Issue 1

Abuse of antibiotics is more common in developing countries including Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to detect doxycycline residue after discriminate and indiscriminate administration in broiler poultry. Eighteen broiler chicks, DOC (Cobb-500) was collected & reared up to 31 days. On day 16, they were randomly divided into 3 groups, namely group–A (Control group), group-B (Discriminate group) and group-C (Indiscriminate group). Each group contains 6 birds. The discriminate and indiscriminate groups were treated with antibiotic, doxycycline. In group-B withdrawal period was followed by treatment for 7 days. On the other hand, withdrawal period was not maintained in group-C, i.e. the antibiotic treatment was continued until the day of sacrifice. TLC analysis revealed that intensity of doxycycline in discriminate antibiotic group for liver, kidney, thigh muscle and breast muscle samples were found 63.33%, 65.33%, 22.67% and 26.00% respectively. And in indiscriminate antibiotic group intensity of doxycycline for liver, kidney, spleen, thigh muscle and breast muscle samples were found 50.67%, 50.33%, 39.50% and 48.17% respectively. All the samples of control group were found 0% intensity. The different among intensity were statistically significant. Overall, the present study documented the widespread abuse of doxycycline and failure to implement the recommended withdrawal period will undeniably leads to deposition of residues in broiler tissues.

The genetic parameters, characters association and path coefficient analysis between yield and yield components of 32 exotic and local hybrid maize genotypes were studied at Plant Breeding division, Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Rahmatpur, Barisahl during rabi 2015 to 2016, following Alpha Lattice Design with three replications. All the characters showed significant differences among the genotypes except cob length indicating their wide genetic variation. The highest genotypic co-efficient of variation (11.48) observed in yield and lowest (1.72) was found in days to maturity. All of the characters exhibited moderate to high heritability in broad sense (h²b) coupled with a wide range of genetic advance and genetic advance in percentage of mean. Heritability ranged from 19.21 to 86.79 for cob length and thousand seed weight, respectively. Yield had a significant positive correlation with cob length, cob diameter, number of seeds per cob and number of rows per cob. Days to tasseling and number of seeds per cob make highest positive contribution toward yield. While, days to silking and ear height had highest negative direct effect on yield. The results indicated that ear height, number of rows per cob, thousand seeds weight and number of seeds per cob could be considered as selection criteria in maize breeding program.

Complete blood count (CBC) is used as an index of health status of human and different animals as well as to diagnose a variety of diseases. Therefore, there is a growing need of using the most suitable anticoagulant to obtain the most appropriate hemogram. The present study was designed to assess the effect of different anticoagulants viz. Heparin, Sodium Citrate and EDTA on complete blood count (CBC) in rat with a view to choosing the best suitable candidate among the common anticoagulants. A total of 30 samples out of which 10 were for each type anticoagulant were collected from 10 apparently healthy rats of Long Evans strain. From each rat 6 ml of blood was drawn and subsequently divided into three different test tubes with three different anticoagulants. The samples were analyzed for their complete blood count (TEC, TLC, Hb, Hct, DLC, absolute leukocyte count, Red Cell Indices, RDW-SD, RDWCV, Platelet, MPV, PCT and PDW) using Sysmex XT-1800i Auto hematological analyzer. Results showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in TLC, absolute neutrophil, and platelet count, and a significant (p<0.05) higher level of relative lymphocyte count in Sodium Citrate treated sample than with Heparin and EDTA. No significant changes were observed for RBC or erythrocyte indices among the three different groups. It can be concluded that samples treated with Sodium Citrate results in significant change in blood parameters. Therefore, it is better to use Heparin and EDTA than Sodium Citrate for complete blood count (CBC).

The performance of hematological tests deteriorates with the increase in the length of sample preservation. Therefore it has been an issue to characterize the maximum permissible period spent between blood collection and measurement to have the acceptable test report. From this view point, a study was undertaken to know about the effect of preservation length on complete blood count (CBC) in rat of Long Evans strain. A total of 30 samples were collected from 10 apparently healthy rats aged between 45-48 days and the blood samples were kept in commercial test tubes treated with EDTA. The test tubes containing whole blood samples were divided into three different groups based on preservation length and were allowed to keep at 4ºC for three different lengths of time viz. 2 hours, 4 hours and 6 hours until analysis. The samples were then analyzed for their complete blood count (TEC, TLC, Hb, PCV, DLC, Absolute Leukocyte Count, Red Cell Indices, RDW-SD, RDWCV, Platelet, MPV, PCT and PDW) using Sysmex XT-1800i auto hematological analyzer. Result showed that no significant change in CBC with the variation in preservation length. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that blood samples can be preserved for as long as 6 hours to have the same report obtainable when the samples are preserved at 4ºC in refrigerated condition for 2 or 4 hours.

Today, in an era of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and other looming microbial threats, the value of prevention of infection is recognized. To circumvent the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and emerging resistance to them, to reduce the use of chemical preservatives and to abate abdominal, gastrointestinal and urogenital disorders- probiotics and bacteriocins are getting paramount priority in recent times. We investigated the probiotic and bacteriocinogenic potentiality of Lactobacillus isolated from milk products. 15 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from milk product samples using De Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) medium. Among them, only one (6%) isolate showed potential antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis in agar well diffusion method. Following conventional methods, genus and species of the isolate were confirmed as Lactobacillus xylosus. The isolate exhibited growth competency at wide range of temperatures (27-45°C), pH (2-9), NaCl (1-7%), bile salt (0.5-2%) and could produce bacteriocin or BLS, thus implying its potential probiotic nature. Bacteriocins or BLS produced by Lactobacillus xylosus inhibited E. coli and S. aureus and could retain their antibacterial activity at wide range of temperatures (37°C to 100°C) and pH (2–9) treatments. These crude bacteriocins or BLS of 5% concentration reduced the initial bacterial load of cheese and milk up to 41% and 43% respectively, after 48 h of preservation at room temperature. The experimental data revealed that our study isolate Lactobacillus xylosus could be used as probiotics and their bacteriocin or BLS could be used as bio-preservatives.

About millions of households depend on fishing for livelihood though it is associated with different types of hazards. Working time does not allow fishermen to get health care for hazards from facilities. Data on occupational hazards and health care seeking is inconclusive in Bangladesh. This study was undertaken to assess the occupational hazards, associated factors and health seeking of fisherman. A cross sectional study involving 300 fishermen conducted from some selected communities of Patuakhali and Vhola districts from January to June, 2018. A pretested questionnaire used to collect information on socio-demography, occupational detail, types of hazards and health seeking behavior of fishermen. The results revealed that 69 faced different occupational problems during last 6 months. Participants suffered mainly from skin disease (31.7%), musculoskeletal pain (29.7%) and fever (24.3%). Age and duration of profession identified were associated (P= <.001) with occupational hazards. Only 7.3% respondents went to facilities to get health care. Nearly one-third of fishermen (31%) took medicine by their own idea. Fishermen who seek care from facilities are low than affected with health hazards. Establishing facilities near major fish landings may improve health care seeking in this study area.

A study was conducted to assess of groundwater and surface water quality of Barisal sadar upazila. Total 22 water samples (11 pond water and 11 groundwater) were collected from January to March, 2017. Samples were slightly acidic in nature and 7 pond water not suitable for aquaculture in respect of pH. Samples of pond were “excellent” and groundwater samples were “good” for irrigation except two high salinity group water for irrigation for EC. Calcium indicates the samples were suitable for aquaculture but 7 samples were not suitable due to higher Mg content. In respect of K, 9 samples were not suitable for aquaculture. Cu concentrations found suitable for all purposes. For Fe and Zn samples are suitable for irrigation and consumption. Chloride showed, samples were not suitable for livestock consumption except 7 ponds sample. Samples are not suitable for aquaculture in respect of Cl, Fe and Zn. For Manganese, samples (except 1) found suitable for consumption. Samples were “excellent” for sensitive, semi-tolerant and tolerant crops in respect of B. Not any samples responded to CO₃ test and HCO₃ concentrations found normal. All water sources free from Arsenic contamination. Phosphorus concentration in groundwater might not be harmful for multipurpose use. SAR categorized all samples “excellent” class for irrigation except 2 groundwater samples. 15 samples were “suitable”, 3 were “marginal” and 4 were “unsuitable” for irrigation in respect of RSC. For H_T, 13 were “moderately hard” and 09 were “hard” limit for irrigation and samples were suitable for drinking and livestock consumption.

The study was conducted to evaluate the impact of epsom salt, rich in magnesium and sulfur content beneficial to plant, on beetroot production in aquaponics system. Media based aquaponics systems (nine units) were employed for beetroot and tilapia culture where three treatments T₁, T₂ and T₀ were applied with three replications (R₁, R₂, and R₃) each. Epsom salt was applied in T₁ as foliar spray in the form of 5% solution in each replication, whereas same amount of epsom salt (5 g) was directly applied on vegetable bed in T₂ as root application. But in control (T₀) no epsom salt was used. Beetroot saplings were planted in retrospect at a rate of two saplings per growbed (replication). After thirty days, plants grew enough to support the water clarification in aquaponics, ten tilapia fry were stocked per tank (90 L) in each replication. Fish were fed commercial floating feed containing 30% protein. Although the fish growth parameters in three treatments were statistically similar, the highest mean length gain, weight gain, specific growth rate and fish production were found 5.11±1.64 cm, 30.16±0.11 g, 0.39±0.01 %/day and 26.27±2.47 tons/ha/60 days respectively in T₁ followed by T₂ and T₀. However, response of beetroots to different treatments was statistically different. The highest average leaf area (69.79 ± 0.48 cm²), length of root (31.03±0.43 cm), weight of root (21.17±1.92 g), and production of beetroot 8.67±1.54 tons/ha/90 days were found in T₁ followed by T₂ and T₀. Harvesting time was also reduced in epsom salt based aquaponics system. The overall production of beetroot and tilapia was higher in T₁ (foliar spray) than T₂ (root application) and T₀ (control). Thus, the study signifies the potentialities of epsom salt in aquaponics vegetable production. However, further research is needed to verify the dose response to epsom salt in aquaponics system.

Bullying in the nurses’ workplace is a common, rising and worldwide problem. Workplace bullying is a persistent phenomenon that transmits harmful effects on health care organizations and the health system as a whole, including patients’ satisfaction. The workplace bullying impacts negatively on the performance of workers. A descriptive study was conducted among the 183 government register nurses in 8 government health care facilities at Chattogram in Bangladesh from July to August 2014. Most of the respondents were female (90.7%) and more than half of the respondents (52.5%) were between 30 and 39 years old. The study revealed that there are three type of bullying faced by the nurses. They are work related, person related and physically intimidating bullying. They faced several bullying related to their works. Of these, most of them (92.8%) faced ‘ignoring their opinions and views’. Respectively, in person related bullying, 93.4% were being ignored or facing a hostile reaction when they approach regarding their works; and in physically intimidating bullying, 95.0% were being shouted at or being the target of spontaneous anger or rage. In Bangladesh Nurses faced many challenges in healthcare system due to unavailable resources, more complex patients, increased nursing shortage, increased job insecurity, job stress, and increased recruitment costs for healthcare institutions. The study concluded that an in-depth study would be conducted to find out the root causes for the workplace bullying and also design a training program that addresses the root causes, involves all individuals from all levels, and provides skills for dealing with this phenomenon can promote a harmonious working environment.

An experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of feed supplementation on growth performance of Jinding duckling in Haor Household. Nine hundred unsexed day old ducklings were considered for the feeding trial. Duckling were divided into three dietary treatments having 3 replications (50 duckling per replication) and reared on littered floor in an open sided house by providing 0.14 m² floor space per bird. Dietary treatments Group 0 was considered as control or full scavenging group, fed mash feed to the other group 25 g and 50 g per duck per day. Body weight and body weight gain were improved significantly (p<0.05) with the increasing levels of feed supplementation compared to no feed supplementation group during the period of 4-12 weeks. The average net return of per duckling of 25 g dietary group was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of no supplementation group and 50 g dietary group throughout the experimental period. Net return per batch were 1924 BDT in 25 g feed supplementation group at 12 weeks and yearly net profit was 6735 BDT by rearing of 50 ducklings. Benefit–cost ratio was 1:1.30. The result revealed that duck intervention increased duck production, reduce duckling mortality and improved haor women’s source of income and significantly contributes to rural livelihoods.

Climate change is a global threat to the world especially for Bangladesh, due to its geographical location. The present study was carried out to the impacts of climate change on livelihood of the fishers at the Meghna, Laukhati and Galachipa river in Bangladesh. The study was assessing the effects of climate change on fishersˊ community in the Meghna, Laukhati and Galachipa rivers near Chandpur and Patuakhali districts. The data on fishersˊ livelihood were collected by using a well-developed questionnaire from the selected areas. The average temperature was recorded as 30.5±0.90°C, 27.1±1.05°C and 27.4±0.60°C and the dissolved oxygen was as 6.37±1.11 mg/L, 5.63±0.33 mg/L and 6.33±0.51 mg/L in the Meghna, Laukhati and Galachipa rivers, respectively. The pH was as 8.3±0.59, 8.03±0.50 and 7.8±0.50 and the salinity was as 0.10±0.10, 0.23±0.13 and 1.2±0.15 ppt in the Meghna, Galachipa and Laukhati rivers, respectively.  In the present study, it was found that most of the fishers were belonged to the age groups of 41 to 60 years (45%), represented by 75% muslim and joint family type (61%) was the predominant among the fishers. The highest annual income of fishers was found 20,080 and 24,000 BDT per year at Chandpur and Patuakhali districts, respectively. There has not been conducted much empirical research about the impacts of climate change in the present research areas. Therefore, Government and NGOs should take proper steps by taking various need based projects and providing some sorts of management policy to rescue the vulnerable communities from climate change impacts.

Chronic arsenic toxicity is a severe disease in men and animals which occurs severely in Bangladesh. Arsenic (As) contamination in ground water used in drinking is the major concern because arsenic is present in human and animal food chain. This work was done in quails with a view to observing the efficacy of spirulina (Spirulina platensis) and vitamin E for prevention of arsenic toxicity. 60 quails were used in this study and animals were divided into control group (T₀), arsenic treated group (T₁), arsenic plus spirulina treated group (T₂) and arsenic plus vitamin E treated group (T₃). Each group consists of 15 quails. Quails of T₀ group were given normal feed and water and kept as control. Quails of T_1, T₂ and T₃ were given 100 mg arsenic trioxide/L drinking water daily for 30 days. In addition to arsenic trioxide quails of group T₂ and T₃ were simultaneously fed with spirulina @ 1 gm/kg feed and vitamin E @ 400 mg /kg body weight up to 30 days respectively. Five quails from each group (T_0, T_1, T₂ and T₃) were sacrificed at 15 days interval in order to determine haematological parameters. Result showed that in group T₁, body weight gain was minimum, whereas in group T₂ and T₃ the body weight gain in quails were better.  Reduction of TEC and Hb values were observed in arsenic treated group T₁. Whereas in rest groups the TEC and Hb values were comparatively higher than arsenic treated group. Noticeable change observed in liver and kindey of arsenic treated group in compare to the control group. Histopathological changes also observed in liver and kindey of arsenic treated group in compare to the control group. In conclusion, spirulina and vitamin E have significant effect on body weight, hematological and postmortem and histopathological changes.

In Ethiopia livestock production is an integral part of the Ethiopian agricultural system. Beef cattle production plays an important role in the economies and livelihoods of farmers and pastoralists. Saylem Woreda is one of the remote setting in Ethiopia were information about beef production system is not well studied. Hence, this study was conducted to assess beef cattle production system; marketing and avalable feed resources utilized by beef cattle producers and the factors affecing beef cattle production of the study area through questionaire survey in Saylem woreda, south west Ethiopia. A total of 80 households were interviewed about 78.8% (X²=26.45; p=0.000) of respondents practiced beef cattle production was statistically significant. 93.8% (X²=61.25; p=0.002) of the respondents use only grazing of field grass for beef cattle production. Beef cattle marketing in the study area function at primary markets 78.8% (X²=2.645; p=0.963) of respondents had access to market information before sale was not statistically significant. Most of the respondents 81.2% (X²=19.00; p=0.003) determined factors for price of beef cattle were color, age, weight and agreement of sellers and buyers was statistically significant. The main constraints complained by the respondents in the study area 96.2% had lack of road (transportation) to get market access; 92.5% had prevalence of beef cattle disease in the area and 31.8% had shortage of feed and water and lack of genetically improved beef for fattening. Beef cattle production and marketing systems in Saylem woreda have many levels of formal and informal traders. Therefore, administrative bodies concerned these issues should give priority to find solution for these problems facing beef cattle producing farmers in the study area.

A cross sectional study was conducted from October 2013 to April 2014 G.C on 384 heads of dairy cattle and 107 cattle owners, in and around Bonga town, south west Ethiopia. Comparative intra dermal tuberculin test and questionnaire survey were carried out to determine the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis and to assess its zoonotic implication, respectively. Systematic random sampling technique was used to conduct the comparative intra dermal tuberculin test. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the data. Accordingly out of 384 heads of dairy cattle the overall prevalence was estimated to be 1.56 % (6/384). Using 95% confidence interval statistically significant variables were observed among sign of chronic cough with progressive wastage of body condition (P=0.043) and the origin of dairy cattle (P=0.039). While simple random sampling technique was used to select cattle owners for interview and 107 were participated. Analysis of retrospective data of six and half years on human TB collected from Bonga general hospital revealed significant level of TB cases. From the total TB patients, 56% had pulmonary form of TB, while 44% had extra pulmonary form of TB patients registered. The result of the present study has revealed that relatively low prevalence of BTB in dairy cattle and poor awareness of the respondents on zoonotic implication of bovine tuberculosis. There should be segregation and practice of boiling of raw milk before consumption at home and awareness creation should be done for the whole society about bovine tuberculosis and its mode of transmission.

Cancer is predicted to be a progressively vital reason behind morbidity and mortality in the next few decades, in all regions of the world. In Bangladesh, about 150781 new cancer cases occur in 2018 and caused about 108137 deaths. Stomach and colon cancer have 6.3% and 2% of the total cancer deaths in Bangladesh. However, to the best of knowledge, no study has been conducted in Bangladesh on the survival probabilities of stomach and colon cancer patients. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a study on the survival probabilities of stomach and colon cancer patients with respect to sex, age, and body mass index. Only sixty-five patients with stomach or colon cancer from the eight divisional cities in Bangladesh were observed. A non-parametric, Kaplan-Meier product limit estimate for survival probabilities was utilized in this study. Less median survival time for female patients (22 months) than for males (31 months) was found. Almost similar patterns were observed for patients older than 45 years compared to younger patients and overweight patients. Taken together, this study suggests that male, younger and healthy weight patients’ survival probabilities are higher than female, older and overweight patients respectively. To avoid these kinds of diseases and increase survival probabilities, we should always take a balanced diet and doing exercise regularly to keep a healthy weight. Government and non-government organizations need to take proper steps to create awareness levels among the people as well.