Abstract not available

Osteoporosis is a silent, progressive skeletal disorder characterized by decreased bone strength, leading to an increased risk of fractures, particularly among aging populations. This cross-sectional study was conducted over six months from June to December 2018 in the Tatibazar area of Old Dhaka, Bangladesh, to assess bone health using quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and estimate fracture risk through the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX). A total of 188 conveniently selected participants aged 40 years and older underwent BMD screening with QUS. The FRAX tool, a validated clinical prediction model, was used to calculate the 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fractures (MOF) and hip fractures (HF) based on clinical risk factors, with and without BMD input. The prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis was 31.4% and 11.2%, respectively. Age group (P < 0.001), BMI (P = 0.013), and smoking (P = 0.019) were significantly associated with lower T-scores. According to FRAX with BMD, 5.3% of participants had a moderate to high risk of MOF, and 12.2% had a high risk of HF. Age, prior fracture, glucocorticoid use, and rheumatoid arthritis were significantly linked to MOF risk; age, BMI, smoking, glucocorticoid use, and rheumatoid arthritis were linked to HF risk. The findings highlight a high burden of reduced bone mass and fracture risk in the urban aging population of Dhaka. These results emphasize the need for early diagnosis and preventive strategies, especially in resource-limited settings. Further studies are required to validate the effectiveness of QUS and FRAX as population-level screening tools in Bangladesh.

Poultry farming plays a crucial role in the livestock economy of Bangladesh. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of diseases and the commonly used drugs in poultry species in Jamalpur, Bangladesh. A total of 233 poultry cases were examined at the Jamalpur District Veterinary Hospital from September to December 2023. Diagnosis was based on a combination of clinical history, signs, and necropsy findings. Commonly used drugs for treatment purposes were also recorded, and all data were analyzed using standard statistical tools. Among broiler birds, the following diseases were identified, including Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) (18.60%), Inclusion Body Hepatitis (IBH) (10.46%), Newcastle Disease (ND) (6%), Lymphoproliferative Disease (2.32%), Colibacillosis (13%), Salmonellosis (8.13%), Coccidiosis (11.62%), Visceral Gout (16.27%), and mixed infections (14%). In layer birds, the recorded diseases included ND (19.70%), Mycoplasmosis (13.63%), Colibacillosis (12.12%), Fowl Cholera (10.60%), Marek’s Disease (9.10%), Stroke Syndrome (7.57%), IBH (6%), Fowl Typhoid (4.54%), and mixed infections (7.57%). In Sonali chickens, ND (30%), Coccidiosis (26.26%), Mycoplasmosis (13.33%), Salmonellosis, and Colibacillosis were equally prevalent (10%). In Desi chickens, Coccidiosis (36.36%) and Ascites (9.09%) were recorded, while Duck Cholera (43.75%) and Duck Viral Hepatitis (25%) were observed in ducks. Salmonellosis was found in 40% of pigeons. Regarding age, the susceptibility to infection was as follows: broilers (above 22 days) 30.23%, Sonali (above 50 days) 33%, adult layers (19-52 weeks) 45.45%, Desi chickens (0-8 weeks) 32%, and both young and adult ducks were equally susceptible (31.25%). The most commonly used drug was ciprofloxacin (23%), followed by gentamicin (15%), sulfonamide (14%), enrofloxacin (13%), macrolides (12%), and toltrazuril (5%). Viral diseases were more prevalent in broiler and Sonali birds, while bacterial infections were common in layers and ducks. Protozoal diseases were prevalent in Desi chickens, pigeons, and turkeys. A comprehensive study is needed to identify poultry diseases based on seasonal patterns, as well as to investigate common drug efficacy and resistance patterns. This would help improve treatment protocols and raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).