Open Access Pub publishes peer-reviewed, free-to-read open-access articles. Showing
articles matching Bangladesh — open any to read the full text,
or download the PDF or XML.
Nov 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-24-5360
Background Malnutrition is a significant public health issue in Bangladesh, particularly impacting women and children. Rajshahi, marked by socio-economic disparities, offers a distinctive context to explore the nutritional status and health outcomes of these vulnerable groups. Objectives This study aims to assess the nutritional status of women and children in Rajshahi and investigate associated health outcomes. Additionally, it seeks to identify socio-economic and cultural factors that influence nutrition. Methods A mixed-methods approach was utilized, incorporating a cross-sectional survey of 460 households and in-depth interviews with mothers and caregivers. Anthropometric measurements were taken to evaluate the nutritional status of women and children, while dietary assessments measured nutrient intake and diversity. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the likelihood of malnutrition based on socio-economic characteristics, thereby identifying key risk factors. Results The findings indicate a troubling prevalence of malnutrition, with 36% of children under five classified as stunted and 25% as underweight. The analysis highlights critical factors contributing to chronic undernutrition, including maternal education, employment, and dietary diversity. Notably, mothers aged 27-37 exhibit a lower risk of undernutrition, and urban households with secure food access demonstrate better nutritional outcomes. Discussion Maternal education and employment were positively associated with better nutritional outcomes, as educated and employed mothers had higher chances of maintaining a normal BMI. Regular ANC visits (≥4 visits) were crucial for improved maternal nutrition. Household food security emerged as a significant determinant, with food-secure households showing better maternal nutritional status. Safe water access and adequate dietary diversity were also linked to improved maternal BMI. Additionally, factors such as child birth weight, exclusive breastfeeding, and childhood diarrhea significantly influenced maternal nutrition. Moreover, frequent antenatal care visits and a diverse diet are vital in mitigating undernutrition risks among children. Conclusion This study emphasizes the urgent need for targeted interventions to combat malnutrition in Rajshahi. Recommendations include implementing community-based nutrition education programs and improving access to healthcare services. By addressing the socio-economic and cultural determinants of nutrition, stakeholders can enhance health outcomes for women and children in the region, ultimately contributing to broader public health objectives in Bangladesh.
Feb 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2997-2248.jwl-23-4840
In nature both rural and urban areas are significant for avian diversity. In Bangladesh, spotted dove (Spilopelia chinensis tigrina) is very common and widely distributed (Figure 1; Plates 1-2). If a bird is available in nature, we should try to find the reasons for their ultimate conservation. In this regard, this article could initiate to establish birds that are less in nature. At the time of journey, living in rural or urban and workplace helped to write this article on the availability and breeding of spotted dove. A pair of binoculars used to identify dove species. In addition, an android mobile phone and DSLR camera was helpful for sufficient snaps. Result suggested based on the dove species especially emphasized in four districts of Bangladesh―Kushtia, Rajshahi, Nilphamari, and Dinajpur. Out of 15 pairs and from 17 squab, the survival young were 9 (52.94%) (Table 1).
Jan 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-23-4802
The host's health may benefit from the probiotic microorganisms found in many products available on the market. In addition to food, these products include dietary supplements, food for special medical purposes, medicines, cosmetics, and medical devices. These products have anywhere from one to a dozen strains of bacteria from the same or different species, and sometimes they also have strains of fungi. Since the health benefits of probiotics depend on the strain, the number of cells in a dose, and the absence of pathogenic microorganisms, it is crucial to regulate the quality of probiotics. Depending on how a product is classified, how it looks, and how many microorganisms it has, it is very important to count and identify the microorganisms correctly. We investigated nine probiotic products in this study: five commercially available probiotic supplements and four probiotic drinks. The majority of commercial products did not contain all of the labeled lactic acid bacteria, nor did they contain any possibly harmful microorganisms. To ensure that consumers in Bangladesh obtain good products, probiotic-containing product rules and regulations should be developed. Furthermore, it should be the duty of probiotics-containing product manufacturers to provide consumers with information that is accurate, reliable, and compliant with legal and scientific requirements
Nov 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3606
Background Nutritional status of adolescent girls is very crucial for their health and has a great impact on the quality of the next generation. The present study aimed to investigate the nutritional status and nutrition-related knowledge among urban adolescent girls in Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional study involving a total 500 of adolescent girls (aged 10-19) from four schools and colleges in Dhaka city. Socio-demographic, anthropometric and nutrition-related information was collected by semi-structured questionnaires. In addition, 24 hours food recall and food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the dietary intake. Results The ages of the early adolescent and late adolescent girls yrs (Mean ± SD) were 12±1 and 17±1 respectively. The mean (±SD) BMI of the early adolescent and late adolescent was 21.12±0.32 and 22.10±3.89 correspondingly. Among the early adolescent girls, the nutritional knowledge score was about 62% (moderate), 87% had a positive attitude and 72% had good practices in their daily lives. Whereas among the late adolescent girls, the nutritional knowledge score was about 57% (moderate), 90% showed a positive attitude and 61% had good practices. Among the subject, the average calorie intake was 1491 kcal, which was 24% lower than RDA. The Carbohydrate intake was lower than the RDA but the protein and fat intake was higher than the RDA. Conclusions The dietary intake of adolescent girls was found inadequate. Nutrition education and strong motivation can create positive changes in dietary intake. To understand the real phenomena of dietary intake of adolescent girls, further study is necessary to conduct with a large sample size.
May 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-20-3355
Telemedicine and telehealth technologies are especially effective during epidemic outbreaks, when health authorities recommend implementing social distance systems. Currently, coronavirus COVID-19 has affected 210 countries around the world, killed more than 200,000 and infected more than 3 million, according to worldometer, April 26, 2020. Home-care is especially important in these situations because hospitals are not seemingly safe during pandemic outbreaks. Also, the chance to get out of the home during the lockdown period is limited. Telephone-based measures improve efficiency by linking appropriate information and feedback. It can also help provide education at distance on various health issues and topics. In addition to increasing access to healthcare, telemedicine is a fruitful and proactive way to provide a variety of benefits to patients seeking healthcare; diagnose and monitor critical and chronic health conditions; improve healthcare quality and reduce costs. The article reveals scope of pharmacy professionals in telemedicine sector during epidemic outbreaks.
Apr 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-20-3301
Bangladesh many older people spend their life in not only the unwell health but also in poverty which is major risk for the elderly population. This is especially true for older women, who suffer from various difficulties ensuing from prejudices to gender, widowhood and old age. Climate migrants start living in urban slums are in search of better and secure life. But urban slums located mostly in low lying environmentally hazardous area coupled with inadequate facilities like food, shelter, sanitation, health care make their life even worse. Older Women are the vulnerable groups in society in terms of climate change, movement; haphazard growth and unhealthy environment are the target group for this research. This study represents the nature and extent of elderly abuse of climate migrant urban poor women slum dwellers in Dhaka city in Bangladesh context. Besides, this paper also observe the socio-economic status of the study respondents and try to find out the self-stated reasons of elderly abuse. This study conducted both quantitative and qualitative types study on two slums of Dhaka with purposive sample survey, KII and in depth qualitative interview of selected climate migrant slum dwellers while purposive sample size of 50. Decreasing in earning capacity, inability and economic dependency, health hazard, maladjustment, changing social values have a separate role in the connection of older abuse. Planned migration, awareness program implantations against elderly abuse and secured socioeconomic factors are suggested through this paper to lessen exposure to further neglecting of elderly climate migrant women in urban slums.
Apr 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3279
Aim This cross-sectional study assessed the nutritional status of ethnic reproductive women aged between 15-40 years, comprising 85 lactating women (LW) and 86 non-pregnant-non-lactating women (NPNLW) who lived in various parts of three hilly districts (Bandarban, Khagrachari and Rangamati) of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) of Bangladesh. Materials and Method Research tool was pretested semi-structured questionnaire for this observational study. Anthropometric indices like weight, height and mid-upper-arm-circumference (MUAC) were used in assessing the nutritional status. Results Most (44.4%) of the ethnic women were Marma, followed by Chakma (39.8%), Bam (8.2%) and Tripura (5.8%). No significant (P>0.05) differences were observed in socio-economic variables between LW and NPNLW. Overall, mean age of the women was 28 (±7.2) years; mean family income was 18,822.2 (±3091) BDT and majority (86%-87%) were reported to be food secured throughout the year. Mean Dietary calorie (2631±798 kcal) intake of both groups were up to the mark according to the recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) and most (80.3%-86%) of them also possessed good nutritional knowledge. However, no significant (P>0.05) differences were observed in dietary calorie intake and nutritional knowledge score between two groups of women. Overall, most (68.4%) of the women had normal body max index (BMI kg/m2), 11.7% were found to be undernourished or thin and 19.9% were overweight. It was noticed that better nutritional status of LW and NPNLW were significantly associated with literacy (P<0.05), occupancy in household chores (P<0.05), better income (P<0.05), food security (P<0.05), recommended calorie intake level (P<0.05) and better nutritional knowledge score (P<0.05). Conclusion This study showed that vast majority of the ethnic reproductive women of CHTs are in better nutritional status with normal BMI (kg/m2) and daily calorie intake according to RDA. Most of them were food secured and their nutritional knowledge score was also up to the mark. Better socio-economic condition, nutritional knowledge and accurate calorie intake play a vital role in achieving healthy nutritional status of the two women groups of CHTs.
May 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2998-1506.jpa-18-1972
The study was conducted at Mundopasha, Wazirpur, Barisal during Rabi season of 2017 for testing, adoption and popularization of different conservation machinery (CA) such as zero till planter (ZT), strip till planter (ST), bed planter (BP) and power tiller operated seeder (PTOS) along with conventional tilling and of sowing method for planting of mungbean (BARI Mung-6). The soil type was loamy-sand with bulk density 1.41 g/cc. The effective field capacities of ZT, ST, BP, PTOS and power tiller were found to be 0.104, 0.109, 0.084, 0.109, and 0.074 ha/h, respectively. The field efficiency of ZT, ST, BP, PTOS and power tiller were estimated as 74.68, 76.47, 75.84, 78.16 and 71.52%, respectively. Significantly the highest mungbean grain yields were found from ZT and ST planted plots than those of other plots. Significantly the lowest grain yield was obtained from conventional tillage and broadcasting method. The highest benefit cost ratio (BCR) was obtained from ST planted (2.60) and zero till planted (2.40) mungbean followed by PTOS (2.20), conventional tillage cum broadcasting (1.88) and bed planting (1.82) methods. The lowest BCR was found from traditional tillage and manual line sowing method (1.61) of mungbean. CA planting system saved about 50% planting cost and reduced about 76% carbon dioxide emission. Based on the fuel consumption, grain yield and BCR, ZT planter and the strip till planter may be recommended in Barisal region for cultivation of mungbean.
Sep 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-17-1728
The use of herbal medicine is becoming popular day by day due to toxicity and side effects of allopathic medicines. Considering the medicinal importance of the plant Murraya koenigii Linn (Curry leaf), the antioxidant activity (AC), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), of different fractions of methanolic extract (DIA-ion resin adsorbed fraction, chloroform, Ethyl acetate and petroleum ether) of M. koenigii were investigated. Among the fractions, DIA-ion resin-adsorbed fraction showed the highest total antioxidant activity with absorbance 2.320±06 and petroleum ether fraction showed the lowest total antioxidant activity with absorbance 1.944 at 100 mg/ml concentration. The TPC were found range between 13.285 to 17.52 mg GAE/g while the highest amount of TFC recorded among the extracts was 16.65 mg CatE/g. DPPH free radical scavenging activity of different extracts of leaves was also measured where DIA-ion resin-adsorbed fraction had the highest free radical scavenging activity with IC50 value 15.53 µg/ml. In the present study phenolic compound were found to be the predominant components in the leaves of M. koenigii indicating that they are potent antioxidant.
Feb 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2374-9431.jbd-17-1429
Objectives: To observe pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) under treatment. Methods: Pregnant mothers (N=191) diagnosed with GDM (n=91, age: 27.44±4.91yr; body mass index, BMI: 26.88±4.16 kg/m2; mean±SD) on the basis of WHO 2013 criteria were compared with non-GDM (n=100, age: 26.01±4.81yr, BMI: 25.53±3.77 kg/m2, mean±SD) for pregnancy outcome irrespective of gestational age. HbA1c was also measured in all mothers. Gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, premature rupture of membrane (PROM), hydramnios, recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI), recurrent moniliasis, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), intra uterine death (IUD), mode of delivery, birth weight, birth injury, neonatal hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), congenital anomaly were recorded at every trimester. 160 mothers (GDM=75, non-GDM=85) could be followed for outcomes to the end of pregnancy. All the GDM mothers were offered standard treatment throughout pregnancy period. Results: HbA1c was significantly higher in GDM than that in non-GDM (5.42±0.61 vs. 4.98±0.44%, mean±SD; p<0.001).Outcome events in GDM and non-GDM were: gestational hypertension- 3.6% vs. 2.3% (p=0.621), preeclampsia- 2.4% vs. 0% (p=0.150), PROM- 4.9% vs. 0% (p=0.037), hydramnios- none in any group, recurrent UTI- 12.3% vs. 4.7% (p=0.073), recurrent moniliasis- 0.0% vs. 2.3% (p=0.165), caesarian section- 85.3% vs. 72.9% (p=0.056), small for gestational age (SGA)- 26.4% vs. 36.7% (p=0.246), large for gestational age (LGA)- 1.4% vs. 0%, p=0.246, IUGR- 2.3 vs. 2.5% (p=0.952), neonatal hypoglycemia- 2.7% vs. 0.0% (p=0.130), hyperbilirubinemia- 12.0% vs. 11.8% (p=0.963), RDS- 0.0% vs. 2.4% (p=0.181) and birth injury- 0.0% vs. 1.2% (p=0.346), congenital anomaly- 4.0% vs. 1.2% (p=0.254) and abortion- 1.3% vs. 0.0% (p=0.286). Preterm delivery (12.0% vs. 7.1%, p=0.285) and caesarean section (85.3% vs. 72.9%, p=0.056) were more in GDM. Conclusions: Despite treatment, adverse events were relatively higher but non-significant in GDM.
Jan 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-16-1411
Background: Isoflavones are phytoestrogens present in natural sources, and they resemble estradiol in structure and manner of action. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of soy-milk on serum tHcy levels and to assess the glycemic and lipidemic status of Bangladeshi postmenopausal women. Methods: Thirty-six women (aged 50 ±5.16 years, M ±SD) participated in a randomized, un-blinded, open-ended, crossover study design for 52 days. The soy-milk group consumed 350 mL of milk twice a day for 21- day; the milk contained ~30 mg of isoflavones. FBG, PPG, HbA1c, TC, TG, HDL-C, NEFA, and tHcy were measured on day 0, day 21, day 31, and day 52 with a 10- day washout period. Results: After the consumption of soy-milk, the level of HDL-C significantly (p=0.005) increased on day 21 in the subjects. No significant changes were observed between the groups. After crossover, significant changes in FBG (p=0.005) and TG (p=0.049) were observed on day 52 in the soy-milk group. Significant improvement in TG (p=0.001) and HDL-C (p=0.032) was also seen at the end-point. Conclusions: Soy isoflavones is to some extent favorable to reduce CVD risk factors among Bangladeshi postmenopausal women.
Mar 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2374-9431.jbd-16-939
Objective: To observe association of risk factors with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: Risk factors of GDM were evaluated in pregnant subjects (n=385; age: 26.4±4.9 yrs; body mass index, BMI: 25.3±4.3 kg/m2; mean ± SD) screened by 75 gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) following WHO 1999 criterion irrespective of gestational age in the Department of Endocrinology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). BMI, maternal age, parity, trimester and family history of diabetes were considered as risk factors. Plasma glucose was measured by glucose-oxidase method on the same day. Results: GDM and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) showed significant difference for age (28.2±4.9 vs. 25.3±4.6 yrs, p<0.001), BMI (26.7±4.4 vs. 24.4±3.9 kg/m2, p˂0.001), family history of DM (55.5% vs. 43.0%, p=0.017) and number of gravida (p=0.048). There was no significant difference of frequencies of GDM among various trimesters (39.4% vs. 42.5% vs. 38.2%; χ2=0.653, p=0.721). OGTT performed before 24 weeks revealed GDM in about 44% (88/202). Multiple regression revealed age (p<0.001), BMI (p=0.007) and family history of DM (p=0.048) as independent predictors for GDM. Conclusion: It is concluded that age of mother, increased BMI, family history of diabetes as well as multigravidae are important predictors for GDM.
Sep 2022
Background Cardiovascular disease, and ischemic heart disease (IHD), is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the very elderly patients worldwide. In the developing countries like Bangladesh it has been increasing with time. Due to life style, food habits and urbanisation. These patients represent a rapidly growing cohort presenting for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), now constituting more than one in five patients treated with PCI in real-world practice. Materials and Methods From July 2020 we included 152 patients with IHD purposively in Cardiology department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Dhaka, Bangladesh undergone PCI who were divided into 2 groups according to age: e” 75 years (n = 51) and <75 years (n = 101). Baseline clinical characteristics, indications for coronary intervention, in hospital outcomes were obtained. Study endpoint was Renal impairment, MI, LVF, emergency revascularization and death. Results Very elderly patients were more frequently male (86.2%) and nonsmoker at present (41.1% vs. 63.3%, p=0.003), had higher prevalence of hypertension (60.7% vs. 50.4%, p<0.13), and more often presented with NSTEMI (54.9% vs. 23.7%, p<0.001). Elderly group had higher incidence of TVD and LM disease (37.2% vs. 26.7% and 9.8% vs. 2.9%, p=0.07) and more incidence of ostial (17.6% vs.5.9%,p=0.007) and calcified lesions (31.3% vs. 14.8%, p=0.004). Procedural success (TIMI III) were high in both groups, but still lower in the elderly as compared to younger group (96% vs. 97%, p=0.65). Very elderly patients had higher incidence of post PCI bleeding, CIN, MI, LVF and death (9.8% vs.5.9%, 7.8% vs.3.9%, 5.8% vs.5.9%, 9.8% vs. 4.9% and 5.8%vs.3.9%,p=0.07), whereas emergency revascularization were higher in younger group (5.8% vs. 6.9%, p=0.07). Conclusion Very elderly patients aged ≥80 years face more vascular site complications during PCI, usually have more LM and TVD with more ostial and calcified lesions in comparison with younger group. Though procedural success is similar with younger group, they face more post PCI CIN, LVF and MI. Repeat revascularization was higher in younger group.
Jun 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2832-5311.jpcd-22-4182
Sclerotiniasclerotiorum, the causal agent for white mold (Sclerotinia stem rot), is a devastating fungal pathogen. Currently, Sclerotinia is most commonly managed using the chemical fungicide which can lead to Sclerotinia resistance development, impacting biodiversity and interfering with key ecosystem services. In this regards, field experiments were conducted during 2017-18 planting seasons to evaluate the efficacy of different components viz. sawdust burning, stable bleaching powder, fungal and bacterial bio-control agents, chemical fungicide Rovral 50 WP and integration of different components for the management white mold disease of bush bean, mustard and garden pea in three different locations viz. in the field of Plant Pathology Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Joydebpur, Gazipur, Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Burirhat, Rangpur and RARS, Ishurdi, Pabna, respectively. The results showed that different treatments displayed varying levels of effectiveness against the disease. All the treatments gave satisfactory reduction of white mold disease development and increased plant growth as well as yield of bush bean, mustard and garden pea. Among the treatments, integration of saw dust burning + soil amendments with Trichoderma based bio-fungicide + bacillus based bio-control agents + application fungicide Rovral 50 WP is the best treatment which reduced 97.49%, 77.72%, 72.26% white mold disease incidence and 84.61%, 81.14%, 71.01% white mold disease severity of mustard, bush bean and garden pea, respectively and increasing plant growth parameter as well as 52.16%, 27.74%, 36.97% yield of mustard, bush bean and garden pea, respectively. Application of only fungicide Rovral 50 WP also better treatment in reduction of white mold disease incidence and disease severity and increasing plant growth parameter as well as increasing yield of mustard, bush bean and garden pea. Soil amendment with fungal or bacterial bio-control agents also gave satisfactory results in reduction of white mold disease incidence and disease severity and increasing plant growth parameter as well as increasing yield of mustard, bush bean and garden pea. It could be concluded from the obtained results that integration between bio-control agents as a soil treatment and foliar application chemical fungicide might be useful as a good tool for controlling white mold disease caused by S.sclerotiorum and obtained higher yield of bush bean, mustard and garden pea under field condition.
Jun 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2642-9241.jrd-22-4181
Introduction Worldwide, the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major public health concern; On the basis of epidemiologic data, by 2020, COPD will be the third leading cause of death worldwide. Objective To assess the frequency of Microalbuminuria and the presence of Hypoxemia in patients with COPD. Materials and Methods Study Design Cross-sectional observational study. Place of Study Department of Medicine & Respiratory Medicine in Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Study Period Six months after approval of the protocol Study Population Patient suffering from COPD and admitted in Department of Medicine & Respiratory medicine, DMCH, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Total 100 samples were included in this study. COPD usually presents with a history of chronic cough with sputum production or exertional breathlessness which may be associated with relevant clinical findings and a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC less than 0.7. In most cases it is associated with smoking Results Total 100 patients of COPD were included in the study. Mean age was 58.16±5.4 years ranging from 50 to 74 years. Out of 100 patients, majority (42%) were from age group 55 to 60 years. Among all, 82% patients were male and 18% were female, of 100 patients, majority (30%) were day laborer. Only 2% were unemployed. The percentage of housewives was 18%. Other 34% were businessman and service holders. COPD severity was assessed using GOLD guideline. Out of 100 COPD patients, 38% had severe COPD (GOLD stage III). 16 % patients were in mild (Stage I) and 32% patients were in moderate stage (Stage II). The condition was very severe for 14% patients (Stage IV). Of 100 COPD patients, 30% had microalbuminuria. Among 100 COPD patients, chance of microalbuminuria increases among COPD patients with the increase of age significantly. There is smoking history of 36 pack year for COPD patients with microalbuminuria. Of 100 patients 26% were hypoxemic. The average forced expiratory volume (FEV1%) was 37.40 with standard deviation 14.48 for patients with microalbuminuria. The PaO2 and PaCO2 is 63.06 with standard deviation 7.09 and 46.09 with standard deviation 2.43 for COPD patients with microalbuminuria respectively. All of these characteristics are significant with p-value 0.00. However, the body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were not found significant. The patients who had PaO2 less than 70 mmHg were considered hypoxemic. The patients who had microalbuminuria among them 87% were hypoxemic. Only 13% patients were free from hypoxemia who had microalbuminuria. Patients without microalbuminuria had no history of hypoxemia. There is significant relation exists between hypoxemia and the presence of microalbuminuria (p<0.5). Conclusion In this study, about one-fourth of the patients have hypoxemia and more than one fourth of the patients have microalbuminuria. Stage III was more frequent among the study population but there was no association between severity grading and presence of microalbuminuria. However, significant relation is found between co-existence of both microalbuminuria and hypoxemia in COPD patients.
Apr 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-22-4114
An experiment was conducted in the field of Plant Pathology Division, BARI, Joydebpur to evaluate the efficacy of available plant nutrient for the development of purple blotch disease and tip-burn of onion. Eight different treatments viz. Potassium (MP fertilizer), Phosphorus (TSP fertilizer), Boron (Boron fertilizer), Zinc (ZnSO4 fertilizer), Calcium (CaSO4 fertilizer), Copper (CuSO4), Silicon (silica gel) and Manganese (MnSO4 fertilizer) were tested against purple blotch disease and tip-burn of garlic. The present study revealed that soil and foliar application of plant nutrients viz. Potassium, Phosphorus, Boron, Zinc, Calcium, Copper, Silicon and Manganese gave appreciable reduction of purple blotch disease and tip-burn incidence and increased plant growth parameters such as shoot and root growth as well as yield of garlic. Among the nutrients Potassium, Phosphorus, Silicon, Zinc and Calcium were performed better for reducing purple blotch disease severity, tip-burn disease incidence and increasing plant growth as well as yield of garlic. Application of Boron and Manganese also performed better than control. So, soil and foliar application plant nutrients Potassium, Phosphorus, Silicon, Zinc, Boron and Manganese may be recommended for tip-burn and purple blotch disease management and for garlic production in Bangladesh.
Feb 2022
Introduction Calcium (Ca2+) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemic cell damage. Intracellular Ca2+ accumulation leads to neuronal damage by triggering the cycle of cytotoxic events, however the relationship of serum Ca levels and the pathways involved in ischemic injury is unclear. Aim of Study To investigate the relationship of serum Ca2+ levels with severity of acute ischaemic stroke, serum calcium (Ca2+) levels were measured within the first 48 hours and were compared with the clinical severity of acute ischaemic stroke. Material and Methods A hospital based cross sectional study was performed among 100 patients of acute ischaemic stroke who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The Study was done from July 2020 to August 2021 in SPRC & Neurology Hospital Dhaka, Bangladesh And BSMMU Hospital Dhaka, Bangladesh. After hospitalization presenting complaints, physical findings of the patients were recorded. Severity of stroke was measured by NIHSS scale. Serum calcium level of every patient was measured. Calcium level was divided into 3 groups by weighted average. Statistical analysis was carried out by a non-parametric Ruska Wallis test. Results Among the 100 patients 59% were male. Among all patients 57% of patients were found to be smokers (98% male, 2% female). Among all patients 63% patients were found hypertensive and 21% of all patients (24% male, 17% female) were diabetic. Mean cholesterol level was 257.98mg/dl with standard deviation 55.49 which is above the reference range suggesting hypercholesterolemia, Triglyceride was borderline and LDL cholesterol was slightly higher and HDL cholesterol was slightly lower. Calcium level was divided into 3 groups and NIHSS score was calculated for every patient in each group. The median NIHSS score for group1 (calcium level ≤8.8 mg/dl) was 9(2-20), for group 2 (calcium level 8.9-9.6 mg/dl) was 6 (1-17) and for group 3 (calcium level ≥9.7mg/dl) was 4 (1-16). Conclusion Commonest risk factor of ischaemic stroke is hypertension. Other risk factors are smoking, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia, cardiac disease. Higher serum calcium level is associated with less severity of ischaemic stroke.
Jan 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-20-3677
The experiments were conducted in the fields of Plant Pathology Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur during 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 cropping years to evaluate the organic and vermi composts for mass culturing of biological control agent Trichoderma harzianum and toobserve the effect of formulated T.harzianum designated as Tricho-vermi-compost and Tricho-organic-compost as well as organic compost, vermi-compost and chemical fungicide Provax 200 WP against soil-borne pathogens, Sclerotium rolfsiiof groundnut causing foot and root rot/stem rot disease. The pathogen inoculated field soils were treated with Tricho-vermi-compost and Tricho-organic-compost, organic compost and vermi-compost 7 days before seed sowing where as seeds were treated with Provax 200 WP at the time of seed sowing. From this study it was revealed that all the treatments performed in reducing seedling mortality and increasing plant growth and yield of groundnut compared to control. Among the treatments, soil treatment with Tricho-vermi-compost and Tricho-organic-compost are the best treatments in reducing seedling mortality and increasing plant growth parameters and yield of groundnut which was significantly differed from the other treatments including control. Seed treatment with chemical fungicide Provax 200 WP and soil treatment with only vermin-compost and organic compost also promising treatments for management foot and root rot disease and increasing plant growth parameters as well as yield of groundnut compared to control.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-20-3641
Background Evidence based message design and efficient dissemination of messages are critical to the success of tobacco control mass media campaigns. Although evidence to measure effectiveness of messages is emerging within low -and middle-income country (LMIC) settings, evidence-based approaches for mass media message dissemination is currently lacking due to challenges in accurate assessment of gross rating points (GRPs) for efficient delivery of campaign messages. Approaches to more accurately predict optimal campaign impact are required to achieve best-buys in resource constrained settings Method A case study approach compared findings from two national tobacco control mass media campaigns implemented in Bangladesh. Stage one reviewed protocols to assess the efficacy of message designs. Second stage analysis involved a review of the mass media campaign recall findings from cross-sectional, post-intervention surveys. Last, a post assessment of GRPs for both campaigns was conducted to support the development of an algorithm to better predict campaign impact at the greatest cost-efficiencies. Results Message mean pre-test scores identified that the Baby Alive campaign scored approximately 20% lower than mean pre-test scores of messages for the Graphic Health Warning campaign. Media dissemination for the Baby Alive campaign was also relatively low at 165GRPs achieving 16.8% prompted recall while the Graphic Health Warning campaign delivered 292GRPs to achieve 47.0% prompted recall. The analytic-predictive model identified that for messages with high pre-test scores an increase of only 1.5GRPs was required to the existing media plan to potentially achieve an additional percentage point of recall. Discussion Given the weaknesses in GRP calculations in LMIC settings, analysis of multiple metrics should be considered to achieve best buys for tobacco control mass media campaigns. Based on optimal message mean pre-test scores of 90%+ and delivery of 292GRPs, which achieved 47% campaign recall, optimal recall of 70% could be predicted with a media plan delivering 342GRPs. More analytical-predictive mass media programming models need to be developed in other LMIC settings examining multiple campaign findings to confirm if this algorithm can provide better returns on investment with efforts directed toward delivering interventions that are supported by a strong evidence base.
Aug 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-612X.ijpr-20-3491
Climate change is a global challenge which is likely to affect the mankind in substantial ways. Not only climate change is expected to affect physical health, it is also likely to affect mental health. Increased frequency of disasters with climate change can lead to posttraumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorder, and depression. Changes in climate may require population to migrate, which can lead to acculturation stress. It can also lead to increased rates of physical illnesses, which secondarily would be associated with psychological distress. Using a qualitative approach, this research explores the mental health status of migrant women in two urban slum areas in Dhaka city. The purpose of this study is to perform a review of existing secondary data and present mental health scenario of climate migrant women among slum dwellers and amplified gaps in knowledge regarding psychological health care system in Bangladesh. It is found that there is a lack of mental health preparedness and response in majority parts in the country specially the city slum, where aid cannot be reached to the sufferers. The paper concludes with a discussion of what can and should be done to tackle the expected mental health issues consequent to climate change and migration.
Oct 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-5014.jphn-19-3038
Background Persistent diarrhoea is a commonly observed phenomenon both in Bangladesh and all over the developing countries. It is the single most important cause of diarrhoea related deaths in the community, accounting for over half of them. If associated factors are properly identified & treated, it is possible to prevent most cases of persistent diarrhoea. Objective This study was undertaken to find out the possible risk factors associated with persistent diarrhoea in children below 5 years of age. Methods This was a prospective analytical case control study carried out in a tertiary care hospital, Dhaka. A total of 30 consecutive cases of persistent diarrhoea and 60 consecutive acute diarrhoea controls (matched for age and sex) under 5 comprised the study subjects in this study. Children beyond the age and whose parents didn’t give written consent were excluded from the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and a standered case definition of acute & persistent diarrhoeawere adopted. Data were later processed and analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science version 12) in the year 2012. Results were considered statistically significant when p value was <0.05. Results According to the study, 56.6% of cases and 63.3% of controls were in the ‘6 to 12 months’ age group and about two-third of the participants in both cases 20 (66.7%) and controls 39 (65.0%) were males.Strong association was found with ‘bottle feeding’ RR=2.2556; 95% CI: 1.259, ‘presence of blood/mucus’ RR=2.5038; 95% CI: 1.4129, ‘WAZ≤ 2)’ RR=2.8867; 95% CI: 1.7202 and ‘early complementary feeding [RR=4.67; 95% CI: 2.5017-8.7175 and OR=7.8858; 95% CI: 3.6791-16.9 Conclusion In the present studyfour factors showed some association with persistent diarrhoea, namely: ‘use of animal milk’; ‘antibiotic use during acute diarrhoea’; ‘history of diarrhoea in previous 3 months’ and ‘pre-lacteal feed’. Strong association was found with ‘bottle feeding practices’ ‘presence of blood &/or mucus in stool’, WAZ <-2 and ‘early complementary feeding