Inhibition of Protein Farnesylation Arrests Adipogenesis and Affects PPARγ Expression and Activation in Differentiating Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Protein farnesylation is required for the activation of multiple proteins involved in cell differentiation and function. In white adipose tissue protein, farnesylation has shown to be essential for the successful differentiation of preadipocytes into adipocytes. We hypothesize that protein farnesylation is required for PPARγ2 expression and activation, and therefore for the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into adipocytes. MSCs were plated and induced to differentiate into adipocytes for three weeks. Differentiating cells were treated with either an inhibitor of farnesylation (FTI-277) or vehicle alone. The effect of inhibition of farnesylation in differentiating adipocytes was determined by oil red O staining. Cell survival was quantified using MTS Formazan. Additionally, nuclear extracts were obtained and prelamin A, chaperon protein HDJ-2, PPARγ, and SREBP-1 were determined by western blot. Finally, DNA binding PPARγ activity was determined using an ELISA-based PPARγ activation quantification method. Treatment with an inhibitor of farnesylation (FTI-277) arrests adipogenesis without affecting cell survival. This effect was concomitant with lower levels of PPARγ expression and activity. Finally, accumulation of prelamin A induced an increased proportion of mature SREBP-1 which is known to affect PPARγ activity. In summary, inhibition of protein farnesylation arrests the adipogenic differentiation of MSCs and affects PPARγ expression and activity

Correlation between single pre delivery symphysis-fundal height beyond 36 weeks of gestation and birth weight of newborn after delivery

Background: Accurate assessment of fetal weight is important for optimal obstetric management of labouring mothers. Among the methods of fetal weight estimation, symphysis-fundal height (SFH) measurement is inexpensive and non-invasive readily available simple and acceptable procedure of fetal weight estimation. On the other hand, high rate of low birth weight is one of the causes of high perinatal mortality in our country. Objective was to assess fetal birth weight by measuring symphysis-fundal height.Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka from July 2017 to June 2018. Total 200 consecutive pregnant women of gestational age more than 36 weeks were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. The fetal birth weight was measured before delivery of the foetus by measuring SFH and using the formula and was compared with actual birth weight.Results: Maximum (35.5%) pregnant mother were in age group 21-25 years followed by 29.5% in 26-30 years, 25.5% in 31-35 years and 9.5% in >35 years age group and mean age was 28.27±4.95 years. Mean weight of new born was 2.81±0.61 kg. Mean symphysis-fundal height 32.76±3.73 cm and maximum (48.5%) pregnant mother had SFH in 35-36 cm group, followed by 30.5% had ≤30 cm and 21.0% had 31-34 cm in this study. New born birth weight had significant positive correlation with symphysis-fundal height.Conclusions: Symphysis-fundal height has significant positive correlation with birth weight of new born

Genotypic differences in plant growth responses and ion accumulations to salt stress conditions of sweet gourd (Cucurbita moschata)

The sweet gourd (Cucurbita moschata Duch ex Poir) is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially high carotenoids. Due to climate change and intensive water use, soil salinization is increasing day by day. Salt stress decreases the growth and quality of many crops. Thus, the objective of the present study was to monitor the growth and ion accumulation of fourteen sweet gourd inbred. The study was conducted in 2018 with 14 sweet gourd inbreds (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8, P9, P10, P11, P12, P13 and P14) and to identify superior genotypes. Electrical conductivity (EC) based salt was applied at 4, 8, 12 and 16 dS/m NaCl salinity levels for all inbred. Tap water was used as a control. Treatments were imposed at the four to five-leaf stage. Salt stress resulted in significantly decreased growth and essential ion in sweet gourd inbred. Vine length (P11=164.9 to149.5cm, control to 16 dS/m), the number of leaves (P11=31 to 24.33, control to 16 dS/m), internode length (P12=9.67 to 9.83cm, control to 16 dS/m), stem girth (16.38 to 15.87mm, control to 16 dS/m) and K+ ion accumulations were decreased (P6=2.09 to 1.44, control to 16 dS/m) compared to the control. But Na+ ion was increased (P13=0.17 to 1.25, control to 16 dS/m) in all inbred under salt conditions. Sweet gourd inbred showed wide variation in their response to salt tolerance. However, six sweet gourd inbred (P6, P8, P9, P11, P12 and P14) were found as promising as salt-tolerant in respect of growth and ion accumulation. These selected promising salt-tolerant sweet gourd genotypes will be used for breeding programmes to develop high yielding varieties for better production in the near future in saline areas of Bangladesh

Knowledge and attitude of key community members towards tuberculosis: mixed method study from BRAC TB control areas in Bangladesh

This article was published in BMC Public Health [© 2015 BioMed Central Ltd.] and the definite version is available at: http://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-015-1390-5Background: Bangladesh National Tuberculosis (TB) Control Programme adopted a number of strategies to facilitate TB diagnosis and treatment. 'Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilization' (ACSM) was one of the key strategies implemented by BRAC (Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee, a non-governmental development organization) TB control program. The purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge and attitudes of the key community members (KCMs) participated in ACSM in BRAC TB control areas. Methods: This study combined quantitative and qualitative methods using a mixed method approach. KCMs in three districts with low TB case detection rates were targeted to assess the ACSM program. The quantitative survey using a multi-stage random-sampling strategy was conducted among 432 participants. The qualitative study included in-depth interviews (IDIs) of a sub sample of 48 respondents. For quantitative analysis, descriptive statistics were reported using frequencies, percentages, and Chi square tests, while thematic analysis was used for qualitative part. Results: Most (99%) of the participants had heard about TB, and almost all knew that TB is a contagious yet curable disease. More than half (53%) of the KCMs had good knowledge regarding TB, but BRAC workers were found to be more knowledgeable compared to other KCMs. However, considerable knowledge gaps were observed among BRAC community health workers. Qualitative results revealed that the majority of the KCMs were aware about the signs, symptoms and transmission pathways of TB and believed that smoking and addiction were the prime causes of transmission of TB. The knowledge about child TB was poor even among BRAC health workers. Stigma associated with TB was not uncommon. Almost all respondents expressed that young girls diagnosed with TB. Conclusions: This study finding has revealed varying levels of knowledge and mixed attitudes about TB among the KCMs. It also provides insight on the poor knowledge regarding child TB and indicate that despite the significant success of the TB program stigma is yet prevalent in the community. Future ACSM activities should engage community members against stigma and promote child TB related information for further improvement of BRAC TB Control Programme

Heavy metal contamination in retailed food in Bangladesh: a dietary public health risk assessment

IntroductionContamination with heavy and toxic metals along the food value chain is a public health concern in Bangladesh. MethodsIn this study, 608 fish and chicken samples from traditional and modern retail outlets in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas were collected and analyzed for chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) contamination, using atomic absorption spectrometry method. The daily intake, target hazard quotient and the target carcinogenic risk (for lead only) as a result of fish and chicken consumption was calculated based on mean results, and by Monte Carlo simulation in @Risk with 100,000 iterations (quantitative risk assessment). ResultsCr and Cd were detected in 80-86% of both chicken meat and fish samples, while Pb positivity found in chicken meat and fish was 54.9 and 23.3%, respectively. The mean concentration (+/- SD) of Cr, Cd, and Pb in chicken meat were 0.66 +/- 0.93, 0.02 +/- 0.03, and 0.09 +/- 0.10 mg/kg, respectively; and in fish were 0.49 +/- 0.62, 0.02 +/- 0.03, and 0.06 +/- 0.09 mg/kg, respectively. The estimated daily intakes of Cr, Cd, and Pb from chicken and fish were lower than the maximum tolerable daily intake in all studied areas. In addition, the target carcinogenic risk for Pb in chicken was lower than the negligible range, which indicated the risk of cancer due to exposure to Pb through chicken meat and fish consumption was very low. DiscussionThe present study concludes that consumption of chicken meat and fish in Bangladesh, currently at very low levels, is unlikely to constitute a major health risk for humans in respect to these metals. However, continuous market surveillance for heavy metals in food stuff is recommended, especially since consumers may increase their meat intake

Microbial Contamination and Antibiotic Resistance in Marketed Food in Bangladesh: Current Situation and Possible Improvements

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a public health problem worldwide. Bangladesh, like its neighboring countries, faces many public health challenges, including access to safe food, inadequate food surveillance, as well as increasing AMR. This study investigated bacterial contamination and the AMR profile of pathogens in marketed food in Bangladesh and explored barriers to reducing AMR in the country. We collected 366 tomatoes, 359 chicken and 249 fish samples from 732 vendors in traditional markets in urban, peri-urban and rural areas in Bangladesh, as well as from 121 modern retails in Dhaka capital to analyse Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli in fish, Salmonella in chicken, and Salmonella and E. coli in tomatoes. Antibiotic susceptibility against 11 antibiotics was tested using a disc diffusion test and interpreted by an automated zone inhibition reader. In addition, a qualitative study using key informant interviews was conducted to explore antimicrobial use and AMR reduction potential in Bangladesh. We found E. coli in 14.21% of tomatoes and 26.91% of fish samples, while 7.38% of tomatoes and 17.27% of chicken were positive for Salmonella, and 44.98% of fish were positive for Vibrio cholerae. In total 231/319 (72.4%) of all pathogens isolated were multidrug-resistant (MDR) (resistant to three or more antibiotic groups). Qualitative interviews revealed an inadequate surveillance system for antibiotic use and AMR in Bangladesh, especially in the agriculture sector. To be able to fully understand the human health risks from bacterial hazards in the food and the AMR situation in Bangladesh, a nationwide study with a one health approach should be conducted, within all sectors, including AMR testing as well as assessment of the antimicrobial use and its drivers

Fortification of Yogurt with Red Dragon Fruit’s (Hylocereus Polyrhizus) Peel Powder: Effects on Comprehensive Quality Attributes and Sensory Properties

This study was conducted to evaluate the quality features, antioxidant capabilities, microbiological and sensory aspects of yogurt fortified with 2%, 5%, and 7% red dragon (RD) peel powder. The yogurt was formulated using the classical technology adapted to laboratory conditions. The results of the physicochemical properties showed significant differences in pH (4.73–4.36), acidity (0.18–0.16 g lactic acid/100 g), and ascorbic acid (1.17-1.34 mg/100 g) among different yogurt formulations (P<0.05). In addition, RD peel powder fortification showed increasing trends in crude fiber (1.53-3.34 g/100 g), ash (5.19-5.29 g/100 g), and moisture (76.70-80.19 g/100 g) content, respectively; while the reversed trend was observed for fat (3.48-2.36 g/100 g), and crude protein (4.49-4.07 g/100 g) contents, respectively. Furthermore, gradual progression of RD peel powder in fortified yogurt manifested an improvement of the overall antioxidant activity (1.30-1.57 µmol TE/mL). The analyses of the sensory properties demonstrated that yogurt with RD peel powder in proportions of 2% received the highest hedonic score for consumer approval. Moreover, no coliform was reported in any of the control and fortified yogurts. Therefore, it could be concluded that RD peel powder can be employed as a functional food constituent in yogurt with improved quality attributes and sensory properties compared to plain yogurt

Heavy metal contamination in retailed food in Bangladesh: a dietary public health risk assessment

IntroductionContamination with heavy and toxic metals along the food value chain is a public health concern in Bangladesh.MethodsIn this study, 608 fish and chicken samples from traditional and modern retail outlets in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas were collected and analyzed for chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) contamination, using atomic absorption spectrometry method. The daily intake, target hazard quotient and the target carcinogenic risk (for lead only) as a result of fish and chicken consumption was calculated based on mean results, and by Monte Carlo simulation in @Risk with 100,000 iterations (quantitative risk assessment).ResultsCr and Cd were detected in 80–86% of both chicken meat and fish samples, while Pb positivity found in chicken meat and fish was 54.9 and 23.3%, respectively. The mean concentration (±SD) of Cr, Cd, and Pb in chicken meat were 0.66 ± 0.93, 0.02 ± 0.03, and 0.09 ± 0.10 mg/kg, respectively; and in fish were 0.49 ± 0.62, 0.02 ± 0.03, and 0.06 ± 0.09 mg/kg, respectively. The estimated daily intakes of Cr, Cd, and Pb from chicken and fish were lower than the maximum tolerable daily intake in all studied areas. In addition, the target carcinogenic risk for Pb in chicken was lower than the negligible range, which indicated the risk of cancer due to exposure to Pb through chicken meat and fish consumption was very low.DiscussionThe present study concludes that consumption of chicken meat and fish in Bangladesh, currently at very low levels, is unlikely to constitute a major health risk for humans in respect to these metals. However, continuous market surveillance for heavy metals in food stuff is recommended, especially since consumers may increase their meat intake

Microbial Contamination and Antibiotic Resistance in Marketed Food in Bangladesh: Current Situation and Possible Improvements

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a public health problem worldwide. Bangladesh, like its neighboring countries, faces many public health challenges, including access to safe food, inadequate food surveillance, as well as increasing AMR. This study investigated bacterial contamination and the AMR profile of pathogens in marketed food in Bangladesh and explored barriers to reducing AMR in the country. We collected 366 tomatoes, 359 chicken and 249 fish samples from 732 vendors in traditional markets in urban, peri-urban and rural areas in Bangladesh, as well as from 121 modern retails in Dhaka capital to analyse Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli in fish, Salmonella in chicken, and Salmonella and E. coli in tomatoes. Antibiotic susceptibility against 11 antibiotics was tested using a disc diffusion test and interpreted by an automated zone inhibition reader. In addition, a qualitative study using key informant interviews was conducted to explore antimicrobial use and AMR reduction potential in Bangladesh. We found E. coli in 14.21% of tomatoes and 26.91% of fish samples, while 7.38% of tomatoes and 17.27% of chicken were positive for Salmonella, and 44.98% of fish were positive for Vibrio cholerae. In total 231/319 (72.4%) of all pathogens isolated were multidrug-resistant (MDR) (resistant to three or more antibiotic groups). Qualitative interviews revealed an inadequate surveillance system for antibiotic use and AMR in Bangladesh, especially in the agriculture sector. To be able to fully understand the human health risks from bacterial hazards in the food and the AMR situation in Bangladesh, a nationwide study with a one health approach should be conducted, within all sectors, including AMR testing as well as assessment of the antimicrobial use and its drivers

Business sustainability in Bangladesh: An analysis of economic sustainability in ready-made garments industries

Akter, R ORCiD: 0000-0002-4178-752XSustainable business practices are long cherished system that business organizations are expected to exercise to sustain their businesses. The Ready-made Garments industries (RMG) in Bangladesh are now facing this crucial question to adopt a sustainable system in operating their businesses. The more the industry experiences rapid growth, the higher the demand for the implementation of sustainability. Though the experienced and old garments are seen quite well in maintaining this sustainability, the newly established RMG factories are blamed for not having sustainable business procedure, especially economic sustainability which relates to labor standards and labor rights. Despite continuous tremendous pressure from government and international communities, these new establishments often emphasize on profit maximization rather good labor practices. This article examines the business sustainability issues on economy aspects in new generation RMG factories in Bangladesh. This economic sustainability includes the functional strategies regulating the human resources, labor rights and labor conditions of a factory. To study these issues, this research follows the mixed-method research approaches to get better findings of the sampled factories. The study is based on findings of factory level investigation and analysis of in-depth semi structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGD). The results of factory visits show that most of the investigated factories are lack of implementation of economic sustainability. The findings from interviews and FGD revealed underlying causes of this lack of implementation.&lt;/p&gt;</jats:p