Effekten av silver nanopartiklar mot risblast sjukdom och bönders uppfattning om sin ledning i Bangladesh

Rice blast caused by Magnaporthe grisea is one of the major and recurrent threats for sustainable rice production in Bangladesh. To mitigate this problem, the current study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of silver nanoparticles against rice blast disease and farmers’ perception or knowledge about rice blast disease management in Bangladesh. There have been relatively few studies on the applicability of nanoparticles to control blast diseases in Bangladesh. This study was done into two parts: firstly, face to face interviews to understand the farmers’ perception as well as to find out their needs and secondly laboratory experimentation to find out the efficacy of silver nanoparticles against M. grisea as well as rice blast disease management under controlled conditions. Close-ended questions were prepared for the interview and thirty farmers were interviewed. Farmers’ interviews indicated that 73% of the respondent farmers had experienced blast disease in their fields but only 30% of the respondent farmers were aware of rice blast disease and its management. Among the respondents, 89% of the farmers used chemicals in controlling rice blast disease but only 9% of the farmers had an opinion that spraying chemicals worked very well and 21% thought this method worked satisfactorily. Around 59% of respondents maintained close contact with extension workers and adopted new technologies according to their suggestions. In vitro assays indicated that silver nanoparticles had a significant inhibitory effect on the mycelial growth of rice blast pathogen. Effective concentration of the silver nanoparticles inhibiting mycelial growth by 50% (EC50) up to 9 days after incubation was 308.1 ppm. However, the inhibitory effect on mycelial growth significantly diminished at 12 days of incubation. To measure leaf blast disease severity, three concentrations (200, 400 and 800 ppm) of silver nanoparticles and a popularly used blast control fungicide Trooper 75WP were sprayed on rice seedlings that were 20-25 days old, 3 days before inoculation for preventive and 3 days after inoculation with spore suspension (105 conidia/ml+0.01% Tween 20) for curative measure. Only 1.77% and 3.23% leaf blast disease severity were found in preventive measure at 800 ppm concentration for Trooper 75 WP (standard dose of fungicide) and silver nanoparticles, respectively. Whereas untreated control plot exhibited more than 70.0% disease severity. In greenhouse assay, silver nanoparticles were highly effective in preventative application rather than curative application

Appraisal of surface water quality for irrigation collected from Sadar upazila of Jamalpur district, Bangladesh

An attempt was made to assess surface water quality for irrigation collected from Sadar upazila of Jamalpur district, Bangladesh. Total 22 water samples were collected from the study area and analyzed for various physicochemical parameters following standard protocols at the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. Major cation and anion chemistry showed their dominance in order of Ca > K > Na > Mg and HCO3 > Cl > SO4 > BO3 > PO4 > CO3, respectively. The study revealed that 18, 14 and 6 samples were unsuitable for irrigation in respect of HCO3, K and BO3 contents in water, respectively. Among the heavy metals, the concentration of Pb, Mn, Cd and Cu in water were comparatively higher than the standard limits, which makes 22, 14, 10 and 3 samples problematic for long term irrigation in the study area. Electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) reflected that surface water samples were low to very high salinity (C1-C4) and low alkalinity (S1) hazards classes. As regards to hardness, out of 22 water samples, 2 were very hard, 8 were hard, 11 were moderately hard and only one was soft in quality. The study results concluded that HCO3, BO3, K, Pb, Mn, Cd and Cu were the major contaminants in the surface water of Sadar upazila of Jamalpur district, Bangladesh. Finally, the study suggested that the surface water in this area needs to treat to minimize the amount of contaminants before use for irrigation

Association of Socio-demographic Attributes with Mothers Knowledge regarding Childhood Diarrhea

Background: Childhood diarrheal diseases have a major impact on morbidity and mortality and these deaths are due to dehydration and mismanagement or delayed management of the disease. The mothers’ knowledge in management of diarrhea is likely related to its mortality and morbidity. The study aimed to determine the association between socio demographic attributes and mother’s knowledge on childhood diarrhea. Materials and Methods:In this cross sectional analytic study, 170 mothers who had at least one child aged below five years old were selected purposively from the out-patient department of ICDDR,B, Dhaka. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire by face to face interview. The level of knowledge was categorized as poor, average and good. Univariate and bivariate analysis were done with level of significance P<0.05. Results:The mean age of the respondents was 27 (SD=±5.6) years. Among them 46.5% were educated up to primary level and 47% had average monthly income between 5001 and 10000 taka. In the case of accessibility to mass media, 20% were found who never watch TV, 75.9% participants were found who never listen to radio, and 87.6% were found who never read newspaper. Despite the level of average knowledge was 59.5% but the proportion of the level of good knowledge was 17% among the respondents. Socio-demographic characteristics such as age, education and income (p<0.001) were significantly associated with mothers knowledge. Conclusion:The mothers had inadequate knowledge about diarrhea and their socio-demographic parameters are strongly associated with mother’s knowledge regarding diarrhea

Micronutrient Adequacy in the Diet of Reproductive-Aged Adolescent Girls and Adult Women in Rural Bangladesh

Micronutrient deficiencies remain a serious nutritional concern in Bangladesh, especially among rural women of reproductive age (WRA). This study assesses the diet quality of reproductive-aged adolescent girls and adult women (referred to together as WRA in this study), including socio-demographic factors associated with their diet quality. The diet quality of adolescent girls was compared with that of adult women to assess which group was most at risk. The diet quality was measured by calculating the nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR), using the preceding 24 h dietary recall method. The mean adequacy ratio (MAR) was calculated as an overall measure of diet quality using the NAR. Nearly three quarters of WRA (adolescents: 73.1–88.5%; adult women: 72.9–86.4%) had an inadequate intake of calcium, vitamin A, folic acid, and vitamin B12. The prevalence of inadequate dietary intakes of calcium, zinc, and energy was significantly higher in adolescent girls (p < 0.001) than in adult women. Overall diet quality was significantly better in adult women (0.51 ± 0.21, p < 0.001) than in adolescent girls (0.49 ± 0.22). Age, marital status, educational level, and monthly household income were important factors associated with the diet quality of WRA. Micronutrient inadequacy is widely prevalent in the diets of WRA in Bangladesh, and adolescent girls with poor socio-economic status and lower educational levels are at higher risk

Spinal Cord Injury: Causes, types of manifestation and related complications of the patients in northern division of Bangladesh

Background: This study explores Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) in the Northern Division of Bangladesh, including its etiology, symptoms, and complications. The research focuses on this region to understand the etiology, varieties of SCI presentations, and the issues affected persons encounter. Purpose: to study the causes, symptoms, and complications of Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) in Northern Bangladesh. Methods: In order to better understand Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) among patients at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital and Rajshahi-CRP, Northern Division of Bangladesh, a quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design was used in this study. This convenience sample (n=300) includes patients who are undergoing treatment as well as those who have been discharged. Patients with SCI who have not had a head injury meet the inclusion criteria; patients who are unconscious or lack a diagnosis are not. Validated by a clinical physiotherapist, the data collection process uses semi-structured questionnaires and in-person interviews in accordance with ethical criteria that have been authorized by the ethical review board of Rajshahi Medical College. This ensures that patient care is not compromised. Results: The study had 300 participants, 80% male and 20% female, aged 20–50. About 42% were employed, mostly secondary school graduates, and rural residents. Trauma caused 64% of spinal cord injuries and paraplegia. 34% had pressure sores, while 92% had moderate discomfort. Urological and muscle problems affected 70% of patients. 68% of participants had psychological issues, including depression. Autonomic dysreflexia was 14%. Conclusion: &nbsp;This study illuminates the origins, symptoms, and complications of Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) in Northern Bangladesh, providing useful insights for better management and care

Prevalence and predictors of binge eating disorder symptoms among a sample of university students in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional survey

Background and Aims: There is a dearth of information about binge eating disorder (BED) among Bangladeshi university students, who may be more susceptible to BED due to the rise in unhealthy lifestyles and food habits. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of BED symptoms among Bangladeshi university students. Methods: Students (N = 525) from three public universities in Bangladesh participated in this cross-sectional study between November 2022 and March 2023. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a structured paper-based questionnaire that included two validated survey tools; the binge eating disorder screener and the patient health questionnaire-9. To identify the factors associated with BED symptoms, multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted, with sociodemographic and behavioral information (e.g., age, sex, smoking status, etc.) considered as covariates. Results: The prevalence of BED symptoms among participants (mean age 21.28 years, 50.3% male and 49.7% female) was 20.6%. Male students had a 2.28 times higher likelihood of having BED symptoms compared to female counterparts (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.33−3.89). Older students (AOR = 3.56, 95% CI: 1.80−7.05), students who were overweight or obese (AOR = 3.32, 95% CI: 1.87−5.89), and students reporting higher depressive symptoms (AOR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.66−4.35) were at greater risk for developing BED compared to their respective counterparts. Conclusions: This study provides new insights into the prevalence of BED symptoms and its contributing factors among Bangladeshi students. Approximately 1-in-5 university students reported having BED symptoms. University students who are older, overweight, or obese, and who report depressive symptoms may be at greatest risk. Future longitudinal studies are needed to determine the causal factors underlying BED. Findings from this study can assist policymakers and public health professionals in developing effective and targeted strategies to mitigate the risks associated with BED among Bangladeshi university students

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education of medical, dental and non-medical healthcare professionals in Bangladesh : findings and connotation

Lockdown measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic had an appreciable impact on the education of all medical, dental, and non-medical healthcare professional (HCP) students. These included the closure of universities necessitating a rapid move to e-learning and new approaches to practical’s. However initially, there was a lack of knowledge and expertise regarding e-learning approaches and the affordability of internet bundles and equipment. We initially con-ducted two pilot studies to assess such current challenges, replaced by a two-stage approach including a full investigation involving 32 private and public universities during the early stages of the pandemic followed by a later study assessing the current environment brought about by the forced changes. Top challenges at the start of the pandemic included a lack of familiarity with e-learning approaches, cost of the internet, lack of IT equipment and the quality of the classes. Universities offered support to staff and students to a varying degree to address identified challenges. Since then, e-learning approaches have widened the possibilities for teaching and learning at convenient times. However, challenges remain. In conclusion, there were considerable challenges at the start of them pandemic. Several key issues have been addressed with hybrid learning here to stay. Remaining challenges include a lack of ICT equipment. However, new innovations will continue