Bioresearch Communications - (BRC)

Hidden Greens- A Preliminary Checklist of Bryophytes from Adampur Forest, Sylhet

2026-01-01T20:08:06+00:00

Bryophytes, though ecologically important, remain underrepresented in biodiversity research across South Asia. This study documents the bryophyte diversity of Adampur Forest in Moulvibazar, Sylhet, an area rich in microhabitats but previously unexplored for non-vascular flora. A field survey yielded more than 20 specimens, of which 20 species were identified and recorded with photographic documentation. These results constitute the first documented photographic record of bryophytes from this forest and provide a dependable baseline for future taxonomic and ecological research. Beyond contributing to species identification, the work highlights the ecological significance of bryophytes and underscores the need for broader surveys across seasons and regions. By raising awareness of overlooked components of forest ecosystems, this study supports biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts in Bangladesh.

Exploring Psycho-Social Challenges and Coping Mechanisms Among Adolescents in Bangladesh: A Qualitative Approach

2026-01-01T20:00:27+00:00

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the major psychosocial challenges faced by adolescents in Bangladesh and to identify the coping strategies they adopt to manage these challenges. Recognizing adolescence as a critical period of psychological, emotional, and social development, the study aims to provide insight into how family dynamics, social environments, and cultural expectations influence adolescent mental health and well-being. Methodology: A qualitative research design was adopted to gain an in-depth understanding of adolescents lived experiences. Data were collected through four individual in-depth interviews (IDIs) and five focus group discussion (FGD) with adolescents aged 13–18 years from schools in Dhaka City. Participants were selected purposively to ensure diversity of experiences. Thematic and content analysis techniques were applied to identify recurring psychosocial patterns, emotional struggles, and coping mechanisms. Findings: The findings reveal that Bangladeshi adolescents frequently experience stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms resulting from restrictive parenting, excessive academic pressure, limited personal freedom, and lack of emotional support. Communication barriers between parents and children, gender-based restrictions, and social stigma further exacerbate these challenges. Despite these difficulties, adolescents adopt a range of coping mechanisms, including seeking social support, engaging in extracurricular and religious activities, and problem-focused coping. However, maladaptive behaviours such as withdrawal and substance use were also observed among those lacking guidance or mental health resources. Implications: The study underscores the urgent need for school-based counselling, improved parent–adolescent communication, and community-level mental health initiatives. By framing the psychosocial challenges of Bangladeshi adolescents within a global context, it highlights the importance of integrating mental health awareness into education and family systems to foster resilience and support healthier adolescent development. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study highlights that adolescence, though a vulnerable stage, offers significant potential for growth when supported by understanding families and inclusive environments. Strengthening mental health awareness, parental communication, and school-based support can foster resilience and emotional stability among Bangladeshi adolescents.

Scope of Personalized Homeopathy in Psoriasis: A Treatment Series of Four Cases

2026-01-01T20:03:28+00:00

Background: Psoriasis is a common, chronic autoimmune‑genetic disorder of the skin, often elicited by psychological stressors and environmental factors. The plaque variant is most frequently encountered, with guttate, pustular, inverse, and erythrodermic types also reported. Disease severity is typically quantified using modalities such as the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Conventional treatments—including topical agents, phototherapy, and systemic medications—are available, though many patients report limited satisfaction due to side effects, incomplete responses, and cost burdens. This case series investigates the therapeutic outcomes of individualized homeopathic medicine in patients diagnosed with plaque psoriasis in Bangladesh. Methods: Four adult patients with clinically confirmed plaque psoriasis received personalized homeopathic remedies selected on symptom similarity, namely Calcarea carbonica, Lycopodium clavatum, Natrum muriaticum, and Sepia. Treatment protocols included detailed documentation of remedy selection criteria, preparation methods, dosing regimens, and follow-up schedules. Baseline and follow-up assessments were conducted using PASI scoring, photographic documentation of lesions, and patient‑reported satisfaction scores. Results: All patients demonstrated a measurable decrease in PASI scores over the treatment period. Clinical photographs reflected visible regression of plaques, while subjective satisfaction ratings improved consistently across cases. No significant adverse effects were recorded. Conclusions: In this series of four cases, individualized homeopathic treatment appeared to yield positive clinical outcomes in plaque psoriasis, as evidenced by both objective and subjective measures. Although limited by small sample size and absence of a control group, these findings suggest a potential role for homeopathic therapies in psoriasis management. Further research involving larger cohorts and controlled study designs is reasonable to validate these preliminary observations.

Biotechnological and Pharmaceutical Potential of Mangrove Endophytes from the Sundarbans, Bangladesh: A Review

2026-01-01T19:52:42+00:00

Mangrove endophytes have significant potential across medicine, agriculture, and industry due to their ability to adapt to extreme conditions, resulting in the production of unique compounds, including secondary metabolites, enzymes, and phytohormones. They show promise as sources of new drugs for various diseases, including cancer and infections, as well as agents for agricultural use, such as biocontrol and plant growth promotion, and can also produce valuable industrial enzymes. Mangrove Endophytes are Unique because they are adapted to harsh conditions, including high salinity and waterlogged, anoxic soil. This adaptation drives them to produce unique metabolites and enzymes to survive and compete in their challenging environment. The Sundarbans in Bangladesh is the world's largest contiguous mangrove forest, an expansive delta region formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. This unique and dynamic ecosystem is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a biosphere reserve, renowned for its incredible biodiversity. The Sundarbans is a significant source of endophytes, especially fungal endophytes, because its harsh, unique ecosystem pressures symbiotic microorganisms to produce a wide range of potent bioactive compounds. Research on Sundarbans endophytes is an area of growing interest, particularly for discovering new antimicrobial agents and exploring their potential in agriculture. Despite the significant potential, research into mangrove endophytes of the Sunderbans is still in its early stages. Many species remain unexplored, and further investigation is needed to fully understand their ecological roles and harness their full potential. The use of advanced molecular techniques and innovative cultivation methods, such as epigenetic modification and co-cultivation, is expected to reveal even more valuable metabolites for future applications. The biotechnological and medicinal potential of mangrove endophytes from Bangladesh's Sundarbans is discussed in this review. These endophytes can be used to create powerful new medications, enzymes, biodiesel, biopesticides, and many other products.

Molecular Frontiers in Biodiversity Research from Bangladesh: A Review

2026-01-01T19:56:57+00:00

Bangladesh harbors a rich and unique biodiversity and is home to numerous threatened species of different categories that are vital for its ecological balance and sustainable development. In recent years, molecular approaches have emerged as powerful tools for studying and conserving this biodiversity and threatened organisms, enabling precise species identification, uncovering cryptic diversity, helping to make informed management strategies. This review aims to synthesize recent advances in molecular taxonomic research on Bangladesh’s flora and fauna, with a particular emphasis on the applications of DNA barcoding across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial taxa. The review highlights that, despite the remarkable biodiversity in Bangladesh, only a fraction of these species has been genetically characterized. DNA barcoding initiatives have progressed notably in fishes, arthropods, and fungi, but remain limited for plants and several vertebrate and invertebrate groups, particularly in avian species. This disparity underscores a significant gap between the country’s known biodiversity and its molecular-level validation. Moving forward, strengthening molecular databases, integrating advanced genomic tools, and building local research capacity are essential for comprehensive biodiversity assessment, effective monitoring, and informed conservation strategies in Bangladesh.

Pathogenic Potentiality of the Fungi Associated with Selected Seeds of BRRI Rice Varieties

2026-01-01T14:37:24+00:00

A total of 19 fungal species were isolated from the seeds of selected rice varieties (BRRI dhan 90 to BRRI dhan 99) following Tissue planting method and Blotter method. The isolated fungi were Aspergillus niger, A. ochraceus, A. oryzae, A. tamarii, A. terreus, Chaetomium globosum, Cladosporium oxysporum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Corynespora cassiicola, Curvularia lunata, Curvularia soli, Daldinia eschscholtzii, Fusarium solani, Penicillium oxalicum, Penicillium sclerotiorum, Pestalotiopsis guepinii, Pyricularia oryzae, Rhizopus stolonifera and Trichoderma viride. Out of 19 species of fungi Aspergillus niger, Curvularia lunata, and Fusarium solani were found to be pathogenic to the selected rice varieties.

Crop Residue Amendments Improve Nutrient Uptake and Na⁺/K⁺ Homeostasis in Rice Under Combined Salt and Water Deficit Stress

2026-01-01T14:52:19+00:00

Background: Soil salinity and water scarcity are significant constraints to rice production in coastal agroecosystems, where plants frequently encounter combined salt and moisture stress, particularly in the dry season. This study evaluated the effects of crop residue-based organic amendments such as rice straw compost (RSC), sawdust (SD), rice husk (RH), and mustard seed meal (MSM) on nutrient uptake and Na⁺/K⁺ homeostasis in two contrasting rice genotypes, BRRI Dhan 28 (salt-sensitive) and BRRI Dhan 47 (salt-tolerant), under full and deficit irrigation regimes. Methods: A split-split plot field experiment was conducted during the dry season in salt-affected coastal soils of Khulna, Bangladesh. Findings: Organic amendments significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved the uptake of macro- (N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn) in both genotypes. The MSM enhanced N, Ca, and Mg accumulation, while RSC and SD effectively increased K⁺ and S uptake. All amendments markedly reduced the Na⁺/K⁺ ratio, improving ionic balance and alleviating salinity-induced toxicity. Correlation analyses indicated strong positive associations among key nutrients and significant negative relationships between Na⁺/K⁺ ratios and nutrient contents, underscoring the role of amendments in optimizing nutrient dynamics. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that integrating crop residue-based organic amendments into salt-affected coastal soils enhances nutrient availability, maintains ionic homeostasis, and mitigates combined salt and water deficit stress in rice. Adopting such sustainable practices offers a promising pathway for improving soil health, boosting rice productivity, and strengthening climate resilience in vulnerable coastal agroecosystems.

Nutrient Composition and Retention of Selected Traditional Bangladeshi Curries and Festival Dishes

2026-01-01T15:00:28+00:00

Background and Objectives: The near absence of nutrient profiles for cooked recipes in local food composition databases limits their application in dietary planning, nutritional assessment, and public health analytics. Chemical analysis of standardized recipes commonly prepared in households can help address this gap. This study quantified the proximate composition of selected homemade curries and festival dishes consumed in urban and peri-urban areas of Bangladesh. Methodology: A cross-sectional ingredient survey was conducted among 150 purposively selected housewives from Dhaka and Tangail districts to collect recipe profiles. Seven standardized recipes (four vegetable-based dishes and three festival dishes) were prepared following traditional cooking practices and analysed for proximate nutrient composition using standard operating procedures (SOPs) based on Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods. Precision and accuracy were ensured through a Quality Assurance Program. Cooking yield (YF) and nutrient retention factors (NRF) were calculated. Unanalysed micronutrients were compiled from national, regional, and global food composition databases using the FAO/INFOODS toolkit. Results: Nutrient contents (g/100 g) ranged as follows: moisture 60.09–78.73%, protein 2.92–10.89%, fat 2.48–22.28%, available carbohydrate 1.8–24.25%, total dietary fibre 0.34–7.94%, and ash 0.42–4.08%. YF ranged from 49.24% in jute leaves fry to 90.38% in motar polao. NRF exceeded 100% for several nutrients, with peaks for protein in chicken roast (126.90%), fat in lentil-tomato daal (105.92%), total dietary fibre in motar polao (105.92%), and available carbohydrate in bottle gourd leaves fry (218.34%). Moisture and ash retention were highest in motar polao (83.40% and 126.53%), indicating minimal mineral loss during cooking (98.41–126.53%). Analysed and compiled data were consistent with reported values, confirming dataset quality. Conclusion: This study provides one of the first validated datasets of cooked Bangladeshi dishes, offering high-quality “as-consumed” nutrient values. The findings represent a significant contribution to the national food composition database and hold strong relevance for dietary assessment, nutrition research, and public health policy in Bangladesh.

Investigating the Association of Biochemical and Clinical Parameters with the Severity of Diabetic Retinopathy in Bangladesh

2026-01-01T15:04:57+00:00

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a significant microvascular complication of diabetes leading to vision impairment and blindness. While various clinical and biochemical parameters are linked with the severity of DR, there is no such study to ascertain these association in Bangladeshi population. This cross-sectional study investigated the association of various biochemical and clinical parameters with the severity of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy in Bangladeshi patients. A cohort of 90 Bangladeshi patients with non-proliferative DR was recruited and followed for 8 months for developing different stages of DR severity (mild, modern and severe). Visual acuity (VA), Non-Contact Tonometer (NCT) readings, and biochemical parameters including C-reactive protein (CRP), random blood sugar (RBS), lipid profile (triglyceride, total cholesterol), serum ferritin, and vitamin D levels were assessed using appropriate laboratory techniques. The average value for visual activities (V/A) in different stages of non-proliferative DR is significantly different (p<0.001). In the same way, the average for Non-Contact Tonometer (NCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), Random Blood Sugar (RBS), and Diastolic Blood Pressure is significantly different in different stages of non-proliferative DR. No significant associations were found with lipid profile, serum ferritin, or vitamin D. Correlation analysis revealed a moderate positive correlation between RBS and NCT (r=0.225, p<0.05), and significant negative correlations of V/A, NCT, and CRP, reinforcing the link between inflammation/ocular pressure and visual function. Linear regression models identified CRP, RBS, and Duration of Diabetes as positive predictors for NCT, and total cholesterol (positive), CRP (negative), and RBS (negative) as predictors for visual acuity. Our findings indicate that visual acuity, non-contact tonometer measurements, C-reactive protein, and random blood sugar levels are significantly associated with the severity of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. These parameters serve as valuable indicators for assessing DR progression and emphasize the critical roles of regular ophthalmic examinations and stringent glycemic control in managing the disease. Longitudinal studies are needed to further validate these associations and their predictive power.

Assessing the Role of Behavioral Activation System (BAS)/Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) and Self-Esteem in Online Trolling Behavior

2026-01-01T15:09:05+00:00

Background: Online trolling is a provocative and obnoxious conduct that takes place online and is associated with participating in anonymous actions making other people feel unpleasant. The two fundamental motivational systems accountable for regulating human behavior, Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS)/Behavioral Activation System (BAS), might contribute to the understanding of this kind of behavior. Objectives: In this cross-sectional study, we examined the links between the BIS/ BAS, internet trolling, and self-esteem among adult online multiplayer gamers in Bangladesh. Methods: Global Assessment of Internet Trolling (GAIT) scale, the BIS/BAS scales, and Rosenberg self-esteem scale were used to measure study variables. These scales were administered to 131 adult online multiplayer gamers (107 male and 24 female) using snowball sampling approach. Their age range was 18- 31 years (M = 21.96, SD = 3.20). Results: After age, gender and socio-economic status were controlled for, BIS, and BAS (reward responsivity, drive, and fun seeking) were examined for their predictive utility of online trolling behavior. Results revealed that self-esteem is not substantially connected with internet trolling behavior, and that it is predicted by low BIS and high fun-seeking tendency – one of the BAS subscales. Conclusion: These results imply that inherent temperamental tendencies may make people more likely to annoy others online for personal gain and enjoyment.

Human Amniotic Membrane and Curcuma Longa–Derived Gel for the Treatment of Burn Injuries in A Rat Model

2026-01-01T15:13:03+00:00

Purpose: Burn injuries are a serious medical issue worldwide. In this study, Curcuma longa (CUR) loaded human amniotic membrane (HAM) gel was formulated to find an effective treatment for burn wounds with a faster healing rate and cost-effectiveness. Methodology: Physicochemical evaluation of the gel formulations was carried out through visual examination, assessing factors such as consistency, homogeneity, pH, FTIR, NMR analysis, and brine shrimp lethality test. To determine the burn wound healing efficacy, 20 female Wistar rats with 150-180g body weight were randomly divided into five groups: negative control, HAM, CUR, HAM+CUR and positive control. Burns were created and then treated with respective gels. Major findings: All gel formulations were essentially homogeneous and had good consistency with a pH between 6.68 and 6.80. FTIR and NMR studies supported the presence of collagen and skin irritation study displayed no edema or erythema after 7 days of topical application. After 16 days of treatment, the HAM+CUR group showed superiority (94.31±2.24 %) in burn wound healing, which was statistically the most significant compared to the control group (P<0.001). In addition, it takes only 19.67±1.52 days for the HAM+CUR group for re-epithelialization, while HAM, CUR, positive and the negative control group required 25.33±1.53, 24.67±2.08, 22.0±2, and 31.67 ±1.15 days for re-epithelialization, respectively. Histological evaluation revealed that HAM+CUR treated rat groups had significant epidermal regeneration, granulation tissue formation and collagen deposition. Conclusions: Therefore, HAM+CUR gel demonstrates significant potential therapeutic agent for treating burn wounds.

Unveiling the Bioactive Potential of the Pteridophyte Thelypteris Nudata (Roxb.) C.V. Morton: Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Evaluation

2026-01-01T16:41:44+00:00

Pteridophytes, ancient vascular plants dating back to the paleozoic era, are recognized for their adaptability and production of diverse secondary metabolites with nutritional, agricultural, and medicinal significance. So, the present study was designed to investigate the phytochemical composition of Thelypteris nudata (Roxb.) C.V.Morton and evaluate its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and thrombolytic activities. The plant leaves were subjected to successive extraction using methanol, n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of methanol extracts of T. nudata exhibited the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolics, reducing sugar, diterpenes, coumarins, saponins, phlobatannins, and tannins. The Agar well diffusion method was performed for the antibacterial activity test. Antibacterial activity of methanolic extract showed greater zone of inhibition against all five bacterial strains (Salmonella enterica- 47 mm, Shigella flexneri- 37 mm, Staphylococcus saprophyticus- 43mm, Enterococcus faecalis- 39mm, Vibrio parahaemolyticus- 43mm). However, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts also displayed substantial antibacterial activity, while n-hexane and dichloromethane fractions exhibited comparatively lower inhibition zones. The DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging method was used for antioxidant activity analysis. The antioxidant potential of different solvent extracts was evaluated based on their IC₅₀ values. The methanol, ethyl acetate, and aqueous extract showed IC₅₀ values 95.92 µg/mL, 21.4 µg/mL, and 22.92 µg/mL, respectively. However, the free radical scavenging activity of dichloromethane, and n-hexane extracts exhibited weak antioxidant activity, as evidenced by their higher IC₅₀ values (319.89 μg/mL, and 236.42 μg/mL respectively) compared to standard butyl-1-hydroxytoluene (BHT) used. The thrombolytic activity of different solvent extracts was assessed using an in vitro clot lysis assay. The ethyl acetate extract showed the highest thrombolytic activity (11.44 ± 1.05 %) among the tested fractions.

Calorie Restriction Extends Lifespan in Yeast Independently of GCN5

2026-01-01T16:48:55+00:00

Calorie restriction (CR) has been shown to increase longevity in various animals; however, the mechanisms by which it affects chromatin-modifying factors remain poorly understood. GCN5, a histone acetyltransferase, is a vital regulator of transcription that responds to metabolic and stress signals, linking nutrient signaling to chromatin remodeling, but the extent of its necessity in promoting longevity through caloric restriction (CR) has yet to be completely defined. We investigated chronological lifespan (CLS), growth dynamics, respiratory efficiency, oxidative stress tolerance, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation rate, and mtDNA abundance in a yeast gcn5Δ mutant under both normal and glucose-restricted conditions in order to elucidate GCN5-independent effects of CR. Under CR, the mutant showed a significant increase in CLS along with a decreased growth rate and improved survival in the stationary phase. Despite the loss of GCN5, calorie restriction enhanced respiratory efficiency on non-fermentable substrates, improved survival under oxidative stress, increased mtDNA abundance, and reduced mtDNA mutations, suggesting improved mitochondrial integrity. Altogether, these results showed that CR can compensate for GCN5's absence by triggering alternative nutrient-sensing and mitochondrial maintenance systems. This information offers insights into chromatin-independent pathways that could be used to mitigate aging and mitochondrial dysfunction in higher organisms

Mutation Analysis of The MT-ATP6 Gene in Breast Cancer Tissue Samples of Bangladeshi Women

2026-01-01T18:30:25+00:00

Background and aim: Mitochondria are crucial for cellular energy production and apoptosis. It plays a crucial part in the development of cancer. This pilot study looked at mitochondrial ATP6 polymorphisms as a potential preliminary indicator for breast cancer in Bangladeshi women. Materials and Methods: The MT-ATP6 gene of mitochondrial DNA was sequenced from 13 breast cancer tissue samples. Sequencing data were compared with the Revised Cambridge Reference Sequence (rCRS) to detect polymorphisms. Blood samples from 33 healthy women were also analyzed as controls to account for variations. Results: A total of five mutations were identified by analysing the sequences of patient samples. Three of the five mutations (m.8701A>G, m.8860A>G, and m.9094C>T) were nonsynonymous, and two (m.8772T>C and 8790G>A) were synonymous. The m.8701A>G and m.8860A>G mutations were detected in both cancer patients and healthy controls and no statistical significance was calculated due to the small sample size. The m.8701A>G mutation was observed in 4 out of 13 (30.77%) cancer patients, and the m.8860A>G mutation was observed in 11 out of 13 (84.61%) cancer patients. Focus was placed on the m.9094C>T mutation, which was observed in two out of thirteen (15.38%) breast cancer patients, and was entirely absent in the control group (0/33). This mutation in Bangladeshi women results in a Leucine (L) to Phenylalanine (F) substitution at codon 120. According to PolyPhen-2 analysis, this variant is "possibly damaging," with a score of 0.855. Structural analysis using the HOPE tool revealed alterations in protein structure, while DynaMut confirmed impacts on structural features. These findings suggest that the m.9094C>T mutation may be indirectly linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Conclusion: The detection of m.9094C>T exclusively in two patient samples, coupled with its predicted pathogenicity, identifies this variant as an interesting candidate for future, large-scale investigation. These preliminary findings do not establish a definitive association or heritability but suggest that variants in the MT-ATP6 gene warrant further functional and epidemiological investigation as potential susceptibility factors for breast cancer.

Prevalence of Intestinal and Urinary Parasitic and Bacterial Pathogens Among Staffs of Four Residential Halls of A Public University in Bangladesh

2026-01-01T18:35:35+00:00

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are major public health concerns in developing countries, particularly among individuals living or working in densely populated institutional settings. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites and antibiotic resistance patterns among residential hall staffs at a public university in Bangladesh in order to identify the risk factors for transmission of pathogens to residential students. Methods: A total of 100 stool samples were collected from 4 residential hall staffs of a public university and analyzed microscopically for protozoan and helminth infections. Additionally, 10 stool and 13 urine samples from hall staffs, along with 14 revived clinical urinary isolates, were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Univariate and multiple quasi-Poisson regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between parasite count and various demographic and behavioral risk factors. Results: The overall prevalence of parasitic infections was 100%, with all participants harboring at least one intestinal parasite. Protozoan infections were present in 100% of individuals, while helminths were found in 94%, with Blastocystis sp. and Ascaris lumbricoides being the most prevalent. The Quasi-Poisson regression analyses revealed that none of the variables were statistically significantly associated with higher parasite counts. Stool isolates showed the highest resistance (60%) to moxifloxacin. Clinical UTI isolates showed alarmingly high resistance (≥85.7%) to all tested fluoroquinolones, with nalidixic acid resistance reaching 92.8%. Complete sensitivity (100%) to ofloxacin (OFX) was observed in E. coli isolates from healthy individuals' urine samples, highlighting a stark contrast with the 85.7% resistance seen in clinical isolates. Conclusion: The study reveals a critical parasitic disease burden and rising antimicrobial resistance among university staffs, emphasizing the urgent need for integrated public health interventions. These should include hygiene education, deworming programs, routine microbial surveillance, and strict antibiotic stewardship to reduce transmission among students and preserve treatment efficacy.

Fish Consumption Diversity Among the Adult Population of Rural Bangladesh

2026-01-01T18:41:38+00:00

The fisheries sector occupies a pivotal position in Bangladesh’s economy, livelihoods, culture, and nutrition. The current study aimed to explore the diversity in fish consumption and sociodemographic factors associated to fish intake among the Bangladeshi adult rural population. Data from the Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey (BIHS 2018-2019) was used for the current study. Data processing and statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 31.0 and R version 4.5.1. Geometric mean (95% CI) was used to express average fish intake of the respondents and partial proportional odds model was used to explore the factors associated to fish intake among the adult population (age:19-59 years) of rural Bangladesh. Adults (19–59 years) have the highest average fish intake (males 46.47 g/day; females 38.63 g/day), exceeding adolescents (males: 41.04 g/day; females: 35.51 g/day), older adults 60+ (males: 41.75 g/day; females: 34.61 g/day), and children <10 (males: 21.29 g/day; females: 20.40 g/day). About 42 (forty-two) different species of fish consumption was observed among the Bangladeshi rural adults. The overall fish intake comprised 40.77% small indigenous fish species (SIS), 31.35% large indigenous species, 23.67% exotic species, and 4.22% crustaceans. Among adults (19–59 years), fish contributes very little to total energy, negligible to carbohydrates, and a meaningful share to protein (~14%), underscoring its role as a protein-dense rather than energy- or carb-dense food. Sex, household size, division, and marital status were found to be significantly associated with fish intake thresholds (p < .05) from partial proportional odds model. These findings highlight the need for targeted nutrition-sensitive policies and equitable food system strategies to enhance access to diverse fish species, ensuring fish continues to play a vital role in improving dietary quality in rural Bangladesh.

Cultural Validation of Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-IV (Younger Version) in Bangladesh

2026-01-01T18:46:05+00:00

Lack of indigenous instruments creates difficulty to measure early childhood development. Cultural validation is prerequisite for available foreign measures. Very few tools that assess cognitive development of children are culturally appropriate for Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to culturally validate the younger version of Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-IV (WPPSI-IV) to assess cognitive abilities of children in rural Bangladesh. A systematic validation protocol was followed including forward and backward translation, modification of pictures, items, and questions without altering underlying construct. Then psychometric properties were tested by measuring reliability and validity of the WPPSI-IV. The results indicated perfect inter-observer reliability (r = 1), and strong test-retest reliability within an interval of 7 days (r = 0.63 to 0.92) of the WPPSI-IV. We found significant correlations among the subtests of the scales of WPPSI-IV indicating its internal consistency. A total of 107 children was included to test the concurrent validity of WPPSI-IV. Concurrent validity was determined by comparing the WPPSI-IV with Bayley-III and found significant moderate association between them (r = 0.51). Thus, the younger version of WPPSI-IV is a valid and reliable instrument to measure the cognitive ability of children in Bangladesh. This has important implications to reduce the developmental deficit of children in Bangladesh.

Comparison Between Plate Reader and Flow Cytometry in Mutant Isolation from Cyanobacteria Culture

2026-01-01T19:14:26+00:00

Cyanobacteria is promising source of third generation biofules which led to the current interest of genetically modified strains. The isolation of fully segregated mutant cells is slow and tedious due to the presence of multiple chromosome copies Mutant isolation from liquid media can readily accelerate the selection process, although remain as mixed population with varying segregation status. This study was focused on two exploratory approaches of mutant screening from liquid culture via plate reader and FACS. As both the plate reader and FACS can detect cellular fluorescence intensity expressed by a fluorescent reporter protein, four novel fluorescent antibiotic resistance cassettes were constructed via N-terminal tandem fusion with eYFP. The bifunctionality of the fusion proteins was demonstrated by the minimal impact on the extent of antibiotic resistance conferred by the fusions and fluorescence was demonstrated for 3 of the 4 fusions generated. It required only 11 days to isolate eYFP +ve cells from a mixed population (starting at 0.001% eYFP). The optical setting available with the flow cytometer was not optimal to set a gating parameter to detect all the eYFP +ve cells, suggests the necessity of an alternative laser or to change the fluorescent protein. Additionally, two suicide vectors were constructed to incorporate the fusion cassette into cyanobacteria genome by replacing two native sites. The molecular tools and strategies developed in this study can also be applicable in the engineering of other polyploidy bacterial species and thus could benefit the wider scientific community.

Chromatographic Analysis of Potential Bioactive Compounds from Jania Seaweed Species from the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

2026-01-01T19:20:17+00:00

Algae or seaweed is a known rich natural source of nutritional and medicinal values, associated with its availability along the coastal areas of the world. Meanwhile, marine sources are known to exhibit biologically active natural products, and a few reports have been published on the detection of bioactive compounds from Jania species of coralline red algae in the division Rhodophyta, such as those found on Bangladeshi St. Martin's Island. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extract showed the presence of glycosides, alkaloids, saponins, and steroids. Although this species exhibited little antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, the cytotoxicity bioassay showed significant findings, which might be considered an indication for further exploration. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Ultraviolet and visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis suggest that some active metabolites are present in plants. These results highlight the potential use of Jania species as a promising candidate for drug discovery and development; however, further studies are necessary to identify its bioactive principles and test its pharmacological applications.

The Trans Fatty Acid Content in the Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils Available in the Markets of Dhaka City, Bangladesh

2026-01-01T19:45:28+00:00

Background: Trans fatty acids (TFAs) found in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (PHOs) are a significant health risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Despite global initiatives to minimize TFAs, including the WHO's REPLACE action framework, data on their content in Bangladeshi food products remains limited. This study assessed the trans-fat content in PHOs available in the Dhaka City market, which will be beneficial in providing critical baseline data for public health interventions. Methods: The study involved market surveys of four wholesale and nine retail markets across Dhaka to identify PHO brands. A total of 20 PHO samples representing four major brands and their various batches were collected from both retail and wholesale markets. Samples were analyzed for fatty acid composition, including saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and trans fatty acids, using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) according to the AOAC Official Method 996.06. Additionally, the probable intake of TFA through PHO consumption and its contribution to the percentage of the daily allowable intake were estimated. Results: According to our findings, PHOs were mainly used by bakeries and restaurants. The mean trans-fat content of the samples was 10.20 ± 2.39 g per 100 g, with all samples exceeding the WHO recommended limit of 2%. TFA levels varied significantly across brands, ranging from 7.64±0.71 to 13.39 ± 2.85 g per 100 g. Saturated fatty acids (SFA) constituted 57.10 ± 3.55g per 100 g, while monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids were 38.87 ± 4.97 g and 4.03 ± 1.51 g, respectively. If consumed at a level similar to 50% of average oil intake (15.4 g/day), PHOs would contribute 67.5% of the WHO's recommended daily TFA limit (2.2gday) and 40% of the SFA limit (22.22g/day). Conclusion: The PHOs sold in Dhaka contain high levels of trans fats, posing serious public health risks. Urgent regulatory action, such as enforcing WHO-recommended TFA limits or banning PHOs, is needed to reduce and ultimately eliminate industrially produced TFAs from the Bangladeshi food supply chain.