Bioresearch Communications - (BRC)

Deciphering Salinity-Induced Transcriptomic Variations inOsmoregulatory Tissues Gills and Kidney of Hilsa Shad (Tenualosa ilisha)

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha), the national fish of Bangladesh, is an anadromous species that migrates across environments with varying salinities, placing selective pressure on gene expression to support osmoregulation. This study examined gene expression in the gill and kidney tissues of hilsa, assessing salinity acclimation across freshwater (<0.5 ppt), brackish water (12.0 ppt), and seawater (26.0 ppt). Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencing generated over 1.67 billion high-quality reads, which were assembled into a de novo reference transcriptome of 218,867 unigenes with an average contig length of 620 bases. Sequence alignment was performed against NCBI-nr, Swiss-Prot, GO, KEGG, and COG databases, with 6,070 unigenes annotated in all databases. Using freshwater samples as a control, 502 and 257 DEGs were identified in the gills of brackish and seawater hilsa, respectively, while 632 and 89 DEGs were observed in the kidney. GO analysis highlighted osmoregulatory functions such as ion transport, transmembrane transporter activity, and metal ion binding. KEGG pathway analysis revealed involvement in pathways essential to osmoregulation, including MAPK and cAMP signaling, lipid metabolism, and adherens junctions. Differentially expressed genes related to osmoregulation included solute carrier proteins (NKCC, NHE3), channel-mediated proteins (AQP), and tight junction proteins (Claudin, Cadherin). These findings enhance understanding of T. ilisha's osmophysiology and the genetic basis of its adaptive mechanisms.

COVID-19 Infection or Vaccination Does Not Provide Cross-Protection Against Human Metapneumovirus Infection

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are major respiratory pathogens. This study investigates whether prior SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 vaccination provides cross-protection against HMPV. Nucleotide sequences of HMPV, SARS-CoV-2, and mRNA vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech) were retrieved from the NCBI database. Multiple sequence alignment, BLAST analysis, sequence dot plot and phylogenetic tree construction were performed to assess genetic and structural similarities. Results revealed no significant sequence homology between SARS-CoV-2 genome, structural proteins, mRNA vaccine sequences, and HMPV. HMPV does not share any common linear peptide epitope with SARS-CoV-2. This indicates a complete lack of cross-immunity. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the distinct evolutionary divergence between these viruses. The resurgence of HMPV infections following the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions further underscores the need for independent surveillance and vaccine development. These findings highlight the necessity for targeted immunization strategies against HMPV to mitigate future outbreaks.

Genotyping and Determination of Radiation Sensitivity Pattern of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Isolated from Human Amniotic Membrane

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The transplantation of human amniotic membrane (HAM) is a significant accomplishment in the fields of cosmetic surgery, ocular surgery, epidermis, abdominal and vaginal reconstruction, and cosmetic surgery, as it has the potential to save thousands of lives annually. Nevertheless, the risk of infectious disease transmission using amniotic membrane allografts is a significant concern, as microorganisms can be introduced into the grafts during tissue procurement. Objectives: This study aimed at the genotypic characterization of the multidrug-resistant (MDR) membrane-associated bacteria and determining the isolates' radiation sensitivity pattern. Methods: A total of 163 bacteria retrieved from 10 amnion samples (5 from vaginal and 5 from cesarean) were subjected to biochemical and genotypic characterization. Antimicrobial and radiation sensitivity patterns of the isolates from different genotypes were determined after exposure to ⁶⁰Co Gamma irradiation. Findings: Cultured bacteria were distinguished into diverse genera belonging to Enterobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp., Stenotrophomonas spp., Bacillus spp., and Staphylococcus spp. as detected by ARDRA (Amplified Ribosomal RNA Restriction Analysis) followed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Isolates showed highest resistance against Cefixime (100%) followed by Ampicillin (77.5%), Ceftriaxone (72.5%), Amoxicillin (70%), Cefuroxime (67.5%), Colistin (65%), Vancomycin (52.5%), Streptomycin 40%), Ciprofloxacin (32.5%), Gentamicin (27.5%), Azithromycin (25%) and Imipenem (7.5%). The D₁₀value for Gram-positive bacteria was higher than that of Gram-negative ones. The survival fraction indicated that the decimal reduction rate of the bacterial level decreased as the radiation dose was increased. Two strains of Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus spp. (NS₂ 8 and NS₂ 21) and one strain of Bacillus spp. (CS₈ 2) were found to survive at 7 KGy Gamma irradiation. These findings suggested that an 8 KGy irradiation dose was enough to eradicate the bacterial load of the samples. Conclusions: This investigation reports the genotypes and radiation sensitivity pattern of AM-associated MDR bacteria, which might be necessary for determining a suitable radiation dose to eliminate the bacteria without hampering the sterility assurance level (SAL).

Checklist of Basidiomycetous fungi of Bangladesh

Shamim Shamsi , Syed Arman Alam — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A total of 218 species of Basidiomycetous fungi under 43 families in Bangladesh from 1952 till date are enlisted. The alphabetical checklist of the genera is provided herewith. Further updates will be added to the subsequent versions of the publication.

Developing A Stress Management Training Manual for University Students Based on CBT

Kazi Nisat Ara, Jobeda Khatun — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: University students experience a lot of stress due to personal, academic, financial, and other issues. Group-based stress management training can help students manage their stress effectively. Therefore, the researchers attempted to develop a stress management training manual for trainers to use with students in group training settings. Objective: The aim of this study is to develop a brief cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)-based stress management training manual for use in group settings with university students. Methodology: A mixed-methods design was followed. Initially, groundwork was conducted to understand the concept of stress through needs assessment, literature review, and expert interviews. Based on the findings, a primary draft of the manual was developed and evaluated by 12 experts. After compiling their feedback, the supervisor and researcher developed a second draft. A pilot study was then conducted, applying this manual to a group of 12 university students aged 18 to 26 years. In the pilot study, one session was held weekly for four weeks. Pre- and post-test evaluations were conducted using the Perceived Stress Questionnaire, Anxiety Scale, Depression Scale, and Dhaka University Cognitive Distortion Scale. Finally, the stress management training manual was finalized by incorporating all the findings. Findings: The manual consists of four sessions, each lasting two hours. The first session covers the concept and model of stress. The second session presents a conceptual model of stress development and introduces stress management techniques. The third session focuses on practicing cognitive distortion identification and cognitive restructuring techniques. The final session is also a practice session and covers time management and problem-solving techniques. Conclusion: This manual is a brief CBT-based training resource that can be used as a primary or secondary prevention program for stress management among university students

Dental anxiety among Bangladeshi patients: a cross-sectional study

Liza Akter , Kamal Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: A significant portion of patients are suffering from dental anxiety all around the world. Dental anxiety is often a barrier for many patients for not taking treatment. It causes a huge discomfort in patients, often results in missing, delaying or cancelling dental appointments, and so impacts on the overall quality of life of a person. Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of dental anxiety and associated factors among dental patients in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized the validated Bangla Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (BMDAS). The BMDAS consists of five questions to assess dental anxiety. Data were collected from government settings hospitals. Results: Data were collected from 311 dental patients. It was found that 23.5% of the patients were experiencing dental anxiety. Predictors of dental anxiety among study participants were age, educational qualification, and past dental visits. Younger patients (M = 14.38, SD = 5.62) have been found to have more dental anxiety (p <0.05) than the older patients (M = 12.50, SD = 5.06). Patients (M = 15.89, SD = 5.65) who never visited dentists reported higher level of dental anxiety (P<0.001) than those (M = 12.67, SD = 5.10) who had the experience of dental visit previously and patients’ dental anxiety was found more on tooth drill and local anaesthetic issues rather than others. Conclusion: The findings of the study will help to make a proper assessment as well as treatment plan among the anxious patients and so to improve their overall quality of life.

Adaptation and Validation of the Class-Related Emotion Questionnaire for Bangladeshi University Students

Nusrat Sharmin, Anando Ghosh , Momtaz Sultana , Kaniz Fatema Retu — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The main objective of the present study was to adapt and validate the Class-Related Emotions Questionnaire in Bangla. Because class-related emotions significantly impact academic achievement, the study aimed to develop a psychometrically valid tool for evaluating class-related emotions in Bangladeshi cultural settings. A six-step adaptation process was followed to ensure the questionnaire's language and cultural suitability, including forward translation, expert review, reverse translation, and pretesting. Using a purposive sampling technique, data were collected from 349 participants at four public universities. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the Bangla version of the Class-Related Emotions Questionnaire has excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.927), test-retest reliability (r = 0.932), and construct validity. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found among its eight subscales. This result indicated that the Bangla version of the Class-Related Emotions Questionnaire was a reliable and valid tool for assessing the impact of emotions on academic engagement and success in the Bangladeshi educational context.

Exploring the Protein-Protein Interactions and the Physiological Impact of Cannabinoids through Bioinformatics Analysis

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Weed smoking is a vastly unfavorable and perilous practice that can lead to various diseases, but it can also have beneficial effects on the human body. It comprises mainly two bioactive cannabinoids, delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol; they have both adverse and beneficial effects on human health. Objective: This study aims to identify the proteins interacting with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) to predict their potential influences on the human body. Materials and Methods: We retrieved 200 proteins from the STITCH and STRING databases to analyze the interaction networks (PCI and PPI). We used OmicsBox to perform functional and pathway analysis of proteins associated with these compounds. Furthermore, the Cytoscape networking tool was utilized to identify crucial proteins and their significant pathways. We used Pyrx to assess potential direct interactions between THC and CBD with their associated proteins. Results: Functional annotation analysis revealed that THC and CBD interacted with various biological processes of human health, including signaling, anatomical structure development, cell differentiation, DNA binding, oxidoreductase activity, and cytosol activity. Fourteen key proteins were identified based on degree centrality, including ESR1, CREB1, INS, POMC, CNR1, JUN, NTRK2, CYP2B6, PPIG, CYP3A4, CYP1A2, CYP2E1, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19. These proteins play regulatory roles in various Reactome and KEGG pathways. Hypothetical direct interaction analysis showed that THC strongly interacted with pre-prodynorphin protein (-8.5 kcal/mol) and CBD connected with Cytochrome P450 1A1 protein (-8 kcal/mol). Conclusion: Therefore, this study contributes to understanding protein interactions and pathways, aiding in the development of drugs targeting CBD- or THC-related changes or associated diseases.

Evaluation of the Life Cycle of Aedes albopictus and Its Control Strategy Using Deltamethrin and Lambda-Cyhalothrin as Larvicides

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Dengue fever, transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, has seen a global increase, with A. albopictus particularly prevalent in Dhaka, Bangladesh, during the study period, August 2023 to July 2024. This study focused on controlling dengue at the vector level, specifically targeting A. albopictus, which was identified in both larval and adult stages through morphological analysis. Results showed that A. albopictus larvae took about three times longer to develop into adults during winter than in summer. The effectiveness of two pyrethroid insecticides, lambda-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin, was assessed by determining lethal concentrations (LC₅₀ and LC₉₀), emergence inhibition (IE₅₀ and IE₉₀), and resistance ratios (RR) for late 3rd and early 4th instar larvae. Current LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values for lambda-cyhalothrin were 0.29 ppm and 0.47 ppm, while deltamethrin values were 0.24 ppm and 0.69 ppm, showing a significant rise from previous levels and indicating increased resistance (p<0.05). Cytogenotoxicity tests of the determined doses revealed minimal DNA damage in human blood nucleoids and insignificant impact on mammalian cell viability. These findings suggest that lambda-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin remain effective against A. albopictus larvae without substantial genomic damage on non-target organisms; however, further study is needed to evaluate long-term effects and potential resistance mechanisms.

Heavy Metal Contamination in Selected Vegetables Harvested Near Industrial Zones in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Vegetables play a crucial role in the human diet, providing a rich source of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Regular consumption of vegetables is linked to numerous health benefits and can help prevent various diseases. However, vegetables cultivated in contaminated soil, irrigated with polluted water, and treated with excessive inorganic fertilizers may accumulate harmful heavy metals, posing significant health risks to consumers. This study aimed to evaluate the presence and concentrations of heavy metals in vegetables harvested from areas near industrial zones. Additionally, it assessed the potential health risks associated with the consumption of these contaminated vegetables. The study analyzed four types of vegetables—red spinach, water spinach, cauliflower, and brinjal—for the probable presence of toxic heavy metals, including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr). The concentrations of these metals were measured using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, with all results expressed on a fresh weight (fw) basis. The health risks associated with the intake of these metals were evaluated through Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) calculations, non-carcinogenic risk assessments using the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Total Target Hazard Quotient (TTHQ), and Hazard Index (HI), as well as carcinogenic risk evaluations based on total Carcinogenic Risk (CR). The analysis revealed that the concentrations of heavy metals exceeded the maximum allowable limits set by the FAO/WHO for lead in all vegetable samples, except for water spinach, and for cadmium (Cd) in leafy vegetables. The EDI values for all heavy metals in the vegetables were found to surpass the maximum permissible daily intake (MTDI). While the THQs for all heavy metals, except for lead (Pb) in cauliflower, were below 1, indicating no immediate health hazards for the adult population. The total TTHQs for lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) exceeded 1 across all vegetable types, signifying substantial health risks.

Outcome of Dengue Fever Treated with Homeopathy Medicine: A Prospective Study

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Dengue is the most common arthropod-borne viral disease presented with various symptoms like fever, muscle pain, joint pain, and as well as asymptomatic cases. It may also cause potentially fatal sickness and danger signs with severe abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding from gums and nose, hematuria and hematochezia. Homeopathy is a symptomatic treatment system, which may reduce symptoms quickly when appropriate remedy is applied on the basis of individualization. Present study conducted to determine the clinical sign and symptoms of dengue fever and to observe the patient’s condition after taking homeopathy medicine. Methods: This present observational prospective study was conducted in Outpatients’ Department (OPD) of Govt. Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Mirpur, Dhaka between the periods of August-October’2023. A total of 99 patients of dengue fever were included in the study. Data were collected by face-to-face interview of the patients and follow-up done on 3^rd, 6^th and 9^th day with appropriate investigations required for the follow-up. All patients were treated with homeopathic medicine. Result: Mean±SD of age of the patients was 27.7±9.4 and range was from 11-60 years. Among the patients 73.74% were male and 26.36% were female. All patients were presented with fever. Other presenting symptoms, ‘headache’ ‘myalgia’, ‘joint pain’, ‘abdominal pain’, vomiting and pain in the retro-orbital region’ were, 91.92%, 87.88%, 84.85%, 73.74%, 17% and 85.86% respectively. About 46.46% of patients experienced diarrhea, and 21.21% presented with bleeding from different sites. Mean±SD of Platelet was 148333.3±29642.31, 137888.9±118516.2 and 177111.1±49194.5, respectively on 3^rd, 6^th, and 9^th day of fever. In this study mean±SD of HCT was 40.67±4.67, 41.62±5.59 and 41.23±3.83, respectively on 3^rd, 6^th and 9^th day of fever. Among the study dengue patients, 3.03% were diagnosed with dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Hemoglobin was 13.63±1.49 gm/dl, 13.6±1.72 gm/dl, and 13.98±1.57 gm/dl on the 3^rd, 6^th and 9^th day, respectively. None of the patients faced shock syndrome of dengue fever. Conclusion. Vector born disease, Dengue may be treated with Homeopathy medicine. However, further large-scale studies are needed to consider its effectiveness in Dengue fever.

Molecular Identification of Six New Benthic Fauna Records in the Andharmanik River, Bangladesh

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

DNA barcoding has proven to be an effective alternative to traditional morphological methods for species identification. In this study, we employed a molecular approach to identify benthic fauna collected from the Andharmanik River estuary in Bangladesh. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) genes were used as genetic markers for species delineation. A total of six benthic species—Cerebratulus lacteus, Maculaura magna, Maculaura cerebrosa, Perinereis cultrifera, Paralacydonia weberi, and Phyllodoce medipapillata—were reported for the first time in Bangladesh in this study. The mean interspecific genetic divergence, calculated using the Kimura 2-Parameter (K2P) model, was 39.72 ± 0.07% for 16S rRNA and 29.72 ± 0.03% for COI, indicating sufficient resolution for accurate species discrimination. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using the Maximum Likelihood method, and individuals belonging to the same species consistently formed species-specific clades. This study presents the first DNA barcoding-based identification of polychaete and nemertean species in Bangladesh.

Medicine Over Mind: A comprehensive literature review on the association of antibiotic use with psychiatric disorders

Ratna Saha , Nigar Sultana , Nayan Chandra Mohanto — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Psychiatric disorders, especially depression and anxiety, are exponentially increasing in post-industrial society. Antibiotic exposure may partly be attributable to the development of such psychiatric disorders. This review study aimed to summarize and explore the associations between antibiotic exposure and human psychiatric disorders, scrutinize the research gaps, and contemplate future research perspectives. This study also identified the reasons for antibiotic misuse and possible prevention and management strategies. Methods: PubMed, Scopus databases, and Google Scholar search engines were searched for relevant articles using the exposure keywords “antibiotic exposure” and outcome keywords “psychiatric disorder” and associated medical subheading terms (MeSH). Human epidemiological studies were retrieved irrespective of age, race, country, and publication year up to August 2024. Finally, 15 articles that fulfilled our inclusion criteria were selected and summarized in the present review. Results: This review summarized all associations between antibiotic exposure and psychiatric disorders along with potent confounders. Most of the studies found a positive association between antibiotic exposure and psychiatric disorders, especially with depression and anxiety, even after adjustment for major lifestyle and demographic factors. The associations might depend on gender, age, antibiotic types, and type of bacterial infections. The magnitude of these associations was higher for higher doses, more frequent uses, and recent uses of antibiotics. Conclusions: Our summarized pieces of evidence indicate that antibiotic exposure might be associated with depression and anxiety in humans. However, a nationwide prospective cohort using human biomonitoring data of antibiotics is warranted to explore the overall scenario in the future.