Bioresearch Communications - (BRC)

Checklist of Ascomycetous Fungi of Bangladesh

2024-12-31T06:21:33+00:00

Thirty species of Ascomycetous fungi under 21 genera belonging to 12 Families in Bangladesh from 1952 till date are enlisted. The alphabetical checklist of the genera is provided herewith. Further updates will be added in the subsequent versions of the publication.

Fungi Isolation, Identification and Detection of Aflatoxins in Selected Cereals and Cereal Products

2024-12-31T14:15:08+00:00

Background: The study aimed to detect toxigenic fungi and aflatoxin residues (B1, B2, G1, G2) in cereals and cereal products samples such as oats, rice, corn, corn flakes, wheat flour, and rice flour from local markets near Dhaka University, Bangladesh, due to the serious health risks posed by aflatoxins, produced by fungi Aspergillus flavus.

Methods: A total of 130 samples were collected and the pooled 26 samples were analyzed. Associated fungi were isolated and cultured on a PDA medium and identified morphologically based on colony color, texture, diameter, and microscopic observation. Molecular identification was done by sequence analysis of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region, confirming the presence of Aspergillus flavus. Aflatoxin residues were detected using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with a fluorescence detector and the QuEChERS extraction method.

Results: Out of 26 analyzed samples, 73.03% tested positive for aflatoxin residues (B1, B2, G1, G2), with an average concentration of 2.17 µg/kg. Two samples (wheat flour sample 3 and corn flakes sample 2) exceeded the Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) for aflatoxin B1 (2 µg/kg) and total aflatoxins (4 µg/kg) set by Commission Regulation (EC), representing 10.52% of the samples. Aspergillus spp., the primary producer of aflatoxins, was identified in 92.31% of the samples, alongside nine fungal genera and 19 fungal species.

Conclusion: The study emphasizes the health risks of aflatoxin residues in foods like corn flakes and oats in Bangladesh, which may probably associated with serious conditions like cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, urging prompt action for food safety.

Optimization of Citric Acid Production from Sugarcane Molasses Using Aspergillus Niger by Submerged Fermentation

2024-12-31T14:25:53+00:00

The potentiality of citric acid on economy is high because of its multi-purpose uses, particularly in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Bangladesh spent more than one million US dollars to import citric acid mostly from India and China. Its consumption is increasing 3.5–4%, annually, indicating the need for better manufacturing alternatives. Globally, citric acid is primarily produced through microbial fermentation with Aspergillus niger. To support the massive scale of production of citrate, the manufacturing process must be eco-friendly which should be inexpensive and available raw materials for maintaining high yielding in a cost-effective manner. In Bangladesh prospective, the current study has undertaken to optimize citric acid production using one of the most abundant raw materials sugarcane molasses. Moreover, the aim of this study was to determine the optimum conditions to produce citric acid from sugarcane molasses using Aspergillus niger (F-81) by submerged fermentation. The amount of citric acid production was determined by the Marier-Boulet colorimetric method. The optimization data suggested that 10% substrate (from processed cane molasses), 4% inoculum size of A. niger, and initial pH 6.0 allowed to produce around 25.8 g/L citric acid. Further study is warranted to assess the feasibility of citrate production in an industrial level as well as improvement of microbial strains is needed to further enhance citric acid production.

Proteomic Insights into the Health Impacts of Cigarette Smoking: Analyzing Nicotine, PAHs, Aromatic Amines, and Aldehydes

2024-12-31T14:31:19+00:00

Cigarette smoking is a highly detrimental and dangerous habit that can lead to cancer. It contains numerous harmful compounds such as nicotine, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), aromatic amines, aldehydes, and various other compounds that are produced during smoking and enter the body. When these toxic substances enter the body, they can harm various systems, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, renal-urinary, reproductive, and ophthalmic systems. This study aims to identify the proteins that interact with nicotine, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), aromatic amines, and aldehydes and to predict their potential impacts on the human body. We collected data for this investigation from the STITCH, STRING, UniProtKB, and NCBI databases. Next, we inputted the fasta sequences of identified proteins into OmicsBox to perform BLAST, GO Mapping, and functional annotation analysis. This study collected 330 sequences, consisting of 44 sequences for nicotine, 88 sequences for PAHs, 88 sequences for aromatic amine, and 100 sequences for aldehydes; finally, 205 sequences were obtained after the BLAST search. The functional annotation study revealed that these compounds significantly affect human health, especially biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. Our study also found that these compounds have numerous effects on signaling pathways, heart health, brain, reproductive system, liver functions, kidney functions, RNA and DNA binding, molecular apoptosis, carbohydrate and protein metabolism, mitochondrion, nucleoplasm, cytosol, and various cellular components. We have identified multiple genes stimulated by nicotine, PAHs, aromatic amines, and aldehydes, including BDKRB2, GPRC1C, MGLUR3, NNMT, ALDH1B1, ALDH7, DERA, CRABP2, ADH1A, ODC1, TLR6, JMJD1, and so on. Most of the genes are responsible for lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and alcohol-related cancer. The act of smoking cigarettes can have detrimental effects on individuals close to the smokers, even if they do not engage in smoking due to the transmission of harmful vapor via the air. Our study demonstrated that cigarette smoking is a highly prevalent and preventable cause of cancer, heart disease, and reproductive diseases, making it imperative for individuals to be knowledgeable and resolute in their efforts to stop it.

Fatty Acid Profiling and Determination of Nutritional Quality of Lipids In Selected Commonly Consumed Fishes in Dhaka City

2024-12-31T14:48:22+00:00

Background: Fish is one of the most widely consumed foods worldwide and It has been the third most-consumed food item in Bangladesh. Objective: This study thoroughly analyzed the fatty acid content and nutritional quality of lipids extracted from five widely consumed fish species in Dhaka city, since fish fatty acid profile is an essential indicator of fish lipid quality. Methodology: Five commonly consumed fishes, which were analyzed in the current study, were Labeo bata, Wallago attu, Chanda nama, Labeo calbasu, and Channa striata. The crude lipid content was assessed using Folch method and fatty acid profiles were assessed by Gas chromatography method. The fatty acid profile data were then used to calculate various nutritional indices to assess the overall quality of the fish lipids. Results: Four of the fishes named L. bata, W. attu, C. nama, and C. striata, were classified as lean or low-fat fish based on their extracted fat percentages falling below 4%. In contrast, L. calbasu stood out as a medium-fat fish with a fat content of 4.01 ± 0.26%. A total of 32 distinct fatty acids were obtained in the study. The analysis of the fatty acid profiles revealed a substantial amount of saturated fatty acids, making up around 40% of the total fatty acids. Palmitic acid was identified as the most predominant saturated fatty acid. Monounsaturated fatty acids constituted 25-40% of the total fatty acids, with oleic acid recognized as the predominant monounsaturated fatty acid. The fish samples were found to have substantial amounts of nutritionally advantageous polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), with omega-3 fatty acids comprising up to 18%. The ratio of ω-3 to ω-6 ranged from 0.4 to 2.0 across the different fish species. Higher values for desirable fatty acids are preferable, and the fish had a 52-70% desirable fatty acids range. Conversely, lower values for hypercholesterolemic fatty acids are preferred, and the fish had a range of 24.6-30.9%. The Atherogenecity index (AI) and Thrombogenecity index (TI) of the samples ranged from 0.44-0.88 and 0.43-0.61, respectively. The comprehensive analysis of fatty acids and assessment of lipid quality provide valuable information regarding the nutritional importance of consuming these locally available fish species as part of a healthy diet in Bangladesh. Conclusion: In summary, the assessment of the indices indicates that the lipids found in L. calbasu have a comparatively more advantageous nutritional composition when compared to other species that were studied. Nevertheless, all fish species offer a harmonious combination of beneficial fatty acids and specific less favorable components regarding their overall fatty acid composition.

Impacts of Habitat Variation, Seasonality, and Human Threats on Avifauna in the Ganges Floodplain

2024-12-31T15:01:53+00:00

A study of avifauna in Kaliganj upazila in Jhenaidah district was conducted from July 2020 to June 2021, using direct field observation method. A total of 153 species and 6175 individuals were observed, with the highest diversity of birds (64 species, 41.83%) recorded in the order Passeriformes and 10 species under family Accipitridae. The site with the highest species richness (136 species) and abundance (2308 individuals) was Maliat, characterized by low anthropogenic disturbance, whereas the lowest was at Kaliganj municipality, with high anthropogenic disturbance. Bird communities across the three-study sites showed significant differences in non-metric multidimensional (NMDs) plot analysis. Species richness and abundance varied significantly across the three seasons, with the highest avian species diversity recorded in winter and the most even distribution in the rainy season. Homestead forest was the most frequently used microhabitat, with birds predominantly observed in trees. The most abundant bird species was Spilopelia chinensis (264 individuals, 4.27%). Observation status of birds showed that 51 (33.33%) bird species were very common, 22(14.37%) common, 27(17.64%) uncommon, and 53(34.64%) were few. Fifteen species faced anthropogenic threats, particulalrly illegal hunting and the use of bird nests in agriculture, which was higher in winter, especially in the Barobazar area. This study on avian diversity and community provides valuable insights for the conservation of avifauna outside protected areas, particularly in human-dominated landscapes of sub-tropical countries like Bangladesh.

Investigation of Potential Bioactive Compounds and Assessment of Anti-Diabetic Properties of Hydroclathrus Sp. Collected From the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

2024-12-31T15:12:49+00:00

Diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder, has become a global health concern, prompting the exploration of alternative and sustainable sources for potential therapeutic agents. Seaweed extracts provide various benefits over synthetic medications, including lower toxicity and fewer side effects with diverse pharmacological properties, making them promising candidates for diabetes management. For this investigation, brown seaweeds, Hydroclathrus sp., were obtained from Saint Martin Island, Bangladesh. Following phytochemical analysis, the anti-diabetic efficacy of Hydroclathrus sp. was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro studies showed that alpha-amylase inhibitory activity of 50% ethanolic extract of Hydroclathrus sp. was closely related to positive control acarbose. Besides, in vivo studies were conducted on alloxan-induced diabetes mice models, exploring the effects of Hydroclathrus sp. on blood glucose levels, and their biochemical profile was evaluated and found the algal extract at 100mg/kg body weight was more potent than the reference medicine (Glibinclamide) after 14 days of treatment. Lipid profiles and liver and kidney function tests also revealed the potent antidiabetic effects of 50% ethanolic extract of Hydroclathrus sp. These findings offer valuable information for the development of novel marine-derived anti-diabetic medications. However, further studies are required to elucidate and validate its true potential in diabetes.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Malnutrition among Women of Reproductive Age in Bangladesh: A Secondary Data Analysis of BDHS 2022

2024-12-31T15:24:42+00:00

Background/Objective: Women of reproductive age (WRA) in developing countries experience a double burden of malnutrition, which adversely impacts their health and the well-being of future generations. Addressing this issue requires updated data to guide effective interventions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition among WRA in Bangladesh using recent national data. Methodology: This study analyzed data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS)-2022, which included a nationally representative sample of 8,593 WRA between 15 and 49 years. The outcome variables were malnutrition: underweight (BMI< 18.5 kg/m²), overweight (BMI 23 to<27.5 kg/m²), and obesity (BMI ≥27.5 kg/m²) stratified according to rural-urban residence. Multiple logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with malnutrition. Results: Overall, 55.5% of WRA were overweight or obese, with a significantly higher prevalence in urban areas (63.7%) compared to rural areas (52.3%). Conversely, approximately 10% of WRA were underweight, with rural areas showing a higher prevalence (11.2%) than urban areas (6.7%). Factors associated with increased odds of overweight or obesity in both urban and rural settings included older age, higher educational attainment, having more children, and residing in wealthier households. Conversely, younger age, breastfeeding mothers, lower education, and wealth levels were associated with higher odds of being underweight in both areas. Conclusion: The study clearly highlights that undernutrition and overnutrition are prevalent in Bangladesh. To address the dual burden of malnutrition among WRA in Bangladesh, targeted interventions, including nutrition education, a nutritional support program, and a healthy food and nutrition environment, are required to improve nutritional status and health outcomes.

Low Micronutrient Adequacy and Rising Overweight and Obesity among Ready-Made Garment Workers in Bangladesh

2024-12-31T16:28:41+00:00

Background/Objective: The ready-made garment (RMG) sector is key to Bangladesh's economy, significantly contributing to GDP and foreign exchange earnings. However, RMG workers, predominantly women, face critical challenges related to health, nutrition, and productivity. Despite their socio-economic importance, research on their diet quality, nutrient adequacy, and nutritional status remains limited. This study aimed to assess the dietary quality, probability of nutrient adequacy, and nutritional status of RMG workers in Bangladesh. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 801 RMG workers (333 males and 468 females) employed in two garment industries in Dhaka and Mymensingh. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data on socio-demographics, dietary intake, and anthropometry were collected, and nutritional status was assessed using BMI classifications from both WHO and Asian standards. Micronutrient adequacy was evaluated using the probability approach (PA), incorporating estimated average requirement (EAR) values and standard deviations. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate the influence of socioeconomic factors on workers' micronutrient adequacy. Results: Among the 801 RMG workers studied, 58.4% were female, and 90.3% were aged 18-34. Macronutrient distribution indicated excessive carbohydrate intake (67.0% of total energy), while fat intake was often below ideal levels in 43.4% of participants (<15% of total energy). More than half of the RMG workers exhibited inadequate micronutrient intake, with a mean micronutrient adequacy (MPA) score below 0.5. The MPA of micronutrients was significantly higher for RMG workers in Mymensingh (AOR 1.68, p = 0.004) and those aged 25-34 (AOR 1.40, p = 0.049). Calcium consumption among RMG workers was alarmingly low, with most consuming less than 50% of the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR). Similarly, intakes of iron, zinc, riboflavin, and vitamin A were at or below the EAR, indicating a high risk of inadequacies. A concerning overnutrition was observed, with 44% overweight or obese based on Asian BMI standards while it was 24.1% based on WHO BMI standards, with a higher prevalence observed among female workers. Conclusion: The study findings highlight the coexistence of overnutrition and micronutrient inadequacy among RMG workers. Targeted nutritional interventions, such as establishing fair-price shops and promoting nutrition education, are recommended to improve food affordability, encourage healthier dietary practices, and enhance workforce productivity.

Understanding Students’ Attitude towards Ragging in the University of Dhaka

2024-12-31T16:34:40+00:00

The traditional practice of ragging has been spreading towards tertiary educational institutions continuing a cycle of abuse. More often than not students of university are in the trap of ragging which is a tool of torture indeed. The present study aimed to explore the issue from the context of the University of Dhaka. The phenomenon is very pronounced but no broad-scale study has been carried out to explore student’s perception of ragging here. A cross-sectional survey design was used to capture the whole scenario. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 418 students of the university (58.4% male, 41.6% female) through self-responsive online questionnaire. Content analysis was adopted for analyzing qualitative data. The quantitative part was analyzed through t-test, F-test, Chi-square-test, Pearson-Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient and regression analysis via SPSS. Results found significant gender differences in students’ perception of ragging. Aggression, negative self-esteem and emotional-unresponsiveness were correlated with that perception. Findings suggested a clear lack of administrative control over the practice. Addressing the issue for ensuring a healthy educational atmosphere in the university is now a mammoth task.

Online Mental Health Support Needs for Undergraduate Students of Dhaka University

2024-12-31T17:38:29+00:00

Background: There is a huge gap in mental health support for undergraduate students in Bangladesh as there is a shortage of professionals in Government settings. Therefore, the researchers attempted to explore online mental health support as a viable alternative solution to the problem. Objective: The study explored the online mental health support needs of the undergraduate students of Dhaka University. Methodology: A multi-phasic mixed method design was followed in this study. In phase-1, mental health support needs were explored in two focus group discussions (FGDs). In phase-2 of the study, a website was developed to provide online mental health supports for the undergraduate students of Dhaka University. Through this website (www.amentalhealth.org), undergraduate students of Dhaka University as well as all adolescents of Bangladesh will be benefitted by receiving various professional mental health supports including downloadable pdf files containing psycho educational materials. Participants: A total of 21 undergraduate students (mean age 18.86 years & SD of 0.359 ) from different faculties of Dhaka University, participated in the study. Out of 21 participants, there were 10 females and 11 male undergraduate students from Dhaka University. Findings: Participants voiced their support needs on various life-stresses, mood problems, anger problems, suicidal thoughts and adjustment problems in the University. In phase-2 of the study, a website was developed to provide mental health supports to the undergraduate students of Dhaka University. Conclusion: Through this website (www.amentalhealth.org), undergraduate students of Dhaka University will be benefitted by receiving various professional mental health supports. Use of digital technology to provide mental health support to the undergraduate students would increase the rank of Dhaka University globally.

Exploring the Health Issues, Nutritional Well-Being, and Food Security of the Elderly Population in Bangladesh

2024-12-31T17:45:12+00:00

The elderly population in Bangladesh is rapidly growing, posing significant challenges to healthcare, nutrition, and social support systems. This study investigates the nutritional status, morbidity patterns, and food security among the elderly in Sirajganj and Chapainnawabganj districts. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 elderly individuals. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and Body Mass Index (BMI), while morbidity data were gathered from self-reports and medical records. Socio-demographic factors were analyzed for their association with comorbidities, nutritional status and food insecurity using multivariable logistic regression. The study found that 36% of the elderly were malnourished, and 45% were at risk of malnutrition. Musculoskeletal pain (81%), visual impairment (65.2%), hypertension (41%), and cardiovascular disease (24.7%) were the most prevalent health issues. Age, gender, marital status, income, education, no of children, and nutritional status were significant predictors of comorbidity, poor nutritional status and food insecurity. Participants aged 71 and above, females, widowed individuals, and those with lower incomes had higher odds of multiple comorbidities. The findings reveal a high burden of malnutrition and chronic diseases among the elderly in rural Bangladesh. Socioeconomic vulnerabilities and poor nutritional status contribute to health risks, underscoring the need for comprehensive interventions targeting food security, healthcare access, and disease management for the elderly population.

In Silico Analysis of Common Mutations Found in the Dengue Viral Genome Sequences from Bangladesh

2024-12-31T17:31:52+00:00

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by four serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4), which has impacted human populations for decades in tropical and subtropical regions, including Bangladesh. Understanding the genetic variability and mutation patterns of DENV-2 and DENV-3 is critical for developing effective control strategies, as these serotypes are more prevalent in Bangladesh. The E/NS1 gene junction, which comprises less than 3% of the DENV genome, is a recognized hotspot for mutation. In this study, 56 E/NS1 junction sequences of DENV-2 from 36 countries, including Bangladesh, were analyzed in silico. The Bangladeshi sequences were compared with the DENV-2 prototype strain (New Guinea C) and sequences from other countries. Analysis of Bangladeshi DENV-2 isolates revealed only one amino acid substitution (isoleucine to valine at position 742, I742V), caused by a nucleotide change (ATT to GTC). Phylogenetic analysis placed all Bangladeshi DENV-2 isolates within the Cosmopolitan genotype. Similarly, 35 E/NS1 junction sequences of DENV-3 from 19 countries, including Bangladesh, were analyzed. Sequences from Bangladesh obtained in 2002 (eight isolates) and 2020 (two isolates) were compared with the DENV-3 prototype strain (Philippines H87). The 2020 isolates exhibited two common amino acid substitutions (A759V and V769A), while the 2002 isolates showed three substitutions (S727G, A759V, and V769T). Phylogenetic analysis revealed a genotypic shift in Bangladeshi DENV-3 isolates, with 2002 isolates belonging to Genotype II and 2020 isolates classified as Genotype I. Envelope protein modeling for both DENV-2 and DENV-3 Bangladeshi isolates, compared to their respective prototype strains, revealed no significant structural changes in the E protein. However, protein stability analysis, based on changes in free energy due to amino acid substitutions, indicated a potential impact on the stability of the mutant E proteins compared to the prototypes. Further studies are needed to explore the clinical implications of these mutations.