Neuroprotective Effect of Phyllanthus acidus L. on Learning and Memory Impairment in Scopolamine-Induced Animal Model of Dementia and Oxidative Stress: Natural Wonder for Regulating the Development and Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease

Nature is the best source of complementary and alternative medicine. The plant Phyllanthus acidus (PA) L. has been used traditionally in pain, inflammatory and oxidative stress related disorders. In this consequence, methanolic extract of PA (MEPA) was selected to explore the ability of this plant to enhance cognitive function, brain antioxidant enzymes and anti-acetylcholinesterase activity which can be used for the treatment of oxidative stress related disorders like Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of MEPA on learning and memory impairment in scopolamine-induced rats of dementia and oxidative stress. Treatment with MEPA (i.e., 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) was investigated in scopolamine-treated Swiss albino male rats for 14 days and its neuroprotective effects were examined using Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) test, Passive Avoidance (PA) test, Novel Object Recognition (NOR) test, Morris Water Maze (MWM) test as well as level of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), super oxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), lipid peroxidation (TBARS) contents and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in rat brain tissue homogenates. Administration of MEPA significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01;P < 0.01) decreased RTL (retention transfer latency) in rats on 7th and 14th day compared to the disease control and control group in the EPM test. In PA test the doses of MEPA suggestively (P < 0.05, P < 0.001;P < 0.05, P < 0.01) increased STL (step-through latency) in rats on 7th and 14th day with respect to disease control and control group. For NOR test administration of MEPA considerably (P < 0.01, P < 0.001;P < 0.01) increased the DI (discrimination index) in rats with respect to that of disease control and control group. The doses of MEPA markedly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01;P < 0.01) decreased EL (escape latency) and significantly (P < 0.01, P < 0.001;P < 0.05, P < 0.01) increased TSTQ (time spent in the target quadrant) on successive days as compared to that of disease control and control group in the acquisition trial of MWM test. In case of probe trial of MWM test MEPA administration considerably (P < 0.01;P < 0.05, P < 0.01) increased TSTQ and significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01;P < 0.05, P < 0.01) increased TSA (time spent in the annuli) in rats on successive days as compared to that of disease control and control group. MEPA administration significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.001;P < 0.05, P < 0.01) increased the level of CAT, SOD, GSR, GST GSH, GSH-Px and markedly (P < 0.01;P < 0.01, P < 0.001) decreased TBARS level through inhibiting lipid peroxidation as well as significantly (P < 0.01, P < 0.001;P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.001) decreasing AChE activity in rats brain compared to the disease control and control group. The present study demonstrates that MEPA showed the neuroprotective effect by improving cognitive functions and reduces oxidative stress by increasing the level of brain antioxidant enzymes as well as decreasing lipid peroxidation and acetylcholinesterase activity. Therefore, this plant extract can be used for enhancing learning, memory, antioxidant potentiality and anti-acetylcholinesterase activity in neurodegenerative disorders like AD.

Computational Analyses of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA, C22:6, n-3) with Alzheimer’s Disease-Causing Amyloid Peptide Aβ1-42 Reassures Its Therapeutic Utility

The accumulation of amyloid β peptide1-42 (Aβ1-42) masses in the brains of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) patients is associated with neuronal loss and memory deficits. We have previously reported that oral administration of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6, n-3) significantly decreases Aβ burden in the brains of AD model rats and that direct in vitro incubation of DHA with Aβ1-42 curbs the progression of amyloid fibrillation. In the present in silico study, we investigated whether DHA computationally binds with amyloid peptides. The NMR solution structures of Aβ1-42 were downloaded from the Protein Data Bank (PDB IDs: 1Z0Q and 2BEG). The binding of DHA to Aβ peptides was assessed by molecular docking using both a flexible and rigid docking system. Thioflavin T (ThT) was used as positive control. The chemical structures of ThT and DHA were modeled and converted to the PDB format using PRODRUG. Drug-like properties of DHA were evaluated by ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion). DHA was found to successfully dock with Aβ1-42. Computational analyses of the binding of DHA to Aβ1-42, as evaluated by docking studies, further corroborated the inhibitory effect of DHA on in vitro Aβ1-42 fibrillogenesis and might explain the in vivo reduction of amyloid burden observed in the brains of DHA-administered AD model rats demonstrated in our previous study. These computational data suggest the potential utility of DHA as a preventive medication in Aβ-induced neurodegenerative diseases, including AD.

Innovation of Neuropsychopharmacological Experimental Methods to Investigate Attention in Human Participants and Its Validation by Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial

In terms of advancement of life to meet the challenges new method for neuropsychopharmacological research are continually developing to ensure superior safety, accuracy, efficacy, precision etc. In this experiment, we suggested and validated two neuropsychopharmacological testing methods, these are Numeral Finding (NF) and Typo Revealing (TR) tests for the determination of attention in healthy aged human participants. The objective of this experiment was to generate more effective testing methods for the assessment of attention in human. The rationality of the aforementioned methods was checked by a randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical trial for the period of 21 days among healthy aged human participants. The experiment was conducted at Gazipur Sadar, Gazipur-1703, Dhaka, Bangladesh between the period of December 2015 and March 2016. The experiment center was the Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka-1213, Bangladesh. In this experiment, 60 healthy male participants between the age ranges of 40 to 50 years old were selected and randomly divided by simple randomization process into 3 groups with 20 participants in each. Ginkgo biloba standardized extract’s capsule (Giloba? and Kobi?) was used as a standard and as a placebo control psyllium seed husk (i.e., seed of the Plantago ovata) was used after filling in the hard gelatin capsule shell (size 0). Group 1 was treated with Giloba? in which each capsule contained 120 mg Ginkgo biloba standardized extract (GBG) and group 2 was treated with Kobi? in which each capsule contained 60 mg Ginkgo biloba standardized extract (GBK). The treatment procedure for group 3 was psyllium seed husk’s capsule that served as placebo control (PC). Throughout the experiment each capsule was administered 3 times daily. Treatment with Ginkgo biloba standardized extracts for successive days markedly increased the attention of the participants with respect to PC group. In the NF test, administration of GBG and GBK extracts significantly (P P P < 0.01) increased the attention of the participants on 14th and 21st day as compared to that of PC group. For TR test treatment with GBG and GBK extracts markedly (P P P < 0.01) increased the attention of the participants on 14th and 21st day with respect to PC group. The existing experiment proved that NF and TR tests undoubtedly revealed the attention enhancing activity of the Ginkgo biloba standardized extracts in healthy aged human participants. Consequently, the recommended newly emerging methods can be used for the assessment of attention in human and will create a miracle in the domain of neuroscience.

Performance Enhancement of CZTS Solar Cell with CuSbS2 Back Surface Field: A Numerical Simulation Approach

Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide (CZTS) solar cell (SC) has garnered significant attention from researchers in recent years owing to its affordability, less toxic earth abundant constituents, remarkable conversion efficiency and promising prospects for the bulk manufacture of thin film solar cells. Moreover, CZTS exhibits a high absorption coefficient and possesses an optimal adjustable direct band gap, making it a promising candidate for various photovoltaic applications. Hence, in this study, a new configuration (CuSbS2/CZTS/CdS/i-ZnO/ Al: ZnO) is introduced for CZTS SC, which was simulated using SCAPS-1D. The utilization of CuSbS2 as the back surface field (BSF) and CdS as the buffer layer was investigated to enhance the performance of CZTS SC. Moreover, a comparative numerical analysis was carried out to contrast the SC configurations of CZTS/CdS/i-ZnO/Al: ZnO and CuSbS2/CZTS/CdS/i-ZnO/Al: ZnO. In this study, the impact on SC parameters such as open circuit voltage (Voc), short- circuit current density (Jsc), Fill-factor (FF), and Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE) by varying thickness, doping density, defect density of absorber and buffer layer, thickness and doping density of BSF, and operating temperature have been thoroughly investigated. The optimum structure consists of i-ZnO and Al: ZnO for the window layer, CdS for the buffer layer, CZTS for the absorber layer, and BSF layers with thicknesses of 50 nm, 200 nm, 50 nm, 2000 nm, and 50 nm, respectively. The designed SC with a BSF layer had a PCE of 28.76%, JSC of 32.53 mA/cm2, Voc of 1.01233 V, and FF of 87.35%. The structure without a BSF layer has a PCE of 24.21%, Voc of 0.898 V, JSC of 31.56 mA/cm2, and FF of 85.32%. Furthermore, an analysis of temperature, quantum efficiency (QE), C- V characteristics and the J-V curve was conducted, revealing the potential of CuSbS2 as a BSF and CdS as a buffer layer in high-performance, cost-effective CZTS SC designs.

Toxic tau: structural origins of tau aggregation in Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the extracellular accumulation of the amyloidβin the form of amyloid plaques and the intracellular deposition of the microtubule-associated protein tau in the form of neurofibrillary tangles.Most of the Alzheimer’s drugs targeting amyloidβhave been failed in clinical trials.Particularly,tau pathology connects greatly in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.Tau protein enhances the stabilization of microtubules that leads to the appropriate function of the neuron.Changes in the quantity or the conformation of tau protein could affect its function as a microtubules stabilizer and some of the processes wherein it is involved.The molecular mechanisms leading to the accumulation of tau are principally signified by numerous posttranslational modifications that change its conformation and structural state.Therefore,aberrant phosphorylation,as well as truncation of tau protein,has come into focus as significant mechanisms that make tau protein in a pathological entity.Furthermore,the shape-shifting nature of tau advocates to comprehend the progression of Alzheimer’s disease precisely.In this review,we emphasize the recent studies about the toxic and shape-shifting nature of tau in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.

Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant profile of methanolic extract of seed, pulp and peel of Baccaurea ramiflora Lour.

Objective: To analyze the phytochemical constituents responsible for the plausible antioxidant effect of methanolic extract of the seed, pulp and peel of Baccaurea ramiflora Lour. Methods: Fresh seed, pulp, and peel of Baccaurea ramiflora fruits were extracted with methanol(MEBRse, MEBRpu, MEBRpe) and evaluated by phytochemical analysis for their content of innumerable metabolites(primary and secondary) viz. carbohydrates, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, phenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, proteins, and fixed oils. The antioxidant efficacy was assessed through different assay methods viz. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, total antioxidant capacity(TAC) and reducing power capacity(RPC). Estimation of total phenolic content(TPC), and total flavonoid content(TFC) was also done to confirm the presence of these phytochemicals. Results: It was revealed from the phytochemical analysis of MEBRse that alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, phenols, and flavonoids were present, while that of MEBRpu showed the existence of carbohydrates, proteins, alkaloids, glycosides, phenols, saponins, flavonoids, and fixed oils. Presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and terpenoids were found in the MEBRpe. A significant antioxidant activity was revealed by the MEBRpu [EC_(50):(27.612 ± 1.375) μg/mL], compared to MEBRpe, and MEBRse in DPPH assay. The ranking order for RPC was MEBRpu > MEBRpe > MEBRse respectively. The EC_(50) value of TAC of the MEBRpu, MEBRpe, and MEBRse were(25.107 ±0.744) μg/mL,(241.127 ± 7.463) μg/mL and(372.364 ± 11.030) μg/mL, respectively. Quantity of TPC and TFC were the highest in the MEBRpu(124.360 ± 2.078 mg GAE/g and 107.527 ±1.900 mg QRE/g extract) rather than MEBRpe and MEBRse extracts. Conclusions: This study suggests that MEBRpu has a significantly higher antioxidant property than MEBRpe and MEBRse. These extracts might be advantageous in prevention or decelerating the progress of different diseases related to oxidative-stress/damage. Moreover, detailed analysis of these extracts is required to identify the presence of promising compound(s) responsible for their antioxidant activity.

Community ecology and spatial distribution of trees in a tropical wet evergreen forest in Kaptai national park in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh

We investigated the floristic composition, woody species diversity and spatial distribution of trees in a tropical wet evergreen forest in Kaptai national park in Chittagong Hill Tracks, Bangladesh. We recorded 25 families, 37 genera, 40 species and 1771 woody individuals in a 0.09 ha plot. Euphorbiaceae and Moraceae were the most species- rich families, and Castanopsis, Ficus and Terminaliawere the most species-rich genera. Bursera serrata Wall. ex Colebr. was the dominant species in terms of highest importance value （13%）. Trema orientalis （L.） B1 was typically a light demanding species as it appeared in the top can- opy with only one individual having the seventh highest IV, but had no regeneration. The expected maximum number of species （Smax） was 140, indicating that many species may invade the forest as the Sm~ is greater than the recorded total number of species. The nature of the disappear- ance and appearance of species in the present forest reflects instability of floristic composition. The values of Shannon＇s index H＇ and Pielou＇s index J＇ （evenness） were 3.36 bit and 0.63, respectively. These values show moderately high species diversity as compared to other subtropical forests in the tropics. In addition, a sample area of 200 m2 in this forest would be sufficient for measuring the diversity indices H＂ and ,/＇, whereas the trend of J＇may indicate the rate of equality of individuals among the different species decreased with increasing area. The distribu- tion pattern for the total stand was completely random. However, the dominant species showed aggregate distribution for small areas, but random distribution for large areas. The spatial association between species showed that the strongest positive interspecific association occurred between Streblus asper Lour. and Castanea indica Roxh. （09 = 0.51）. As a whole, most species were weakly associated with each other, of which 58% species associations were completely negative. The result of cluster analysis showed that species pairs were spatially independent at all or most small clusters; stands of species from all clusters are mosa- ics of complete habitat and pioneer habitat. All patches in this forest community have similar habitat and regeneration niches, which could be a phenomenon for a young growth forest. Thus, the existence of habitat and regeneration niches may be an important factor in the maintenance of diversity in this forest.

Annual pattern of zooplankton communities and their environmental response in a subtropical maritime channel system in the northern Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

Zooplankton plays an important role in aquatic food webs by fluxing of energy from primary producer to subsequent trophic levels in the food chain. The annual pattern of zooplankton communities and potential environmental drivers were studied in the Kohelia channel, Bangladesh from summer 2014 to spring 2015.Samples were collected using net at a depth of 1 m. A total of 32 species belonged to 18 orders, 27 families and 15 taxonomic groups were identified. Of these species, 22 distributed in all four seasons of which 8 were dominant and highly contributing to the total communities. Species number peaked in summer next to winter and fall in spring while maximum abundance was in summer and minimum in spring. Multivariate analyses showed that there was a clear annual pattern in the zooplankton communities. Species diversity and evenness peaked in spring but fall in autumn while the high value of species richness was found in winter. Biological-environmental best matching（BIO-ENV） analyses conformed that community pattern of zooplankton was mainly driven by transparency salinity, and temperature individually or combined with water nutrients. These results demonstrate that annual pattern of the zooplankton community shaped by channel environmental factors in subtropical channel ecosystems, thus might be used for community-based subtropical coastal water bioassessment.

Comparison of the Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic and Hepatoprotective Effects of<i>Asparagus racemosus</i>Linn. in Combination with Gliclazide and Pioglitazone on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

In recent years, the popularity of medicinal plants as a remedy has been increased manifold due to having minimal adverse effects. The current study aimed to compare the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of the ethanolic extract of Asparagus racemosus (EEAR) Linn. alone and combinedly with conventional antidiabetic agents (gliclazide and pioglitazone) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in male Wister albino rats by the administration of single intra-peritoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg b.w.). Effect of oral administration of two different doses of EEAR (200 and 400 mg/kg b.w.), gliclazide (10 mg/kg b.w.) and pioglitazone (10 mg/70kg/b.w.) alone for 2 weeks and a combination of EEAR (200 mg/kg b.w.) with either gliclazide (10 mg/kg b.w.) or pioglitazone (10 mg/70kg/b.w.) for 2 weeks were examined on hypoglycemic activity on 0th, 5th, 10th and 14th day of treatment. After 2 weeks of treatment, hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects were estimated by serum biochemical markers such as total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminases (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate trans-aminases (SGPT) and total protein (TP) with the help of commercially available kits. The survival rate, body weight and organ weight were also measured. Alloxan treatment resulted in persistent hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and liver dysfunction in rats. Treatment with EEAR at different doses improved hyperglycemia significantly (p th and 14th day of treatment in a dose-dependent mood when compared to the disease control rats, gliclazide treated rats and pioglitazone treated rats. The combination therapy significantly (p th, 10th and 14th day of treatment as compared to that of disease control rats, gliclazide treated rats and pioglitazone treated rats. Proposed adjunct therapy also markedly (p < 0.001;p < 0.01, p < 0.001) improved serum TG, HDL and LDL level with insignificant change in VLDL and TC level while comparing with groups receiving gliclazide treated rats and pioglitazone treated rats. Administration of different doses of EEAR markedly (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001;p < 0.05, p < 0.01;p < 0.05) reduced the activity of TC, TG, LDL, VLDL and HDL cholesterol levels in a dose-dependent approach with respect to that of gliclazide treated rats and pioglitazone treated rats. The effect of combination therapy significantly (p < 0.001;p < 0.001;p < 0.01, p < 0.001) decreased the SGOT, SGPT and TP hepatic enzyme levels when compared to disease control rats, gliclazide treated rats and pioglitazone treated rats indicated improvement in liver dysfunctions. Administration of different doses of EEAR noticeably (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001;p < 0.05, p < 0.01;p < 0.05, p < 0.01) reduced the liver enzymes level including SGOT, SGPT and TP in a dose-dependent manner as compared to the disease control rats, gliclazide treated rats and pioglitazone treated rats. The maximum survival rate (100%) was observed in rats of combination treated rats. No significant changes in the body weight and organ weight to body weight ratio were observed except the groups that were given combined therapy showed improvement in the liver and pancreas weight. Our study suggests that the EEAR potentiates the activity of gliclazide and pioglitazone in controlling blood glucose levels, modifies the lipid profile and improves in liver dysfunction on alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

In vivo analysis of toxic effect of hydrose used in food preparations in Bangladesh

Objective:To evaluate the toxic effect of hydrose used in the molasses preparation in Bangladesh.Methods:Molasses were collected from open markets in different parts of Bangladesh.The presence of hydrose in selected molasses was detected using commercial kit.To evaluate the toxic effect of hydrose.Swiss albino male mice were divided into four groups.Group Ⅰ was used as control,while Groups Ⅱ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ received hydrose mixing food(5.10 and 25 g/kg food),respectively,and these supplementations were continued to the end of the study(16weeks).Blood was collected from thoracic arteries of the mice under ether anesthesia and then organs were taken.To determine the effect of hydrose on host,blood indices related to liver,heart and kidney dysfunctions were measured.Result:Creatinine and urea levels were significantly(P<0.05) increased in a dose dependent manner in hydrose treated mice,whereas calcium level was significantly decreased in hydrose exposed mice compared to control mice.Histological study of kidney showed the glomeruler inflammation,increased diameter of renal glomeruli and enlargement of proximal tubular lumen of kidneys of mice exposed to hydrose compared to that of control animals.Conclusion:The results of this study indicated that use of hydrose in molasses and other food preparations in Bangladesh may cause kidney impairment.

Evaluating Discharge Capacity of Major Chara’s of Sylhet City Using GIS

Heavy rainfall is one of the most frequent and widespread severe weather hazards that affect Sylhet city. In Sylhet, nine natural channels locally called “chara” are mainly responsible for the drainage of heavy rainfall to the Surma River. The present condition of this natural drainage is not feasible due to the unplanned land development and manipulation by people. So water logging is a common scenario of Sylhet city. Many parts of Sylhet city are experiencing the severe inundation problem due to heavy rainfall. Time series analysis of rainfall data (1974-2015) is important for knowing and predicting of rainfall variation. Mann-Kendall analysis showed no trend for monthly and yearly rainfall data. The rainfall intensity of Sylhet is higher than other districts of Bangladesh. In this study, IDF (Intensity Duration Frequency) curve has been developed that is commonly used in engineering planning and design. By using IDF curve, ArcGIS software, DEM map, and normal discharge, maximum discharge for a different point of Mongoli chara and Bolramer chara has been calculated (for 25 years return period). Discharge through Mongoli chara and Bolramer chara has been represented in ArcMap using ordinary kriging. To keep the catchment of those chara free from inundation and water logging problem, this calculated discharge needed to be managed.

Jaundice in pediatric visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) patients

Objective:Visceral leishmaniasis(Kala-azar) is endemic in many countries including Bangladesh.Clinical presentation of visceral leishmaniasis in children and adult may vary and at time may simulate many tropical and hepatobiliary diseases.Jaundice and ascites are not common in kala-azar patients.Methods:During the period of January 2005 to December 2006,all the records of the confirmed kala-azar patients presented with jaundice were included in this study.Kala-azar was confirmed by serology test ICT(Immuno Chromatography) and Bone Marrow study.Results:Total 12 kala-azar patients were encountered during this period.Among these twelve cases,presenting features were jaundice(7),splenomegaly(12),hepatomegaly(11) and ascites (4).Initial clinical diagnosis of chronic liver disease(CLD) was made in(5),Congenital hemolytic anaemia in(1) and kala-azar in rest of the patients(6 ).Common leucopenia and relative lymphocytosis was not observed in any patients.Conclusion:Kala-azar may present with various clinical manifestation in children and adult.Jaundice can be considered to be a common manifestation particularly in pediatric kala-azar patients.Otherwise,it may mislead to another diagnosis if it is taken as a rare feature in kala-azar.

Confirmation of the Experimentally-Proven Therapeutic Utility of Madecassoside in an Aβ_1-42Infusion Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease by in Silico Analyses

The accumulation of amyloid β peptide 1 - 42 (Aβ1-42) in the brain of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients is known to be associated with neurodegeneration and memory impairment. More recently, we reported that madecassoside, an active component of Centella asiatica, improved memory impairment in an Aβ1-42 infusion rat model of AD, ameliorated neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells, and inhibited in vitro Aβ1-42 fibril formation. In the present study, we investigated the utility of in silico analyses in corroborating observed in vivo and in vitro effects of madecassoside in AD to further assess the therapeutic benefits of madecassoside. The 3D structure of Aβ1-42 was downloaded from the Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics (RCSB) Protein Data Bank (PDB). The binding of madecassoside to Aβ1-42 was assessed by molecular docking. The chemical structure of madecassoside was modeled and converted to the PDB format. Madecassoside was found to successfully dock with Aβ1-42. Computational demonstration of the binding of madecassoside to Aβ1-42 further corroborated the inhibitory effect of madecassoside on Aβ1-42 fibrillogenesis which was demonstrated in our previous study. These data showed the potential utility of madecassoside as a preventive medication in Aβ1-42-induced neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.

Development and Biochemical Composition Assessment of Fish Powders from Bangladeshi Indigenous Fish Species and Shelf-Life Characteristics Evaluation During 90 Days of Room Temperature (27&deg;C - 30&deg;C) Storage

In Bangladesh, Fish is a major source of daily protein intake of millions of people but most of the fishes are consumed here as fresh fish which is highly susceptible to damage during transportation and marketing. Therefore, an innovative approach was undertaken to process the fish to avoid damage and extend shelf-life while preserving the nutritional qualities to facilitate the more efficient use of fish as a source of protein and other essential nutrients. This study was conducted to develop some dried protein-enriched fish powders from some commonly consumed fish species in Bangladesh and the nutritional, sensorial, and safety qualities were assessed. Five indigenous abundant fish species including small indigenous fish (SIS) and carp fishes namely Awaous grammepomus, Channa punctata, Puntius puntio, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Labeo rohita were used for the preparation of dried protein-enriched fish powders. Biochemical, trace elements, sensorial, total viable count (TVC), pH, peroxide value, and moisture reconstitution during 90 days storage period were performed by standard analytical methods. The moisture, protein, fat, ash, carbohydrate (including fiber), and energy contents were ranged from (6.84% to 8.85%), (70.80% to 75.80%), (5.85% to 8.04%), (7.66% to 9.19%), (3.14% to 6.01%) and (367.50% to 379.61% kcal)/100g respectively. Highest content of protein was found in A. grammepomus (75.80%) samples and the lowest in H. molitrix (70.80%) samples. Maximum calcium content was found in sample L. rohita (2.54 g/kg) and minimum in C. punctate as (2.43 g/kg). Maximum iron content was found in H. molitrix (0.15 g/kg) and minimum in A. grammepomus. As for the phosphorous content the L. rohita samples contained the highest (1.4 g/kg) and the lowest in C. punctate (0.73 g/kg) samples. The pH, peroxide value (mEq of O2/kg of fat), and moisture reconstitution (g/100g) during 90 days were ranged from (5.30 to 8.17), (8.60 to 16.77), and (6.84 to 13.83) respectively. Microbial loads over the 90 days period were in acceptable range at the end of 90 days storage period. On the basis of biochemical qualities, sensorial and microbial attributes our findings suggest that the dried fish powders are enriched with macro and micro-nutrients especially proteins and could safely be used at least up to 3 months for food applications.

Trace Metals Concentrations at the Atmosphere Particulate Matters in the Southeast Asian Mega City (Dhaka, Bangladesh)

Atmospheric particulate matters were collected on quartz fibre filters for 24 hours with a low volume sampler from January 2014 to March 2014 at the Southeast Asian mega city (Dhaka, Bangladesh). Particulate matters samples were analysed for eleven trace metals with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) at Cà Foscari University of Venice, Italy. Trace metals were extracted from filters with digestion method using a mixture of HNO3 and H2O2. The average concentration of the determined trace metals of As, Cd, Ni, Cu, Pb, Cr, Fe, Mn, Zn, Sband Se were 3.06, 6.28, 3.77, 11.98, 305.6, 9.2, 2057.0, 42.2, 303.3, 5.47 and 2.43 ng&#183m&#453, respectively. Arsenic concentration is much lower in the atmosphere of Dhaka, though Bangladesh has severe arsenic problem in the ground water. Lead and cadmium concentrations showed decreasing trend in Dhaka compared than previous measurements—but still they have very high levels compared than Europe and USA. There is very limited information for Mn, Sb and Se concentrations in Dhaka air. Correlation studies showed that several trace metals had potential joint sources of origin, e.g., manganese is highly correlated with iron (r2 = 0.97) and nickel (r2 = 0.84), copper (r2 = 0.86);lead with arsenic (r2 = 0.79) and antimony (r2 = 0.78). Enrichment factors analysis was also done with the data base for the respective metals in earth crust and coal fly ash. As and Cu both have combined sources, whereas Cd, Pb and Zn were from coal fly ash.Trace metals concentrations in Dhaka city air were much higher than Europe and USA but comparable or slightly lower than other south Asian countries. This is the first extensive study for the eleven trace metals with ICP-MS in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Development of Web Based Online Medicine Delivery System for COVID-19 Pandemic

Average Bangladeshis spend a significant amount of income on medicine. A reliable and fast online medicine delivery system is not ubiquitous. Most people buy medicine from the local Pharmacies. They need to go to medicine stores to buy the specific medicine prescribed by the specialized doctors. Sometimes all prescribed medicines are not available in local Pharmacies therefore people need to go to other areas to buy the medicines. It is very time consuming and people need to spend money as well for this. In our country, traffic jams are a very big problem. People waste longer time on the road due to traffic jams. Here most of the pharmacies are closed at night time but sometimes in an emergency situation medicine is very essential. In this case an online web based e-commerce medicine delivery system is needed very much. In addition, currently the whole world is suffering due to COVID-19 pandemic. Coronavirus is very contagious which we all know. In this pandemic time it is not risk free to go out to buy medicine from the pharmacies. Due to COVID-19, medicine scarcity is also an important issue. In this situation, an online medicine delivery system can play an important role. By considering the above mentioned facts, a reliable and fast online solution is proposed. This paper presents the development of a web based online medicine delivery system. A reliable, fast, safe and user-friendly online based e-commerce web application has been developed in this paper. Medicine delivery system has also been included with this proposed system. This platform is a dynamic web application built in Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) based Laravel framework with a powerful back end. It is hosted on a dedicated Virtual Private Server (VPS). This system is lightning fast and optimized very well for searching engines. With the help of the developed platform, drugs will be available at one’s doorstep very fast, safely and reliably. In this system, users can choose a medicine section of their choices and go through all the items that the system provides. Users can then select the desired drug items, add them to cart and then proceed to payment. It has payment integration of Cash on Delivery (COD) systems. After developing the system it has been tested and it works fine. It is a one-stop solution where people can find various medicines including COVID-19 related medicines and other items in this online platform. Besides medicine, here you can also find other health care products like food supplements, birth control products, hair care products, skincare products, beauty products, etc. People can order their required medicines or other medical related available items from online and the delivery support will provide the products door to door for the users. Using this system now users can get their needed medicine without leaving home. They can save money and they do not need to go out in this pandemic situation to buy medicine. In this crucial situation, the online medicine delivery system is very helpful and it will act as a blessing for the people.

Analyzing Nootropic Effect of Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir. on Cognitive Functions, Brain Antioxidant Enzymes and Acetylcholinesterase Activity against Aluminium-Induced Alzheimer’s Model in Rats: Applicable for Controlling the Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s Disease

Oxidative stress is intensely linked with neurodegenerative disorders, especially Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Searching for medicinal plant with the nootropic activity for controling the development and progression of AD has received extensive consideration. The plant Phyllanthus reticulatus (PR) Poir. is known in Bengali as Panjuli belongs to family Euphorbiaceae. Previous studies have shown the antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, etc. activities of this plant. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the nootropic effect of ethanolic extracts of Phyllanthus reticulatus (EEPR) on cognitive functions, brain antioxidatant enzymes and acetylcholinesterase activity in aluminium-induced rats of cognitive impairment and oxidative stress. The effects of EEPR fruit (i.e., 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) were examined for 30 days and its nootropic effect was determined in aluminium treated Swiss albino male rats by behavioral studies such as Passive Avoidance (PA) test, Rewarded Alternation (RA) test and biochemical studies such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), contents of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in rats brain tissue homogenates. In PA test, administration of EEPR fruit (i.e., 100 and 200 mg/kg, b.w.) significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) increased step-through latency (STL) in rats on 30th day with respect to disease control group. The percentage of memory retention (MR) for this test was pointedly (P < 0.05) increased in rats treated with EEPR fruit (i.e., 200 mg/kg b.w.) as compared with disease control group. For RA test, EEPR fruit (i.e., 200 mg/kg b.w.) markedly (P < 0.01) increased the correct responses (CR) in rats on 30th day related to disease control group. In case of this test the percentage of MR was significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) increased in rats treated with EEPR fruit (i.e., 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) with respect to disease control group. Administration of EEPR fruit (i.e., 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) considerably (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) increased the level of SOD, CAT and expressively (P < 0.05) decreased TBARS level compared to disease control group. Treatment with EEPR fruit (i.e., 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) markedly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) decreased the level of AChE activity to that of disease control group. The present study shows that EEPR fruit has excellent nootropic effect on cognitive performance and brain antioxidant markers in aluminium-induced rats of cognitive impairment and oxidative stress which could be developed in the management of neurodegenerative diseases especially AD.

Association of Television Watching Practices of Mothers on Overweight and Obesity of Their Under-5 Offspring in Urban Bangladesh

Childhood overweight and obesity, is an emerging public health concern in developing countries like Bangladesh. However, regular television watching by child’s mother and its impact on excess weight gain or overweight and obesity to their offspring is not reported elsewhere. The aim of the present analysis was to determine the socio-demographic characteristics among overweight and obese children based on those mothers who watch television regularly and compare this finding with malnourished and well-nourished under-5 children. A total of 20,800 under-5 children were enrolled during 1996 to 2012 in the Diarrheal Disease Surveillance System (DDSS) of Dhaka Hospital of International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b). Mean weight-for-age z-score (–1.61 vs. –2.30;mean difference: ?0.69;p < 0.001), height-for-age z-score (–1.42 vs. –1.99;–0.57;<0.001), weight-for-height z-score (–1.59 vs. –1.07;–0.53;<0.001), BMI-for-age z-score (–1.09 vs. –1.61, –0.52;<0.001) differed significantly between the children whose mother did and did not watch television regularly. Under-5 children whose mother watched television regularly (2%) compared to those who did not (1%), had 2.28 [(95% CI-1.61 - 3.24) p < 0.001] times increased odds of being overweight and obese. Television watching of mothers is associated with childhood overweight and obesity and is one of the most public health concerns in Bangladesh. These changes may be in part of better socio-economic condition, changes in life style behaviour and dietary pattern.

Changing Trend of Overweight and Obesity and Their Associated Factors in an Urban Population of Bangladesh

There is a scarcity of information examining the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the general population of Bangladesh. Thus, the present study aimed to estimate the changing trends and socio-demographic characteristics of overweight and obese individuals among an urban population inDhaka,Bangladesh. The present study included data from 49,532 patients enrolled in the Diarrheal Disease Surveillance System (DDSS) at theDhakaHospitalfrom 1993-2011. Overweight and obese was categorized among under-5 children (n = 508), 5 19 years (n = 96), and >19 years (n = 1330). Data was compared with normal weight and malnourished individuals of respective age strata. The proportion of overweight and obese increased from 0.64% 5.15% among children 0.001), 0.80% 6.70% among 5 19 years (p 0.001), and 3.66% 16.94% (p 0.001) among >19 years. Among those under-5, males [OR = 1.31 (95%CI 1.08, 1.57)] those with higher socio-economic status [1.99 (1.02, 3.82)], higher monthly mean family income [3.76 (2.41, 5.86)], non-slum residence [2.01 (0.74, 5.51)], high maternal literacy rate [3.66 (2.31, 5.79)], and using sanitary toilet [1.47 (1.07, 2.01)] were at higher risk of being overweight and obese compared to well-nourished and malnourished children. Among individuals 5 19 years, those with higher socioeconomic status and use of sanitary toilet were at higher risk of being overweight and obese. Among those >19 years, additionally males were less likely to be overweight and obese [0.59 (0.49, 0.68)]. Over the last two decades the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Dhaka city has increased at least five folds and it was much higher among those with better socioeconomic status.

FGF21 alleviates microvascular damage following limb ischemia/reperfusion injury by TFEB-mediated autophagy enhancement and anti-oxidative response

Dear Editor,Microvascular damage is a pivotal pathological factor in lower limb ischemia/reperfusion(I/R)injury.1 Excessive reactive oxygen species(ROS)formation and disrupted autophagic flux have been recognized as the critical mechanism of cellular death,2,3 especially in I/R injury.Recent investigation has displayed that fibroblast growth factor 21(FGF21)exerts a protective effect against I/R injury via transcription factor EB(TFEB)-mediated autophagy and regulation of anti-oxidative response.4 However,the promising role of FGF21 in acute lower limb I/R injury remains elusive.