Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Cauliflower

With the use of integrated nutrient management, cauliflower the growth and yield can be boosted. Due to their complementing effects, the ideal combination of different organic and inorganic sources of nutrients may significantly boost cauliflower growth and yield. The experiment consisted of 13 treatments viz. T1= N120P60K100S20 kg/ha (Recommended dose of NPKS as control), T2= N120P60K100S20 kg/ha + CD (5 t/ha), T3= N120P60K100S20 kg/ha + VC (4 t/ha), T4= N120P60K100S20 kg/ha + MSC (4 t/ha), T5= N120P60K100S20B0.6Mo0.54 kg/ha + CD (5 t/ha), T6= N120P60K100S20B0.6Mo0.54 kg/ha + VC (4 t/ha), T7= N120P60K100S20B0.6Mo0.54 kg/ha + MSC (4 t/ha), T8= N120P60K100S20 kg/ha + CD (5 t/ha) + Bio. (5 kg/ha), T9= N120P60K100S20 kg/ha + VC (4 t/ha) + Bio. (5 kg/ha), T10= N120P60K100S20 kg/ha + MSC (4 t/ha) + Bio. (5 kg/ha), T11= N120P60K100S20B0.6Mo0.54 kg/ha + CD (5 t/ha) + Bio. (5 kg/ha), T12= N120P60K100S20B0.6Mo0.54 kg/ha + VC (4 t/ha) + Bio. (5 kg/ha) and T13= N120P60K100S20B0.6Mo0.54 kg/ha + MSC (4 t/ha) + Bio. (5 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) having single factor with three replications. Data were recorded on growth, yield components of cauliflower and significant variation was observed for most of the studied characters. Under this investigation, it was revealed that the highest yield (36.34 t/ha) with net return (Tk. 524202) and BCR (3.59) was obtained from T12 (N120P60K100S20B0.6Mo0.54 kg/ha + VC (4 t/ha) + Bio. (5 kg/ha) treatment. On the other hand, the lowest yield (13.50 t/ha) with net return (Tk. 137869) and BCR (2.04) was obtained from T1 (N120P60K100S20 kg/ha) treatment. So, economic analysis revealed that T12 (N120P60K100S20B0.6Mo0.54 kg/ha + VC (4 t/ha) + Bio-fertilizer (5 kg/ha) treatment appeared to be the best for achieving the higher growth, yield and economic benefit of cauliflower.

Hemoprotozoa and Anaplasma spp. in rodents and shrews of Bangladesh

@#Hemoprotozoans are important pathogens of animals and humans, among which some species have zoonotic significance. The prevalence of different hemoprotozoa and Anaplasma spp. in larger mammals have been reported from different regions of the world. But, very few studies have been conducted to estimate the prevalence of hemoprotozoa in rodents and shrews of South-East Asia. The study assessed the prevalence of hemoprotozoa and Anaplasma spp. in rodents and shrews of Bangladesh. Blood samples (n=451) were collected from rodents and shrews between June 2011 and June 2013 and July-December 2015 from 4 land gradients of Bangladesh. Giemsa-stained blood smears revealed that 13% of animals were harboring hemoprotozoa (4.7% Babesia spp., 0.67% Plasmodium spp.), and Anaplasma spp. (7.5%). The study may serve as a guide for future hemoparasitic research of rodents and shrews.

Development of Food Based Dietary Guidelines for Kenyan Women Using Linear Programming.

Objectives: Women in Kenya are at high risk of multiple micronutrient deficiencies due to low intake through monotonous diets. Country-specific food based dietary recommendations (FBRs) facilitate dietary improvement. Main objective was to develop and evaluate FBRs based on the existing diet using linear programming for women of reproductive age from Mbooni division, Eastern Kenyan. Methods: A consumption study was conducted among 205 woman (19-50 yrs.) using three non-consecutive 24-hour recalls. Excel, Access and SPSS were used to prepare required model parameters (foods consumed by >10% of women, including median portion size, weekly frequency consumption, food composition values, food group patterns (median and range), staple/snacks. Linear programming (‘Optifood') was used to develop and evaluate FBRs. Results: Out of 62 foods, 30 foods were consumed by more than 10% of the surveyed women. Fat, iron, folate and vitamin-B12 requirements could not be met both in worst (≥70%RNI) and best case (≥100% RNI) scenario diets, covering 43.6%, 48.4%, 30.0% & 18.8% of RNI. Calcium, vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin, B6 and zinc intake was inadequate, but requirements could be met by inclusion of kale, pumpkin leaves, red beans, cow's milk and cooking fat. Conclusions: Realistic food based dietary guidelines based on locally available foods for Kenyan women were successfully developed using linear programming. These guidelines will ensure at least 70% RNI of energy, protein, calcium, vitamin A, C, B1, B2, B5, B6, and zinc. To obtain adequate amounts of fat, folate, iron and vitamin-B12 in the women's diet, alternative strategies are required.

Effects of Estrogen and Folic Acid on High Fat Induced Hypercholesterolemic Mice.

Aims: To elucidate the effect of estrogen and folic acid on high fat (butter) induced lipid profile (total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglyceride (TG)) and on tissue texture changes in mice. Designs: Randomized block design. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Physiology and Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh between January 2012 and April2012. Methodology: 2 months old 50 male Swiss Albino mice (Mus musculus) were used for this study and divided into equal groups. Group A (control) was fed with normal rat pellet. Mice in the group B was fed with butter; group C was fed with butter and estrogen; group D was fed with butter and folic acid and group E was fed with butter, estrogen and folic acid. The atheroprotective effect of estrogen and folic acid was evaluated based on weight gain, biochemical parameters and histopathology. Results: The highest body weight gain was detected in group B (P<0.001). In biochemical study, group B showed the increase in total plasma cholesterol, especially low density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglyceride (TG) (P<0.001) compared to other treated groups. Group C, D and E showed a lower level of total plasma cholesterol (P<0.001) compared to group B. Among them group E showed the lowest total plasma cholesterol level (P<0.001). In histopathological study, the aorta of butter treated group showed sloughing of lining endothelium, increased aortic wall thickness and loss of integrity of tunica intima. It also revealed fatty changes in liver in animal models fed with butter, compared with those on a normal diet. Conclusions: 20% butter supplementation would be able to cause a rise in lipid profile and produce degenerative changes in aorta and liver and addition of estrogen or folic acid in butter supplemented diet counteracts the adverse effect.

The Metabolic Syndrome: Comparison of Newly Proposed IDF, Modified ATP III and WHO Criteria and their Agreements.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) results from clustering of cardiovascular risk factors occurring in association with insulin resistance and obesity. With the increasing prevalence of obesity worldwide, MS is of keen interest in research. The disorder is defined in various ways, but one consolidated definition is needed to make studies comparable worldwide. The study was to determine the risk factors of metabolic syndrome in Bangladesh and comparison of newly proposed definition of International Diabetes Federation (IDF), modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) and the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and their agreements. Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional hospital based study. We randomly selected 229 participants. After obtaining informed written consent data collectors collected data by interview, clinical examination, anthropometric measurement and investigations. We calculated independent sample t-test means between to distinguish which risk factors were present in participants with and without MS, using SPSS v17. Results: The percentage of risk factors of MS among subjects according to different criteria was 72% of Modified ATP-III, 69% of IDF and 39% of WHO definition .In Modified NCEP ATP III when did independent sample t-test mean of BMI, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, high density lipoprotein and triglyceride were present statistically significant difference between without MS and with MS (p<0.05). According to WHO criteria BMI, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose were statistically significant (p<0.05) and similarly fasting blood glucose & triglyceride were statistically significant difference between without MS and with MS (p<0.05) according to IDF criteria.ATP III and WHO criteria showed good agreement (k 0.56) compared to ATP III with IDF (k 0.31) and WHO with IDF (k 0.11) criteria. Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent in Bangladesh. We detected the highest proportion of participants with MS using the ATP III definition, which emphasizes the predominant focus on the modified waist circumference for Asian participants. However, MS prevalence following WHO criteria in those with impaired glucose regulation is comparable with ATP III definition. Follow up study needed to examine the significance of MS following all definitions for the assessment of risk for diabetes and or cardiovascular disease.

Role of Urinary Albumin in the Prediction of Preeclampsia.

The prospective study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology of Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital and at the Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Research Division, BIRDEM, during the period of Jan 2003 to July 2004. To explore a suitable biochemical marker to predict the future development of preeclampsia (PE), total 119 pregnant women at their 10-14 weeks of pregnancy were selected. Urinary albumin was measured in these subjects and they were followed up to the term for the possible development of PE. The data were analyzed by grouping the subjects into the PE group and control group. Out of 119 subjects 56 were primigravida and 63 were multigravida. From the total subjects 10 developed PE (04 primigravida and 06 multigravida), which shows a prevalence of about 8.4%. The PE group showed a relatively higher value of Albumin Creatinine Ratio (ACR) as compared to control. 63 subjects had microalbuminuria out of which 8 developed PE. The sensitivity of ACR in predicting the development of PE was 80%, specificity 49.54%, Positive pridictive value (PPV) 12.69% and Negitive pridictive value (NPV) 96.42%. It may be concluded that early pregnancy levels of microalbuminuria can be used as predictors of preeclampsia with high negative predictive value.

Adolescent Pregnancy Complication and Wastage in Bangladesh.

Introduction: Pregnancy among adolescents is a health risk for the individual as well as the fetus. The main aim of this study is to examine the pregnancy complications and its outcome among adolescent women in Northern region (Rajshahi) of Bangladesh. Methods: The analysis is based on a part of faculty research; University of Rajshahi funded study on adolescent motherhood and pregnancy complications in the region, which involved a micro level survey of 400 adolescent conception aged 10-19 and indepth interviews with 37 adolescents who had experienced pregnancy wastage. The indicator of poor pregnancy outcomes analysed includes pregnancy or delivery complications and pregnancy wastage. Results: A striking finding is the higher proportions suffer pregnancy problems, especially in cases of early conception. In particular, younger adolescent aged under 20 years has been observed to have the highest proportions of delivery complications and pregnancy wastage due to insufficient intake foods and possible biological immaturity. Conclusion: Early teenage pregnancy and its effects pose very severe different pregnancy and delivery complications consequently wastage.

Leptin and Other Factors as Determinants of Insulin Secretion and Sensitivity in Bangladeshi Type 2 Diabetic Subjects.

Background: The relative contribution of insulin secretion and sensitivity in the development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) vary from population to population due to the heterogeneous nature of the disease. The study was undertaken to evaluate insulin secretory capacity and sensitivity in a Bangladeshi Type 2 diabetic population and to explore the association of some of the anthropometric and biochemical factors known to modulate B-cell function and insulin action. Methods: Ninety one T2DM subjects and 32 age-matched controls were studied for their fasting plasma glucose (FPG), lipids, HbA1c (by HPLC), leptin and C-peptide (ELISA). Insulin secretion (HOMA B) and insulin sensitivity (HOMA S) were calculated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). Results: Both insulin secretion and sensitivity were significantly reduced in diabetic as compared to control (HOMA B%, geometric mean±SD, 35.65±1.75 vs. 96.29±1.50, p<0.001; HOMA S%, 68.66±1.71 vs. 104.951.63, p<0.001). However, B-cell dysfunction was predominant than insulin resistance in predicting T2DM as the discriminate function coefficient for HOMA B (1.098) was greater than that for HOMA S (0.821). In T2DM, HOMA B had positive correlation with BMI (r=0.368, p<0.001) and HOMA S was inversely correlated to BMI (r=-0.261, p<0.01), WHR (r=-0.258, p<0.01) and plasma TG (r=-0.233, p<0.001). On multiple regression analysis HOMA B and HOMA S were found to be inversely associated to FPG (p<0.001) and leptin (p<0.05) in T2DM. Conclusions: Both insulin secretory dysfunction and insulin resistance are present in Bangladeshi T2DM subjects, but B-cell failure seems to be the predominant abnormality. BMI, plasma glucose, insulin and leptin are the major determinants of insulin secretory capacity and generalized as well as central obesity, plasma glucose, triglycerides, insulin and leptin are among the major determinants of insulin sensitivity in this population.

Evaluation of alternative diagnostic techniques for diagnosis of cerebral malaria in a tertiary referral hospital in Bangladesh.

Five alternative techniques for diagnosis of malaria were evaluated in 124 clinically diagnosed cerebral malaria cases admitted in a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh. Clinical diagnosis of cerebral malaria was done by WHO criteria. The tests were conventional routine malaria microscopy; prolonged microscopy; dipstick antigen capture assay (Para Sight TM-F test); pigments in peripheral leucocytes and routine microscopy repeated at 12 hours interval. First four tests were done at 0 hours of hospital admission and repeat routine microscopy was added at 12 hours interval. Diagnostic capability of the test was 64%, 65%, 69%, 27% and 63% respectively. None of the tests except pigments in peripheral leucocytes was superior at initial evaluation. Only the dipstick test added 5% more diagnostic possibility compared with routine microscopy as standard. Stratification of diagnostic capability in different ways improved diagnosis 15% and 11% in smear negative cases by dipstick and prolonged microscopy respectively. It was increased by 50% (5/10 patients) with dipstick test in the smear negative patients with history of anti-malarials prior to hospital admission.

Trend of selected risk factors for hepatitis B infection among the drug addicts in Bangladesh: a five year statistics.

The present retrospective study was conducted by review of records of last five years from 1996 to 2000, among 1497 drug addicts, admitted in a selected drug addicts treatment centre in Dhaka, with an aim to find out the trend of occurrence of hepatitis B infection among the drug addicts, as well as the trend of the risk factors. It was found from the study that during the period of five years, among the total drug addicts, sixty-nine addicts were found to be hepatitis B positive as determined by HBsAg status. The main contributing risk factors were found to be history of exposure to the commercial sex workers (CWS), injecting drug use (IDUs) and needle sharing. It was also found that the trend of hepatitis B infection was gradually falling down among the drug addicts probably due to reduction of the risk factors, especially the injection of drugs. It can be recommended that as a considerable portion of (NUDS) have shown evidence of hepatitis B infection, especially those who were using and sharing needles with others. Therefore, for protecting them from this dreadful infection, drug addicts should be counseled to avoid the above high risk behavior.

Acceptance of long-term contraceptive methods and its related factors among the eligible couples in a selected union.

This study focuses on the acceptance of long-term contraceptive methods and its related factors among the eligible couples in the rural area of Bangladesh. Among the respondents sixty were acceptors and one hundred seventy were non-acceptors of long-term contraceptive methods. Socio-demographic characteristics of the both acceptors and non-acceptors of long-term contraceptive methods were same except their age. Acceptors of long-term contraceptive method were older than the non-acceptors. Regarding the reproductive characteristics acceptors were married for longer time than non-acceptors. There was significant association between acceptance of long-term method and number of male children and desired additional children. Acceptors had more living male children and desired less additional children than non-acceptors. Regarding reasons for acceptance 35% accepted the method because the methods are long-term and safe while 30% accepted because the methods well suited them and 18% because accepted don't need to take daily like pills. Main cause for not accepting long-term methods fear of side-effects (22%) lack of proper knowledge about the methods (21%) followed by husbands objection (12%), desire for more children (10%) and health reasons (8%).

A clinical review of large cerebello pontile angle tumors.

The study was designed as retro-prospective and the study period was 3.5 years. A total of 66 (42 prospective and 24 retrospective) consecutive patients were included in the study. The commonest tumor in CPA is the Schwannoma (76%) followed by Meningioma (13.3%) and Epidermoid (4.44%). Unusual forms are Ependymoma and Hemangiopericytoma. Amongst the troublesome clinical features headache, hearing loss, vertigo and imbalance, vomiting and tinnitus were more important besides visual failure and features of lower cranial nerve involvement. The objective of the study is to "Review the Large Cerebello Pontile Angle tumors clinically". In this study 66 large CPA tumors were included and analyzed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was implied for the test of significance. On the whole, n=66 Schwannoma represents 76.70% and Meningioma 15.38%. Of these there are 45 cases with histological verification. The most common presenting (average duration is 1.3 years) symptoms were Headache (94.54%) and Hearing loss of varying grade (85.45%). Vertigo or imbalance was present in 67.27% cases. Vomiting was found in 54.54% of the times and difficulties in deglutition or voice change were complained of in 29.09% cases. Tinnitus was found only in 27.27% cases and it was the complaint mostly in lower diameter tumors. By maximum diameter, there were 24 cases measuring 3-4 cm, 15 more than 4 cm and only one case <3 cm sized tumors. Volume-wise tumors with volume <10 cc were 5 cases, 10-20 cc were 10, 20-30 cc were 13, 30-40 cc were 6 and >40 cc were 6. Similarly tumor volume and posterior fossa volume ratio was as follows: <10% were 6 cases, 10-20% were 15 cases, 20-30% were 7 cases and >30% were 6 cases. Amongst the schwannomas, the consistency of the tumor has been shown to be important factor for LCN involvement. The softer variety involved LCN more often than the harder (p<0.05). The involvement of the different groups of lower cranial nerve ranged from 7% to 92%.

A comparative study of body iron status and lipid profile in acute myocardial infarction patients.

This study was carried out to evaluate the relationship between body iron status and lipid profile in hospital admitted clinically diagnosed AMI patients considering the concept that there is a potential association between body iron status and coronary heart disease (CHD). Total 80 subjects were selected, of which 40 were healthy adults and 40 were AMI patients. Fasting blood samples were collected from healthy adults. Blood samples of AMI patients were collected within 24 hours of the attack of myocardial infarction. Body iron status was measured in term of 3 variables serum total iron concentration, TIBC and transferrin saturation. Lipid profile variables measure were total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol. No correlation was found between serum iron and the variables of lipid profile. TIBC was found to maintain negative correlation with total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol but positive correlation with HDL-cholesterol. Transferrin saturation was found to maintain strongly positive correlation with total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol but strongly negative correlation with HDL-cholesterol. This correlation of TIBC and transferrin saturation with lipid profile supports the hypothesis that there is a potential association between body iron status and coronary heart disease.