacuolation, vasculitis, panniculitis, thrombosis, and infarction. Altogether, the LSDV produced transmural, hemorrhagic, necrotizing, proliferative and ulcerative dermatitis. The LSD viral antigen was detected occasionally in the macrophages, epithelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells. The complete genome sequence analysis revealed that the two Bangladeshi field strains (BD-V392.1 and BD-V395.1) were distinct from the contemporary field strains and were closely related to the ancestral African Neethling strain. The findings of this study will improve the diagnosis, monitoring, and control of LSD in Bangladesh.

Epidemiology and economic impact of lumpy skin disease of cattle in Mymensingh and Gaibandha districts of Bangladesh

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an emerging viral disease of cattle that negatively impacts livestock by reducing animals' production and increasing management costs. Like other countries, Bangladesh has also faced the ominous effects of LSD. Because of this pressing concern, the present study was undertaken to determine the attack rate and risk factors along with economic losses of the recent LSD outbreaks from October 2019 to June 2020 in Bangladesh's Mymensingh and Gaibandha districts. A total of 1187 cattle from 150 randomly selected cattle farms were surveyed. The diagnosis was made both clinically and molecularly. The overall attack rate, mortality and case fatality were 34%, 1.10% and 3.23%, respectively, but in calves up to 1 month of age, the attack rate, mortality and case-fatality were 41.6%, 12.5% and 30%, respectively. In risk factor analysis using multiple logistic regression, the following factors were significantly (p < .05) associated with LSD occurrence: no administration of goat pox vaccine, frequency of goat pox vaccination - single dose, introduction of new cattle, land type (low land and medium-high land), use of common syringe and needle, and use of common utensils. The average economic loss per case was 9384.41 BDT (110.40 US $). The higher economic loss per case was accounted in Mymensingh district (10248.91 BDT ≈ 120.58 US $) than Gaibandha district (8211.52 BDT ≈ 96.61 US $). The loss was higher in crossbred cattle (9709.58 BDT ≈ 114.23 US $) compared to indigenous cattle (7595.94 BDT ≈ 89.36 US $). The total estimated annual loss due to LSD in Mymensingh and Gaibandha districts was 7763.25 million BDT (91.33 million US $). In Gaibandha district, the estimated annual loss was 2666.20 million BDT (31.37 million US $) while in Mymensingh district it was 5097.05 million BDT (59.97 million US $). Findings of the study could provide useful epidemiological data with losses incurred due to LSD to the livestock owners, field veterinarians and government-level livestock regulators, which will help to formulate prevention and control strategies and minimize the negative impact of LSD's probable return or spread.

Prevalence of Methicillin and β−Lactamase Resistant Pathogens Associated with Oral and Periodontal Disease of Children in Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Oral and periodontal diseases (OPD) is considered one of the main problems of dentistry worldwide. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of oral and periodontal pathogenic bacteria along with their antimicrobial resistance pattern in 131 children patients aged between 4–10 years who attended in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital during October 2019 to March 2020. OPD pathogens were identified through isolation, cultural and biochemical properties, and nucleic acid detection. The isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility to 12 antibiotics commonly used in dentistry. In addition, the isolates were analyzed molecularly for the presence of six virulence and three antibacterial resistance genes. Five pathogens were identified, of which Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (49%) and S. salivarius (46%) were noticed frequently; other bacteria included S. mutans (16.8%), S. sobrinus (0.8%) and L. fermentum (13.7%). The virulence genes—clumping factor A (clfA) was detected in 62.5% isolates of S. aureus, and gelatinase enzyme E (gelE) gene was detected in 5% isolates of S. salivarius, while other virulence genes were not detected. All the tested isolates were multidrug-resistant. The overall prevalence of MDR S. aureus, Streptococcus spp. and L. fermentum was 92.2%, 95.1% and 100%, respectively. It was observed that a high proportion of isolates were found resistant to 5–8 antibiotics. A majority of S. aureus, Streptococcus spp., and L. fermentum isolates tested positive for the β−lactamase resistance genes blaTEM and cfxA, as well as the methicillin resistance gene mecA. Phylogenetically, the resistance genes showed variable genetic character among Bangladeshi bacterial pathogens. In conclusion, S. aureus and S. salivarius were major OPD pathogens in patients attended in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital of Bangladesh, and most were Beta-lactam and methicillin resistant.

Prevalence of Dental Caries in Children in Mymensingh and Its Associated Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Children suffer from various oral and periodontal diseases. Dental caries is one of the most prevalent oral diseases among children in the world. This study was conducted to identify the prevalence and risk factors of dental caries in children in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 362 pediatric patients who attended the Dental Unit of Mymensingh Medical College from March to September 2019. The sample size was calculated using a statistical formula and the children were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Children and their guardians were interviewed and data were recorded using a structured questionnaire. Risk factors were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Results: The overall prevalence of dental caries was 82.7%. The prevalence of caries was significantly higher in aged children (8–10 years) and also in rural, low-income, and illiterate families. Seven significant risk factors were identified that included residence in the rural area (OR: 7.31 [1.73–30.83]), a parental income of BDT ≤ 20,000 per month (OR: 4.75 [1.49–15.05]), reduced duration (≤1 min) of teeth cleaning (OR: 18.54 [2.05–168.17]), teeth cleaning before breakfast (OR: 93.30 [10.95–795.32]), the spoon-feeding method (OR: 12.57 [2.09–75.61]), long-term (37–48 months) breastfeeding (OR: 212.53 [8.69–5195.25]), and family oral problem (OR: 8.20 [2.57–26.16]). Conclusions: The prevalence of dental caries among the children in Mymensingh is very high and was associated with residence in rural areas, parental income, reduced duration of teeth cleaning, teeth cleaning before breakfast, the spoon-feeding method, long-term breastfeeding, and family oral problems.

Metabolic profiling in periparturient dairy cows and its relation with metabolic diseases

Objective

Periparturient period is associated with multiple changes including serum concentration of macro minerals and drop in feed intake. Therefore, it is essential to know the actual concentrations of major macro minerals, glucose and ketone bodies in blood during the periparturient period. The objectives of the study were to study the dynamics of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and glucose in serum and ketone bodies in the urine of periparturient cows and to estimate the incidence of subclinical metabolic diseases.

Results

Results showed that all the urine samples were negative for ketone bodies. Incidence of subclinical form of hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia, hypophosphatemia, and hypoglycemia in periparturient cows was 31.03%, 48.28%, 17.24% and 55.17%, respectively. Older cows with high BCS and milk yield were mostly affected with a subclinical form of hypocalcaemia and hypoglycemia. No significant differences were observed in serum level of macro minerals and glucose at different time points of periparturient period of cows fed with a balanced ration, and between two groups of cows those were given IV injection of calcium and magnesium on the day of parturition and those were not given. Age, parity, and milk yield had no significant effect on the concentration of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and glucose.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13104-022-06130-z.

Sink survey to investigate multidrug resistance pattern of common foodborne bacteria from wholesale chicken markets in Dhaka city of Bangladesh

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among foodborne bacteria is a well-known public health problem. A sink survey was conducted to determine the AMR pattern of common foodborne bacteria in cloacal swab of broiler chickens and sewage samples from five wholesale chicken markets of Dhaka city in Bangladesh. Bacteria were identified by culture-based and molecular methods, and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Resistance genes were identified by multiplex PCR and sequencing. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed in 93.2% of E. coli, 100% of Salmonella spp., and 97.2% of S. aureus from cloacal swab samples. For sewage samples, 80% of E. coli, and 100% of Salmonella and S. aureus showed MDR. Noteworthy, 8.3% of S. aureus from cloacal swab samples showed possible extensively drug resistance. Antimicrobial resistance genes (beta-lactamase—blaTEM, blaSHV; quinolone resistance gene—qnrS) were detected in a number of E. coli and Salmonella isolates from cloacal swab and sewage samples. The methicillin resistance gene (mecA) was detected in 47.2% and 25% S. aureus from cloacal swab and sewage samples, respectively. The findings envisage the potential public health risk and environmental health hazard through spillover of common foodborne MDR bacteria.

Evaluation of Short Term Outcome of Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection (STARR) for ODS (Obstructed Defecation Syndrome) by Comparing Pre and Post-operative ODS Score

Obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) is a common anorectal problem and it can be corrected by various surgical approaches but most of these have high recurrence and complication rates. Antonio Longo introduced Stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) in 2003 as a minimally invasive transanal operation for correction ODS associated with rectocele and or rectal intussusception. This study was designed to assess the short term outcome of Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection (STARR) as a surgical treatment of Obstructed Defecation Syndrome (ODS). This is a quasi experimental study which was carried out in the department of Colorectal Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from May 2016 to June 2017. Seventeen (17) patients were included in the study. Patients with obstructed defecation syndrome and rectocele and or rectal intussusception admitted in the department of Colorectal Surgery were enrolled in the study as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. History, clinical examination, Proctoscopy, Colonoscopy and MR Defecography was done for evaluation of the patients. During evaluation preoperative Longo's ODS score of every patient also determined and compared with postoperative ODS score. The patient was followed up regularly at one, three and six months after each operation. The ODS score in 82.35% patients improved significantly. The postoperative score was high (13-15) only in 02(11.8%) patients probably due to presence of physiological factors. Post-operative defecatory urgency was developed in only 02(11.76%) patients. Major postoperative complication like hemorrhage or rectovaginal fistula did not develop in any patient. STARR is an effective, less invasive and simple procedure for the treatment of ODS with rectocele and/or rectal intussusception without major morbidity but other physiological causes of ODS should exclude preoperatively because its presence makes the surgical intervention fruitless.

A large-scale epidemiological investigation on trematode infections in small ruminants in Bangladesh

Background

The important trematode species in small ruminants: Paramphistomum sp., Fasciola spp. and Schistosoma spp. seriously affect the productivity of domestic ruminants in endemic areas.

Methods

In the present study, we identified the potential risk factors associated with trematodes infections in small ruminants in seven topographic zones of Bangladesh using simple sedimentation and modified Stoll’ ova counting technique.

Results

A total of 2440 samples were examined, where 965 were found positive with one or more trematode species with an overall prevalence of 39.5% (95% CI, 37.6%–41.5%) and intensity of infection was 264.77 ± 9.86 egg per gram of faeces. Three trematode species were identified namely Paramphistomum sp. (34.1%, 32.2%–36.0%), Fasciola spp. (7.5%, 6.5%–8.6%) and Schistosoma spp. (2.7%, 2.1%–3.5%). Prevalence of co‐infection was 4.8%. The spatial distribution of trematode infections varied from 29.5% to 53.6%. Univariate analysis revealed that physiological condition of females, body condition, farming system, deworming and season were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with trematodes infections in small ruminants. By multiple logistic regression model, three factors such as physiological condition of females (pregnant and lactating), poor body condition and animals without deworming were identified as potential risk factors for trematodes infection in small ruminants.

Conclusion

Trematode infections are prevalent in the study areas and Paramphistomum sp. is most common in different areas among the identified trematodes species.

Government should take necessary action to appraise an effective control strategy of trematode infections in small ruminants.

Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) in Bangladesh during the first half of 2021

Bangladesh is the second-worst-affected country in South Asia by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The aim of this study is to examine genome sequences from Bangladesh from January 2021 to June 2021 in order to monitor the SARS-CoV-2 VOC and the clades or lineages that are prevalent in the country. Within the study timeframe, at least eight Nextstrain clades were found: 20A, 20B, 20C, 20H (Beta, V2), 20I (Alpha, V1), 20 J (Gamma, V3), 21A (Delta), 21D (Eta), and six GISAID clades: four main (G, GH, GR, GRY) and two minors (GV, O) with an introduction of VOC B.1.1.7/Alpha, B.1.351/Beta and B.1.617.2/Delta. The introduction and recent occurrence of VOCs with substantial alterations in the receptor binding site of spike protein (K417 N, K417T, L452R, T478K, E484K, S494P, N501Y) are of particular importance. Specifically, VOC B.1.617.2/Delta has surpassed all prior VOCs in Bangladesh, posing a challenge to the existing disease management.

Antimicrobial Resistance of E Coli Causing Urinary Tract Infection in Bangladesh

Rapid spread of multidrug resistant microorganisms is a matter of great concern throughout the glove including Bangladesh. The objective was to identify the causative organisms for urinary tract infection (UTI) and their sensitivity patterns to antibiotics. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on patients admitted with UTI (n=60) at a tertiary level hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh from March 2019 to September 2019. Data were collected through clinical record reviews. Data of all these 60 cases were analyzed for socio-demographic characteristics. Of the 60 patients, culture and sensitivity report was available for 42 patients. Therefore, data were further analyzed for these 42 cases. Median age of patients was 35 years and 80% were female. The main organisms isolated from urine culture of UTI patients were E. coli (64%), Klebsiella (12%) and Enterococci species (10%). Susceptibility to antibiotics was analyzed only for E. coli (n=27) since the number of isolates of other organisms were small. E. coli was found to be resistant to most of the first- and second-line antibiotics, such as Amoxicillin (100%), Amoxyclav (72%), Co-trimoxazole (89%), Nalidixic acid (78%), Ceftazidim (94%), Ceftriaxone (73%), Cefuroxime (100%), Ciprofloxacin (59%), Cephotaxime (80%), Cefixime (100%) and Moxifloxacin (100%). E. coli was the predominant organism responsible for UTI and was resistant to most of the first- and second-line antibiotics. Immediate action is needed to develop empirical guideline for empirical management of UTI and establish surveillance system for monitoring.

Early metabolic profiling in the periparturient period reduces the occurrence of postparturient metabolic diseases in cows

Objective: To study the impact of early metabolic profiling and intervention measures in the peri¬parturient period on the occurrence of postparturient metabolic diseases in cows. Materials and Methods: Using a cohort of dairy cows from two selected areas of Bangladesh, we routinely tested the serum calcium level and ketone bodies in the urine at periparturient periods. In addition, milk samples were tested for the presence of mastitis at different stages of lactation. Animals showing reduced serum calcium levels, high ketone bodies in the urine or the presence of clinical and subclinical mastitis received appropriate therapeutic intervention immediately after detection. After the intervention, the number of animals that got sick with diseases or conditions like milk fever, ketosis, mastitis, and dystocia, which are caused by metabolic problems, was recorded. Results: In the periparturient period, most of the animals had lower serum calcium levels (8.13 ± 1.2 mg/dl), which were significantly increased by the following intervention (10.05 ± 1.4 mg/dl). On the other hand, there was a higher number of ketosis-affected animals (33.9%, 20/59) during the periparturient period, which decreased (18.6%, 11/59) during the postparturient period. Similarly, the number of mastitis-affected cows was also decreased in postparturient cows (30.9%, 13/42) than in periparturient cows (59.5%, 25/42), following improved hygienic measures. After early intervention, the number of study animals with metabolic diseases decreased from 51.7% before intervention to 15.3% after intervention. Conclusions: Early metabolic profiling significantly reduced the occurrence of metabolic diseases in cows. Therefore, we recommend regular metabolic profiling of dairy cows and receiving early intervention measures to reduce the occurrence of metabolic diseases on the farm.

Epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli in broiler chickens, farmworkers, and farm sewage in Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become an emerging threat worldwide, and developing countries such as Bangladesh are considered to be at greater risk of disseminating the resistant bacteria between human-animal interfaces.

OBJECTIVES

The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence and AMR profile of Escherichia coli isolated from broiler chickens, the environment, and farmworkers. This study also aimed to identify the risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli infection in broiler chickens. In addition, the presence of carbapenem resistance gene (NDM-1) was assessed.

METHODS

A total of 114 E. coli isolates, recovered from 150 samples (cloacal swabs = 50, farm sewage = 50, and hand washed water of farmworkers = 50) collected from 50 broiler farms, were identified by biochemical examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed for 10 antibiotics by disk diffusion test. Carbapenem resistance gene (NDM-1) was detected by PCR. Risk factors were identified through multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

The highest prevalence of E. coli was recorded in broiler chickens (86%) and the lowest in farmworkers (66%). For MDR E. coli infection, 'winter season', 'absence of specific shoes for staff', and 'use of antibiotics without veterinarian's prescription' were the significant risk factors. High resistance of the E. coli isolates was observed against levofloxacin (81.6%), doxycycline (78.1%), cefotaxime (78.1%), and ciprofloxacin (70.2%). About 76% of the isolates demonstrated MDR. None of the isolates were positive for the NDM-1 gene.

CONCLUSIONS

The high level and similar pattern of antibiotic resistance in E. coli isolates from broiler chickens, farmworkers, and sewage in poultry farms indicates a good possibility of spreading the antibiotic-resistant E. coli in such settings.

Milestones of Development in Infancy: A Prospective Study in a Tertiary Level Hospital of Bangladesh

The timing of milestone is influenced by many factors. Sex and socioeconomic status has significant effect to some psycomotor milestones. The study was conducted to determine the pattern of milestones of development of infants in our country and to compare it in different sex and socioeconomic condition. It was a hospital based prospective study done in Sir Sallimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from October 2014 to November 2015. Healthy term newborn infants with average birth weight were included in this study and milestones of this birth cohort were assessed monthly from birth to 12 months of age by using a set of 60 milestones. Total number of 217 babies was enrolled but during follow up 0.9% developed meningitis, 43.7% was lost to follow up and 55.2% of the cohort was followed up to 12 months of age. Among 120 babies 51.7% were male, 48.3% were female babies and 51.7% belong to lower, 32.5% middle and 15.8% upper socioeconomic group. There was no significant difference between male and female infants achieving most of the milestones of development except in language development in which female infants were little bit higher than male infants.

Evaluation of sodium lauryl sulfate for the development of cow-side mastitis screening test

Background and Aim:

Subclinical mastitis (SCM) is an economically important disease for dairy cattle worldwide; therefore, regular screening is imperative to detect SCM at an early stage so as to control it. The study was conducted to compare the test characteristics of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as a test reagent to detect SCM in dairy cows.

Materials and Methods:

First, 106 milk samples of dairy cows were subjected to available indirect screening tests (white side test [WST], surf field mastitis test, Leucocytest, and Immucell) considering somatic cell count (SCC) as gold standard test. Then 273 milk samples were allowed to react with different concentrations of SLS with or without sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and indicators (bromothymol blue [BTB] and bromocresol purple [BCP]).

Results:

SLS with or without NaOH yielded best reaction with the milk samples similar to Leucocytest. It was observed that the reaction of milk samples with SLS added with indicators (BTB and BCP) was easier to visualize than without indicators. SLS 3%+NaOH 1.5% with BTB and SLS 2% with BCP had high sensitivity, specificity, and substantial agreement with SCC. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of SLS 2% with BCP and SLS 3%+NaOH 1.5% with BTB was 0.917 and 0.875, respectively.

Conclusion:

It may be concluded that SLS 3%+NaOH 1.5% with BTB and SLS 2% with BCP may be the potential reagents for the development of an effective cow-side test to detect SCM, as the main ingredient SLS is considerably cheap and readily available in developing countries.

Usage of meat and bone meal in animal, poultry and fish feeds: A survey and risk analysis for the occurrence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is an emerging zoonotic disease of cattle associated with pathological prion protein (PrP^sc ) transmitted via meat and bone meal (MBM). Although Bangladesh did not experience a BSE outbreak but the country could not export animal products to developed countries as has not yet been declared BSE free country by OIE due to lack of scientific risk evaluation for BSE. The objectives were identification of hazard, release and exposure pathways of pathological prion protein through MBM and analysis of risk for the occurrence of BSE in Bangladesh.

METHODS

The scientific data were reviewed, hazards were scheduled and surveys were conducted on livestock production system, import of MBM and its use to identify the hazards present in Bangladesh context. The analysis was done by the 'OIE Risk Analysis Framework 2006 and European Union (EU) Scientific Steering Committee (SSC) 2003'. From the historical reviews, import of MBM and its use was identified, as external hazards.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed that these hazards had negligible or moderate risk for the introduction of infectious PrP^sc as Bangladeshi cattle are vegetarian cattle. No milk replacer was used and use of slaughtered waste in the animal feed industry is absent. Unconsumable bones are processed to produce bone chips, fertilizers and bone meal for poultry feeds. Scrapie was never prevalent in Bangladesh. Therefore, risk from the internal challenge was negligible in Bangladesh for the occurrence of classical BSE. These prevented the propagation of BSE infectivity and eliminated BSE infectivity from the system very fast, if that was present.

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded that introduction of PrP^sc into cattle population of Bangladesh through MBM was very negligible. Therefore, Bangladesh can be considered as BSE negligible risk country.

Epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella in chickens, sewage, and workers of broiler farms in selected areas of Bangladesh

INTRODUCTION

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and AMR pattern of Salmonella isolated from broiler chickens, farm sewage, and farm workers. This study also aimed at identifying the risk factors for Salmonella infection in chickens.

METHODOLOGY

Cloacal swabs (n = 50) from broiler chickens, farm sewage (n = 50), and hand washed water of farm workers (n = 50) were collected along with data on farm management and antimicrobial usage from 50 broiler farms of Mymensingh and Gazipur districts. All samples were analysed for the presence of Salmonella using selective media and PCR assay. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was done for ten antimicrobials by disk diffusion test. Risk factor analyses were carried out by multivariable logistic regression using SPSS.

RESULTS

The overall Salmonella prevalence was 66% (99/150). Salmonella prevalence were 82% and 72% in cloacal swabs and farm sewage samples, respectively. From hand washed water, 44% of the samples were positive for Salmonella. Salmonella infection in broiler chickens was significantly associated with farming experience (≤ 5 years) and age of birds (≥ 11 days). Similar pattern of antimicrobial resistance was observed in Salmonella isolated from three types of samples, and high resistances were observed to colistin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin and ceftazidime. Moreover, isolates from all the three sources showed high percentage of multidrug-resistance (80.6% to 97.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study reveal that antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella are prevailing at animal-human-environment interface, which needs an integrated approach to limit further spread of AMR.

Diagnostic Value of Clinical Profile and Proposed a Clinical Diagnostic Criterion of Enteric Fever

Enteric fever is a common bacterial infection in the tropics and endemic to Bangladesh. The volatile manifestations of enteric fever construct this disease a true diagnostic confrontation. There are limited current objective data on the value of individual clinical features of enteric fever in the diagnosis of enteric fever. The aim of the study was analysis of clinical features and also proposed a clinical diagnostic criterion of enteric fever among adult in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional comparative study was performed among which of fifty confirmed enteric fever and hundred non enteric febrile adult patients in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2015 to December 2015. Purposive sampling technique was implied for convenience of the study. In this study, history of step ladder fever, diarrhoea and relative bradycardia, ceacal gurgle, abdominal distension were proved to be powerful markers of enteric fever with high specificity (100.0%, 90.0%, 95.0%, 92.0% and 95.0% respectively). Tender right iliac fossa (RIF) and coated tongue, hepatomegaly were moderately powerful with 86.0%, 88.0%, 89.0% specificity respectively. Positive predictive value (PPV) was highest for step ladder fever (100%) and negative predictive value (NPV) was highest for headache (92.5%). Highest sensitivity, PPV and NPV were found for relative bradycardia and tender RIF but most of the signs had good specificity. Regarding accuracy it was highest for step ladder fever (91.3%), relative bradycardia (94%), tender RIF (87%), coated tongue (82%) and splenomegaly (84%). Therefore, a clinical diagnostic criterion was submitted with diagnostic accuracy more than 70% were taken into deliberation. The Major criteria were considered step ladder fever, relative bradycardia, tender RIF with diagnostic accuracy 91.0%, 94.0% and 87.0% respectively. Minor criteria included splenomegaly, diarrhoea, coated tongue, ceacal gurgle, chills with diagnostic accuracy 85.0%, 85.0%, 82.0%, 76.0%, 72.0% respectively and after amalgamation of various major and minor criteria a final diagnostic criterion was submitted having accuracy more than 60.0%. In conclusion the clinical profile of enteric fever in culture proven patients with a view to highlight the predictive value of those features which would help general practitioners in the diagnosis and empiric treatment.

Prevalence and Multidrug Resistance Pattern of Methicillin Resistant S. aureus Isolated from Frozen Chicken Meat in Bangladesh

Infections by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are continuously expanding within the community. Chicken meat is usually contaminated by MRSA, and this contaminated chicken meat is an important source of foodborne infections in humans. In this study, a cross-sectional supershop survey was conducted to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance pattern of MRSA in 113 domestic frozen chicken meat samples purchased from nine branded supershops available in five divisional megacities of Bangladesh. The study also focused on the determination of methicillin resistance gene in MRSA isolates. S. aureus was identified by standard culture-based and molecular methods, and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. MRSA was screened by cefoxitin disk diffusion test. Methicillin resistance gene was identified by PCR. Of samples, 54.9% were positive for S. aureus, and, of these, 37.1% isolates were identified as MRSA. All the isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR): 52.2% were resistant to 6–8 antimicrobial classes, and 47.8% isolates to 9–12 classes. Three (3.2%) isolates of S. aureus were possible extensively drug resistant. The highest rates of resistance were observed against cefoxitin (100%), followed by nalidixic acid, ampicillin and oxacillin (97.7%), colistin (91.3%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and amoxicillin (87%), penicillin-G and cloxacillin (82.6%), oxytetracycline (78.3%), and cefixime (73.9%). Screening of methicillin resistance gene revealed that 43.5% isolates of MRSA were positive for mecA gene. The high prevalence of MDR MRSA in frozen chicken meat samples in this study emphasizes the need for better sanitary education of food handlers in hygienic practices focusing on their potential role as reservoirs and spreaders of MRSA.

Knowledge, attitude and prevention practices of garment factory workers regarding the largest Dengue outbreak on record in Bangladesh

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and prevention practices (KAP) among the garment factory worker population in Bangladesh regarding a historical dengue outbreak in 2019. A total of 400 participants were selected by simple random sampling, and questionnaire-based interviews were conducted. The average score of knowledge, attitude and prevention practice was 8.33 ± 2.35, 6.32 ± 1.20 and 6.31 ± 1.50, respectively. Only 76 out of 400 participants (19%) scored above 10 (all university-educated). Participant workers reported both negative and positive attitudes regarding dengue fever (DF). Negative attitudes included an expectation of increased mortality and strained family finances from DF attacks. A significantly high number of participants (92%) believed that death from DF was inevitable. Positive attitudes included optimism about DF eradication potentials and eagerness to help and donate blood to sick relatives. Participants primarily learned about the DF prevention from mass media (244/400; 61.0%) and social media (97/400; 24.25%). The most popular prevention measures adopted were mosquito repellent incense (344/400; 86.0%) and mosquito nets (389/400; 97.25%). While most participants (358/400; 89.5%) cleaned areas where mosquitos lay eggs, only 169 out of 400 (42.25%) regularly treated with chemical sprays. Only 182 out of 400 (45.5%) reported receiving DF prevention training in the factory. Correlation between DF knowledge and education was statistically significant (r = .38, p < .01, n = 398). Correlation between DF knowledge and work experience was insignificant (r = .01, p > .01, n = 398). Age and DF knowledge were not correlated (r = 0.07, p > .01, n = 398). In conclusion, gaps in KAP for dengue could be addressed by government-sponsored educational programmes that utilize the power of mass/social media for dengue prevention and control. More KAP surveillance studies are needed for other sectors of the society.

COVID-19 Rehabilitation Response in Bangladesh: Ongoing Efforts and Future Directives

COVID-19 pandemic brings significant number of post-acute and chronic disabilities requiring attention to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) services. Total Health and Rehabilitation sector in Bangladesh is overwhelmed; patient care and academic activities are seriously impacted by this pandemic. Rehabilitation team works and academic calendar is disrupted. Bangladesh PMR working to manage COVID-19 imposed rehabilitation challenges with adjustment and adaptations of the existing facilities. There is an urgent need to undertake additional measures promptly, including rehabilitation capacity building anticipating the potential challenge that would be faced by the hospitals in the estimated upsurge of COVID-19 cases and its complications thereafter. This topic highlights the activity log for COVID-19 preparedness and mitigation for rehabilitation services in Bangladesh with a message for other rehabilitation settings in the world.

Prevalence and Multidrug Resistance Pattern of Salmonella Carrying Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase in Frozen Chicken Meat in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT

Salmonella is an important foodborne pathogen that causes public health problems globally, and the increase of antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella has intensified the problem. Chicken meat is an important reservoir and disseminator of Salmonella to humans. This study aimed at estimating the burden of Salmonella carrying extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and their antimicrobial resistance pattern in 113 domestic frozen chicken meat samples purchased from supershops available in five divisional megacities of Bangladesh. The study also focused on the determination of β-lactamase-, and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance-encoding genes. All samples were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella using selective media and PCR assay. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was done by disk diffusion test, and ESBL screening was performed by double-disk synergy tests. Resistance genes were detected using multiplex PCR. Of samples, 65.5% were positive for Salmonella spp., and, of these, 58.1% isolates were ESBL producers. All the isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR): 40.5% were resistant to both three to five and six to eight antimicrobial classes; 17.6% were resistant to 9 to 11 classes, and 1.4% isolates to 12 to 15 classes. The highest rates of resistance were observed against oxytetracycline (100%), followed by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (89.2%), tetracycline (86.5%), nalidixic acid (83.8%), amoxicillin (74.3%), and pefloxacin (70.3%). Notably, 48.6% of isolates demonstrated resistance to imipenem. One (1.4%) isolate was possibly extensively drug resistant. All the isolates were positive for the blaTEM gene, 2.7% were positive for blaCTX-M-1, and 20.3% for blaNDM-1. The prevalence of qnrA and qnrS genes was 4.1 and 6.8%, respectively. This study shows that ESBL-producing Salmonella are widespread in frozen chicken meat in Bangladesh, which puts greater responsibility on food processors and policy makers to ensure food safety.

HIGHLIGHTS

Relationship between somatic cell counts and subclinical mastitis in lactating dairy cows

Background and Aim:

Subclinical mastitis (SCM) is one of the most prevalent diseases of dairy cows, and somatic cell count (SCC) is widely used to determine SCM and milk quality. However, setting the threshold of SCC is very important. This study aimed to determine the cow-level threshold of SCC to differentiate milk of SCM affected cows from normal milk in Bangladesh.

Materials and Methods:

Sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) along with other characteristics of different thresholds of SCC were determined considering the bacterial culture as the gold standard test. Three definitions of intramammary infection (IMI) were set based on the group of pathogens involved. Five categories of SCC thresholds were considered for analysis.

Results:

Se and Sp of thresholds of SCC greatly varied as definitions of IMI changed. Irrespective of SCC thresholds, Se increased when isolation of major pathogens included in IMI definitions. Se decreased when SCC thresholds increased (from 100 to 300 × 10³ cells/mL) for all IMI definitions and ranged from 60.6% to 20.3%. The highest Se was found at low SCC threshold (100 × 10³ cells/mL), which resulted in less false-negative outcome. On the other hand, Sp increased with the increment of SCC thresholds giving rise to a less false-positive outcome.

Conclusion:

The cow-level SCC threshold of 100 × 10³ cells/mL was found appropriate to identify subclinical IMI of dairy cows.

Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern of Escherichia coli Isolated from Frozen Chicken Meat in Bangladesh

Escherichia coli is known as one of the most important foodborne pathogens in humans, and contaminated chicken meat is an important source of foodborne infection with this bacterium. The occurrence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli (ESBL-Ec), in particular, in chicken meat is considered a global health problem. This study aimed to determine the magnitude of E. coli, with special emphasis on ESBL-Ec, along with their phenotypic antimicrobial resistance pattern in frozen chicken meat. The study also focused on the determination of ESBL-encoding genes in E. coli. A total of 113 frozen chicken meat samples were purchased from 40 outlets of nine branded supershops in five megacities in Bangladesh. Isolation and identification of E. coli were done based on cultural and biochemical properties, as well as PCR assay. The resistance pattern was determined by the disc diffusion method. ESBL-encoding genes were determined by multiplex PCR. The results showed that 76.1% of samples were positive for E. coli, of which 86% were ESBL producers. All the isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Resistance to 9-11 and 12-13 antimicrobial classes was observed in 38.4% and 17.4% isolates, respectively, while only 11.6% were resistant to 3-5 classes. Possible extensive drug resistance (pXDR) was found in 2.3% of isolates. High single resistance was observed for oxytetracycline (93%) and amoxicillin (91.9%), followed by ampicillin (89.5%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and pefloxacin (88.4%), and tetracycline (84.9%). Most importantly, 89.6% of isolates were resistant to carbapenems. All the isolates were positive for the blaTEM gene. However, the blaSHV and blaCTX-M-2 genes were identified in two ESBL-non producer isolates. None of the isolates carried the blaCTX-M-1 gene. This study provided evidence of the existence of MDR and pXDR ESBL-Ec in frozen chicken meat in Bangladesh, which may pose a risk to human health if the meat is not properly cooked or pickled raw only. This emphasizes the importance of the implementation of good slaughtering and processing practices by the processors.

Prevalence and risk factors of Campylobacter infection in broiler and cockerel flocks in Mymensingh and Gazipur districts of Bangladesh

Campylobacter spp. is one of the most frequent causes of foodborne gastroenteritis. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and to identify the risk factors of farm-level Campylobacter infection in meat-type chicken flocks. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two selected districts of Bangladesh over the period of January to July 2019. A total of 84 pooled cloacal swab samples were collected from 84 broiler and cockerel farms. Data on farm management, biosecurity, and hygiene practices were collected using a structured questionnaire through a face-to-face interview during sampling. Thereafter, Campylobacter spp. were isolated through bacteriological culture and identified by Gram staining and biochemical tests. Furthermore, the isolates were confirmed using the polymerase chain reaction by targeting the 16S rRNA gene. The risk factors were analyzed at the farm level using multivariable logistic regression with the significant levels of P-value ≤ 0.05. Among the 84 farms, 34 were positive to Campylobacter spp.; thus, the prevalence was estimated to be 40.5% (95% CI: 30.1%-51.8%). In risk factor analysis, the following factors were found to be significantly associated with Campylobacter infection: shed older than five years, birds older than 30 days, flock size with more than 1500 birds, downtime less than seven days, no disinfection of shed surroundings during rearing, rice husk as litter materials, and less than 10 years of farming experience. The study identified the factors that could lead to the setting of effective interventions in controlling Campylobacter infection in chickens to reduce campylobacteriosis in humans through meat consumption.

Dynamics of somatic cell count and intramammary infection in lactating dairy cows

Objective

The influence of intramammary infection (IMI) and types of bacteria was assessed on somatic cell count (SCC) in dairy cows' milk with respect to breed, age, parity, stage of lactation, milk production, and mammary quarter location.

Materials and methods

After recording data in a structured questionnaire, 360 samples of quarter milk were collected. The samples were subjected to SCC and isolation and identification of bacteria. The data were analyzed to find out the significant influence of independent factors on SCC and IMI.

Results

The infected quarters had a significantly higher mean SCC (210.52 × 10³ cells/ml) compared to uninfected ones (32.72 × 10³ cells/ml). The mean SCC was the highest for IMI with Enterobacter spp. (338.00 × 10³ cells/ml) followed by Bacillus spp. (319.20 × 10³ cells/ml), coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS) (268.17 × 10³ cells/ml), Staphylococcus aureus (218.31 × 10³ cells/ml), and Escherichia coli (200.75 × 10³ cells/ml) and the lowest for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (66.33 × 10³ cells/ml). Milk of rear quarters had a significantly higher SCC than the front quarters. SCC increased with increasing age, parity, and lactation stage regardless of whether cows are infected or not. The IMI was more prevalent in rear quarters (42.2%) and cows at early (≤7 days) lactation (100.0%). Cows having a parity of ≥5 and crossbred and high yielding (>5 l) cows had also a higher rate of IMI of 38.2%, 36.7%, and 38.2%, respectively.

Conclusion

The IMI and type of bacteria were the principal factors for SCC variation. Besides, mammary quarter location, age, and parity should be taken into consideration during the interpretation of SCC.

Gastro-intestinal nematodes in goats in Bangladesh: A large-scale epidemiological study on the prevalence and risk factors

Goats greatly influence the economic sustainability of rural communities. However, parasitic diseases, especially gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) are a major constraint on profitable small ruminants' production worldwide. During July- 2015 to June- 2016, we conducted a cross sectional study within seven topographic zones of Bangladesh to explore the level of infection and associated risk factors of GINs infections of goats. The study followed standard flotation and modified McMaster techniques. Among 1998 samples from goats; 1241 (62.1%) were found to be infected with one or more species of GINs by fecal examination for nematode eggs. The identified nematodes were strongyles (51.9%), Strongyloides sp. (19.0%) and Trichuris spp. (2.9%). By coproculture, we identified Haemonchus spp., Oesophagostomum spp., Trichostrongylus spp. and Bunostomum spp. in the different topographic zones. According to univariate analysis; young age, other breed than Black Bengal, animals in poor condition, backyard rearing system, muddy housing, illiterate farmers and rainy season were found significantly associated with GINs infections. Besides, other breed than Black Bengal, animals in poor condition, backyard rearing system, muddy housing and illiterate farmers were identified as the risk factors of GINs infections in goats. This is the first detailed epidemiological investigation of GINs of goats in Bangladesh. The epidemiological findings are expected to help formulate effective control strategies against GINs infections in goats by improving health status of animals, management system and education level of the farmers.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: Correlation between Computed Radiography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The purpose of this study is to diagnose Legg-Calve-Perthes disease by computed radiography and Magnetic resonance imaging and accurate staging and correlating the findings of these two modalities. Thirty five (35) patients complaining pain in groins and painful walking, after thorough physical examinations were sent to Department of Radiology & Imaging, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh for computed radiography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging examination. This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Radiology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July 2016 to June 2018. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease among the selected 35 cases were started at the age of 5(2.9%) and age range of the patients were 5-13 years; mean age was (9.63±1.82) years and most of them belonged to 8-10 years of age (51.4%). Patients with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease had been suffering from pain in right and left groins forvarious durations. Maximum duration was 1-2 years (~88.57%). Maximum proportion of diagnosed patients was delivered by normal delivery (60%) and maximum proportion of patients was premature (65.7%). Most of the patients were low birth weight baby (65.7%). Here chi-square test was done and found no significant relationship between delivery mode and birth weight in case of Legg-Calve-Perthesdisease (x²=1.712) (P=0.191). The result of the X-ray and MRI findings by cross table of chi square test found fair inter relationship between two diagnostic instruments. Result found fine difference in staging of the disease between X-ray and MRI findings. It can be said that MRI definitely a better tool for early diagnosis of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and its staging but X-ray modality can be used. A primary tool for diagnosis and staging of the disease can be done where the MRI facility is not available or cost expensive for patient.

Thermal gradient driven domain wall dynamics

The issue of whether a thermal gradient acts like a magnetic field or an electric current in the domain wall (DW) dynamics is investigated. Broadly speaking, magnetization control knobs can be classified as energy-driving or angular-momentum driving forces. DW propagation driven by a static magnetic field is the best known example of the former in which the DW speed is proportional to the energy dissipation rate, and the current-driven DW motion is an example of the latter. Here we show that DW propagation speed driven by a thermal gradient can be fully explained as the angular momentum transfer between thermally generated spin current and DW. We found DW-plane rotation speed increases as DW width decreases. Both DW propagation speed along the wire and DW-plane rotation speed around the wire decrease with the Gilbert damping. These facts are consistent with the angular momentum transfer mechanism, but are distinct from the energy dissipation mechanism. We further show that magnonic spin-transfer torque (STT) generated by a thermal gradient has both damping-like and field-like components. By analyzing DW propagation speed and DW-plane rotational speed, the coefficient ([Formula: see text]) of the field-like STT arising from the non-adiabatic process, is obtained. It is found that [Formula: see text] does not depend on the thermal gradient; increases with uniaxial anisotropy [Formula: see text] (thinner DW); and decreases with the damping, in agreement with the physical picture that a larger damping or a thicker DW leads to a better alignment between the spin-current polarization and the local magnetization, or a better adiabaticity.

A Low Cost and Portable Microwave Imaging System for Breast Tumor Detection Using UWB Directional Antenna array

Globally, breast cancer is a major reason for female mortality. Due to the limitations of current clinical imaging, the researchers are encouraged to explore alternative and complementary tools to available techniques to detect the breast tumor in an earlier stage. This article outlines a new, portable, and low-cost microwave imaging (MWI) system using an iterative enhancing technique for breast imaging. A compact side slotted tapered slot antenna is designed for microwave imaging. The radiating fins of tapered slot antenna are modified by etching nine rectangular side slots. The irregular slots on the radiating fins enhance the electrical length as well as produce strong directive radiation due to the suppression of induced surface currents that radiate vertically at the outer edges of the radiating arms with end-fire direction. It has remarkable effects on efficiency and gain. With the addition of slots, the side-lobe levels are reduced, the gain of the main-lobe is increased and corrects the squint effects simultaneously, thus improving the characteristics of the radiation. For experimental validation, a heterogeneous breast phantom was developed that contains dielectric properties identical to real breast tissues with the inclusion of tumors. An alternative PC controlled and microcontroller-based mechanical MWI system is designed and developed to collect the antenna scattering signal. The radiated backscattered signals from the targeted area of the human body are analyzed to reveal the changes in dielectric properties in tissues. The dielectric constants of tumorous cells are higher than that of normal tissues due to their higher water content. The remarkable deviation of the scattered field is processed by using newly proposed Iteratively Corrected Delay and Sum (IC-DAS) algorithm and the reconstruction of the image of the phantom interior is done. The developed UWB (Ultra-Wideband) antenna based MWI has been able to perform the detection of tumorous cells in breast phantom that can pave the way to saving lives.

Transcriptome analysis, using RNA-Seq of Lomandra longifolia roots infected with Phytophthora cinnamomi reveals the complexity of the resistance response

The plant pathogen Phytophthora cinnamon the causal agent of disease in numerous species, is a major threat to natural vegetation and has economic impacts in agriculture. The pathogen principally invades the root system, which, in susceptible species, is rapidly colonised and functionally destroyed. Few species are resistant, however, where resistance is expressed the pathogen is restricted to small, localised lesions. The molecular mechanisms that underpin this response in resistant species are not well understood. Lomandra longifolia, an Australian native species, is highly resistant to P. cinnamomi. In an earlier study, we showed induction of resistance-related components such as callose, lignin and hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ ) in L. longifolia roots that had been inoculated with P. cinnamomi. Here, in order to further identify, during the very early stages of infection, the molecular components and regulatory networks that may trigger resistance, a comprehensive root transcriptome analysis was performed using next generation sequencing. Overall, 18 cDNA libraries were produced generating 52.8 GB 126 base pair reads, which were de novo assembled into contigs. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified allowing the identification of infection-responsive candidate genes that were putatively related to resistance, and from this set ten were selected for qRT-PCR to validate the RNA-Seq expression value. Further analysis of individual candidates revealed that many were involved in PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI; pattern recognition receptors, glutathione S-transferase, callose synthases, pathogenesis-related protein-1, mitogen activated protein kinases) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI) (NBS-LRR, signalling genes, transcription factors and anti-pathogenic compound synthase genes). As these candidate genes or mediated components activate different defence signalling systems, they may have potential for investigation of novel approaches to disease control and in transgenic approaches for improvement, in susceptible species, of resistance to P. cinnamomi.

Clinical and Neuro-radiological Presentation of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex in Tertiary Care Centre

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a common neurocutaneous disorder characterized by hamartomatous changes in the lungs, brain, kidneys, skin, heart, and other organs. This retrospective study was done to see the clinical presentation and neuro imaging pattern of TSC in a tertiary care centre of Bangladesh and was conducted at Pediatric Neurology Unit of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2013 to December 2013. Among total 10 patients male-female ratio was 3:2. Commonest age group was 1-5 year in 50%. Common cutaneous abnormality was facial angiofibroma in 100%. Commonest neurological presentation was epilepsy in100%, ASD in 20% patient. Common renal manifestation was multicystic kidney disease (20%). CT/MRI findings were periventricular calcifications in 70% patients. In this study facial angiofibroma is the most common skin manifestation and epilepsy is the common neurological presentationandperiventricular calcification is the most common neuro-radiological findings in tuberous sclerosis complex.

Incidence of Diabetes Insipidus in Postoperative Period among the Patients Undergoing Pituitary Tumour Surgery

Post operative complications after pituitary tumour surgery vary according to procedure. There are several surgical procedures being done such as transcranial, transsphenoidal microsurgical and transsphenoidal endoscopic approaches. One of the commonest complications is diabetes insipidus (DI). Our main objective was to find out the incidence of diabetes insipidus in post operative period among patients undergoing surgical intervention for pituitary tumour in our institute. The presence of diabetes insipidus in the postoperative period was established by measuring serum Na+ concentration, hourly urine output and urinary specific gravity to find out the incidence of diabetes insipidus in postoperative period in relation to age, gender, tumour diameter, function of tumour (i.e., either hormone secreting or not) and operative procedure used for surgical resection of pituitary tumor. As it is the most common postoperative complication so, in this study we tried to find out how many of the patients develop diabetes insipidus in postoperative period following surgical resection of pituitary tumour. This cross sectional type of observational study was carried out in the department of Neurosurgery, BSMMU from May 2014 to October 2015 on 33 consecutive patients who underwent surgical intervention for pituitary tumour for the first time. Data was collected by using a data collection sheet. The incidence of diabetes insipidus was found 23.1% of patients in <30 year age group, 38.5% of patients in 31-40 year age group and 38.5% of patients in ≥40 year age group (p=0.764). In case of distribution of patients according to gender 38.5% of male and 61.5% of female developed diabetes insipidus (p=0.073). Regarding tumour size 30.8% and 69.2% of patients developed diabetes insipidus having tumour diameter <30mm and ≥30mm respectively (p=0.590). In case of operative procedure 69.2% of patients developed diabetes insipidus who was operated by transsphenoidal endoscopic approach, 23.1% and 7.7% of patients developed diabetes insipidus who underwent pituitary tumour resection through transsphenoidal microscopic approach and transcranial microscopic approach respectively (p=0.432). 17.6% of patients develop DI having functioning pituitary macroadenoma and 62.5% of patients develop DI having nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenoma. This observational study has been performed to find out the incidence of diabetes insipidus. Incidence of postoperative DI is more at or around the age of 40 years. It is slightly predominant in female. Most of the patients manifest DI in the first 24 hours of surgical intervention. Incidence of DI is low among patients having functioning pituitary macroadenoma.

Acinar Cell Carcinoma of the Pancreas: A Case Report

Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) of the pancreas is a very rare neoplasm. We report a case of pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma involving the uncinate process of the pancreas. A 45 year old man presented with a painful upper abdominal mass without any jaundice or weight loss. Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Cholangio-Pancreatography (MRCP) indicated a mass lesion in the uncinate process of the pancreas. He underwent Whipple's procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy). Histological slides revealed features of Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) in the uncinate process of the pancreas and a lymph node.

Methods and methodology for FTIR spectral correction of channel spectra and uncertainty, applied to ferrocene

We present methodology for the first FTIR measurements of ferrocene using dilute wax solutions for dispersion and to preserve non-crystallinity; a new method for removal of channel spectra interference for high quality data; and a consistent approach for the robust estimation of a defined uncertainty for advanced structural χ_r² analysis and mathematical hypothesis testing. While some of these issues have been investigated previously, the combination of novel approaches gives markedly improved results. Methods for addressing these in the presence of a modest signal and how to quantify the quality of the data irrespective of preprocessing for subsequent hypothesis testing are applied to the FTIR spectra of Ferrocene (Fc) and deuterated ferrocene (dFc, Fc-d₁₀) collected at the THz/Far-IR beam-line of the Australian Synchrotron at operating temperatures of 7K through 353K.

Conformation Analysis of Ferrocene and Decamethylferrocene via Full-Potential Modeling of XANES and XAFS Spectra

Recent high-accuracy X-ray absorption measurements of the sandwich organometallics ferrocene (Fc) and decamethylferrocene (DmFc) at temperatures close to liquid helium are compared with new full-potential modeling of X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) covering the near-edge region (XANES) and above up to k = 7 Å(-1). The implementation of optimized calculations of the oscillatory part of the spectrum from the package FDMX allows detailed study of the spectra in regions of the photoelectron momentum most sensitive to differences in the molecular stereochemistry. For Fc and DmFc, this corresponds to the relative rotation of the cyclopentadienyl rings. When applied to high-accuracy XAFS of Fc and DmFc, the FDMX theory gives clear evidence for the eclipsed conformation for Fc and the staggered conformation for DmFc for frozen solutions at ca. 15 K. This represents the first clear experimental assignment of the solution structures of Fc and DmFc and reveals the potential of high-accuracy XAFS for structural analysis.

Field Performance Evaluation of Push Type Prilled Urea Applicator in Rice Cultivation

CORRECTION: Due to a number of formatting and layout issues, the PDF of this paper was replaced on 10th October 2016. The page numbers of this article have changed from 68-78 to 71-81.BRRI prilled urea applicator was designed and developed to facilitate deep placement of regular urea. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of BRRI prilled urea applicator in the farmers’ fields at Gosaidanga in Shailkupaupazila under Jhenaidah district and at Rashidpur in Mithapukurupazila under Rangpur district during Boro 2015 season. Three treatments: hand broadcasting of urea (recommended dose) (HB), BRRI prilled urea applicator (70% of the recommended dose) (PUA) and BRRI USG applicator (70% of the recommended dose) (USGA) were compared in the experiments. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated in four farmers’ plots in each location using BRRI dhan28 as test crop both the locations. Prior to field experiment, prilled urea applicator was calibrated and urea dispensed was set to 14 gm in one revolution of drive wheel for Boro season. The field capacity of the PUA and USGA was almost similar (0.09-0.10 ha hr-1) in both the locations. Field efficiency of PUA and USGA had 64-65 and 68-69 percent, respectively. PUA and USGA saved 29-32 percent urea fertilizer compared to HB whereas labour requirement of HB (3.74-4.04 man-hr ha-1) in three splits showed similar to single application of urea by PUA (3.68-4.00 man-hr ha-1) and USGA (3.78-3.97 man-hr ha-1). Urea application cost in HB, PUA and USGA was Tk 4,624, 3,216-3,424 and 3,305-3,483 per hectare in both the locations. Prilled urea application method reduced the production cost. Urea application methods showed insignificant effect on grain yield. BRRI prilled urea safely dispensed urea fertilizer in subsurface, increased the efficacy of urea fertilizer and saved urea fertilizer without sacrificing grain yield. BRRI prilled urea applicator could be a viable technology in rice cultivation. Extensive dissemination works should be undertaken in different agro-ecological zones for wide spread adoption of the applicator.Bangladesh Rice j. 2015, 19(2): 71-81

A Community study of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in middle-aged Bangladeshi population

Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is the occurrence of repetitive episodes of complete or partial upper airway obstruction during sleep in association with loud snoring and daytime sleepiness and is a risk factor for hypertension, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and more. The present study was performed to assess the prevalence as well as the clinical and anthropometric predictors of OSAHS in an urban community of middle aged Bangladeshi population. The study was a cross-sectional, community-based prevalence study which was performed in an urban community in Dhanmondi Thana Pourashava of Dhaka city from July 2007 to June 2008. About 2500 citizens, aged 30-60 years were included in the study. In stage one of the study, they were informed about the polysomnography (PSG) study (stage two of the study) and 2250 of them gave consent. Subjects were then divided into habitual (495) and non-habitual snorers (1755). Among 2250 subjects, the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea (OSAH) in habitual snorers was 48.33% (239/495), and that in non-habitual snorers was 1.66% (29/1755). So, the overall prevalence of OSAH in the screened population was 11.91%, and that of OSAHS was 3.29%. Likewise, the prevalence of OSAH and OSAHS in men were 17.37% and 4.49%, respectively and 6.25% and 2.14% in women. Multivariate analysis revealed that male gender, age, obesity (defined by a high body mass index), waist/hip ratio were significant risk factors for OSAHS. These findings can help us in identifying the prevalence of OSAHS in the community and further planning in the management of obesity and cardiovascular diseases.

Serum Glucose Level in First and Third Trimester of Pregnancy

In the present study serum glucose were estimated in pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy and third trimester of pregnancy to observe the frequency of hyperglycemia during pregnancy and to assess the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus. This study was a cross sectional study, carried out in the Department of Physiology of Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh from July 2014 to June 2015. For this purpose, total 300 women with age ranged from 18 to 35 years were selected and divided into 100 healthy non pregnant women as control group and 200 normal pregnant women as study group. Study group was further divided into 100 pregnant women in first trimester of pregnancy and 100 pregnant women in third trimester of pregnancy. Diagnosed case of type I and type II diabetes, hypothyroidism, cushing's syndrome, polycystic ovary, antipsychotic drug users, regular steroid users were excluded from this study. Serum glucose was evaluated by the glucose-oxidase principle by GOD-PAP method in women with 1st trimester of pregnancy, 3rd trimester of pregnancy and in non pregnant women. Statistical analysis of data was done by unpaired student's t test. The results showed that the serum glucose levels increased significantly in third trimester and the value is not significant in first trimester. The increasing frequency of serum glucose level in third trimester may predispose the women to hyperglycemia of pregnancy or gestational diabetes mellitus.

SUBCLINICAL MASTITIS IN LACTATING COWS: COMPARISON OF FOUR SCREENING TESTS AND EFFECT OF ANIMAL FACTORS ON ITS OCCURRENCE

A total of 444 quarter milk samples from 111 crossbred dairy cows were subjected to California mastitis test (CMT), somatic cell count (SCC) test, white side test (WST) and surf field mastitis (SFMT) test to quantify their efficacy in detecting sub clinical mastitis in dairy cows of Bangladesh during the period from 2010 to 2011.Milk samples positive by CMT, SCC, WST and SFMT were 265,230, 225 and 222 respectively. All samples were subjected to cultural isolation (gold standard test for comparison of indirect mastitis tests). Of these, 261 samples were positive by cultural isolation. The sensitivity of the CMT, SCC, WST and SFMT were 80.08%, 86.60%, 60.54% and 57.47%; specificity 69.40%, 97.81%, 63.38% and 60.66%; percentage accuracy 75.68%,91.22%, 61.71%  and 58.78%; positive predictive value 78.87%, 98.26%, 70.22% and 67.57%; and negative predictive value 70.95%, 83.64%, 52.97% and 50%respectively. Quarter-wise sub clinical mastitis (SCM) was detected in 59.68%, 51.80%, 50.68% and 50% samples by CMT, SCC, WST and SFMT, respectively, while animal-wise SCM was recorded in 72.07%, 66.67%, 64.86% and 61.26% samples by CMT, SCC, WST and SFMT, respectively. The right hind quarters were most significantly (p<0.001) susceptible to SCM than other quarters. Cows with 3rd and 4th parity and at their early lactation stage had significantly higher (p<0.001) SCM than others. Kappa value of SCC was higher than that of CMT. CMT was concluded to be the most accurate test after cultural isolation and SCC. Unlike laboratory tests as cultural isolation and SCC that require adequate laboratory facilities and skilled personnel, CMT is a reliable diagnostic method in field conditions.

Total Serum IgE Level Estimation in Asthma Patient and Healthy Volunteers in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Bangladesh

A strong association between total serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, skin test reactivity to aeroallergens, and asthma phenotype was found in previous studies. The current study has been undertaken to observe the total serum IgE level in asthmatic patients compared with normal healthy volunteers (control) of Bangladeshi subjects and to see its prospect in diagnostic aid. This case-control study was carried out in the department of Respiratory Medicine of National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital (NIDCH), Dhaka during the period from July 2008 to June 2009. Four hundred & eight (408) cases (asthmatics matching age, sex and geographic location) and 478 controls (non-asthmatics matching age, sex and geographic location) were studied. The level of serum IgE was found more in asthma patients than control group which were 345.88 and 224.64 respectively (p<0.001). In both group, serum IgE level was more in male than female. There was wide variation in serum IgE level in both the asthma and control group (4.2 to 3471.0 iu/ml in asthma group and 1.2 to 1045.7 iu/ml in control). Considerable overlap has been observed between the IgE values of control and asthma group. Due to this overlap its diagnostic significance in allergic condition in Bangladeshi population seems to be limited.

Status of Serum Zinc in Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis

Zinc plays a vital role in the immune status. Its deficiency affects host defense by reducing the number of circulating T cells and phagocytosis activity of other cells which ultimately impair cell mediated immunity. The cell-mediated immunity plays a major role in the causation of pulmonary tuberculosis. The present study was carried out to estimate serum zinc level in newly detected multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in adult population. In this study total fifty (50) MDR-TB patients were enrolled conveniently from the in-patients departments of National Institute of Diseases of the Chest Hospital (NIDCH), Bangladesh. Serum zinc was estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry method from early morning fasting blood sample. Serum zinc level was assessed according to normal cut-off value 70-120 μgm/dl and 76% studied population were found lower than this value. The mean±SD serum zinc level was observed 60.40±8.91 μgm/dl. No associations were found between serum zinc level with age (p=0.11) and with sex (p=0.085) of the study population respectively. The low level of serum zinc in MDR-TB patients suggested impaired immune status of our study population.

Determination of Insulin Secretory Defect and Insulin Sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects in Bangladesh

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is defined as a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. This study was undertaken to explore the basic defect in type 2 diabetes patients in Bangladesh. This was an observational study with case control design, was conducted in the Biomedical Research Group, Research Division, Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM), Dhaka, Bangladesh, during the period of July 2008 to June 2009. A total of 153 subjects were included in study of which 63 belonged to type 2 diabetes mellitus group and 90 were healthy controls. Fasting and 2 hours postprandial blood glucose, serum insulin, HOMA%B, HOMA%S, QuickI, Glucose /insulin ratio, TG were measured and age, BMI, WHR were recorded. Waist-hip ratio (WHR), was significantly higher in T2DM as compared to control subjects [WHR, mean±SD, 0.94±0.12 vs. 0.88±0.06, p<0.001]; Glucose and insulin ratio of T2DM was significantly higher as compared to control subject [Glu: Ins, Median (range) of 0.54 (0.17-2.33) vs. 0.37(0.06-1.52)]. Insulin secretion (HOMA%B) was significantly lower in diabetic as compared to control subjects [HOMA%B, median (range), 71(4.90-391) vs. 180(59-634) p<0.001]; The quantitative insulin sensitivity check Index (QUICKI) of diabetic subjects were significantly higher as compared to control [QUICKI median (range) 39.90(4.80-138.10) vs. 0.55(0.36-0.85), <0.001]. Triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (Chol) were significantly higher [(mg/dl), (mean±SD), TG (142±80.14) vs. (142±80.14); Chol (189±50.76) vs. (172±45), p=0.029] in T2DM as compared to control subjects. Those with diabetes showed significant association with insulin secretory defect (HOMA%B, p=0.006) and insulin resistance as assessed by GINR (p<0.001) and QuickI (p<0.001) but not by HOMA%S (p=0.127). The present data suggest that both insulin secretory defect and insulin sensitivity are present in T2 diabetic subjects of Bangladesh.