Morphometric relationships between length-weight and length-length and condition factor of four small indigenous fishes from the Payra River, southern Bangladesh

The present study describes the length–weight (LWR) relationship, length– length (LLR) relationship, and condition factor (K) of four small indigenous fish species from the Payra River, southern Bangladesh, namely Mastacembelus pancalus, Lepidocephalus guntea, Salmostoma bacaila and Mystus vittatus. A total of 867 specimens, representing 4 species of 4 families used for this study were caught by traditional fishing gear from July to October 2018. Standard length (SL) and total length (TL) for each specimen were measured by digital slide calipers and each body weight (BW) was taken by a digital balance. The allometric coefficient b of the LWR was close to the isometric value (b=3.078 and 3.028) in M. pancalus and L. guntea respectively, although it suggested negative allometric growth in M. vittatus (b < 3.00), whilst positive allometric growth in S. bacaila (b > 3.00). All the LWRs were highly significant (P < 0.05) and most of the coefficients of determination values were ≥ 0.857. The results further indicated that the LLRs were highly correlated (r2 ≥ 0.939; P < 0.05). Fulton’s condition factor (K) by month basis ranged from 0.52 (in M. pancalus) through 1.89 (in M. vittatus). The results of this study can be very effective for stock assessment of this four species in Payra River as well as in the surrounding ecosystems

Farmers’ attitude towards modern maize production in Dinajpur Sadar upazila

The vital determination of the study was to determine the farmers’ attitudes towards modern maize production. The study was carried out in the Chehelgazi unions of Sadar upazila under Dinajpur District. Ninety-two farmers were selected as sample from an updated list of 920 farmers involved in maize production. Data were collected by a pre-tested interview schedule during September to October 2017. Simple and direct questions with different scales were used to obtain information. The co-efficient of correlation (r) was computed to explore the relationships between the nine selected characteristics of the farmers and their attitude towards modern maize production. About three-fourths (73.9%) of the farmers had highly favorable attitude towards modern maize production, while 26.1%  moderately favorable attitude and none of them had slightly favorable attitude towards modern maize production. Correlation analyses indicated that among nine selected characteristics, education, farm size, cosmopoliteness, and extension media contact of the farmers had significant positive relationships with their attitude towards modern maize production. However, age, family size, area under maize production, annual income and training received had no significant relationships with their attitude towards modern maize production. ‘Cost of modern maize production is high than other crops’ (78.3%) emerged as the 1st ranked problem and last ranked (25.0%) perceived problem mentioned by the farmer was ‘Lack of knowledge on hybrid maize variety’ expressed by the farmers. The vital (56.5%) suggestion cited by the farmers was ‘organizing more training program for the farmers’ and ‘Application of IPM technique’ (28.3%) was last suggestion. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 96-103, June 202

Molecular characterization, cloning and sequencing of coat protein gene of a Pakistani potato leaf roll virus isolate and its phylogenetic analysis

Total RNA was extracted from potato leaf roll virus (PLRV) positive potato plants and complementary DNA were synthesized. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based detection conditions were optimized by using coat protein (CP) gene specific primers. A 346 bp amplicon of PLRV- coat protein (CP) gene was amplified. Amplified CP-gene of PLRV was cloned in TA cloning vector, PCR ® 2.1. The clone was confirmed subsequently through restriction digestion analysis. PCR amplification used cDNA clone as a template and nucleotide sequencing. Expected nucleotide sequence of amplified PLRV-CP gene show homology of 94 to 97% when compared to the sequences already reported in GenBank database. This explored novel PLRV-CP gene was submitted at NCBI GenBank for characterization of PLRV Pakistani isolate (Accession No. JN039286). Phylogenetic analysis was also carried out and tree was made by using MEGA 4.0.Key words: Potato, potato leaf roll virus (PLRV), coat protein (CP) gene, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), PLRV-CP Pakistani isolate

Welfare State Spending, Income Inequality and Food Insecurity in Affluent Nations: A Cross-National Examination of OECD Countries

Few studies examine the distribution of food insecurity in advanced capitalist nations. This research investigates cross-national food insecurity in the world’s largest economies by estimating the impact of welfare spending and income inequality on food availability (measured by the FAO’s Dietary Energy and Protein Supply indicators) and food accessibility (measured by the Food Insecurity Experience Scale) in 36 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries between the years of 2000 and 2018. Using a series of regression models on panel and cross-sectional data this research found that increases in state spending on social and health care are associated with (1) increases in food availability and (2) increases in food access. However, the findings also suggest that increases in food supplies do not produce more food security. Thus, for the OECD countries in this analysis, food availability is unrelated to food accessibility. We conclude by suggesting that high income countries that seek to promote global health should not only focus their efforts on poverty reduction polices that increase food accessibility within their own boarders, but must simultaneously ensure a more equitable global distribution of food

Prevalence and determinants of hypertension among urban slum dwellers in Bangladesh

Background: In low- and middle- income countries such as Bangladesh, urban slum dwellers are particularly vulnerable to hypertension due to inadequate facilities for screening and management, as well as inadequate health literacy among them. However, there is scarcity of evidence on hypertension among the urban slum dwellers in Bangladesh. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among urban slum dwellers in Bangladesh. Methods: Data were collected as part of a large-scale cross-sectional survey conducted by Building Resources Across Communities (BRAC) between October 2015 and January 2016. The present analysis was performed among 1155 urban slum dwellers aged 35 years or above. A structured questionnaire was adminstered to collect data electronically and blood pressure measurements were taken using standardised procedures. Binary logistic regression with generalized estimating equation modelling was performed to estimate the factors associated with hypertension. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 28.3% among urban slum dwellers aged 35 years and above. In adjusted analysis, urban slum dwellers aged 45–54 years (AOR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.17–2.28), 55–64 years (AOR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.73–3.53) and ≥ 65 years (AOR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.47–3.72), from wealthier households (AOR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.18–3.20), sleeping < 7 h per day (AOR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.39–2.51), who were overweight (AOR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.09–2.14) or obese (AOR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.71–3.20), and having self-reported diabetes (AOR: 3.08, 95% CI: 1.88–5.04) had an increased risk of hypertension. Moreover, 51.0% of the participants were taking anti-hypertensive medications and 26.4% of them had their hypertension in control. Conclusions: The findings highlight a high burden of hypertension and poor management of it among the slum dwellers in Bangladesh requiring a novel approach to improve care. It is integral to effectively implement the available national non-communicable disease (NCD) control guidelines and redesign the current urban primary health care system to have better coordination

Heavy Metals in afforested Mangrove Sediment From the World\u27s Largest Delta: Distributional Mapping, Contamination Status, Risk assessment and Source Tracing

This study aims to assess seasonal and spatial variations, contamination status, ecological risks, and metal sources (Ni, Pb, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Zn) in human-afforested mangrove sediments in a deltaic region. Five sampling locations were sampled during dry and wet seasons. Heavy metal concentrations followed the order: Mn \u3e Zn \u3e Ni \u3e Cr \u3e Cu \u3e Pb. Metal loads, except Cu and Pb, were higher during the dry season, aligning with national and international recommendations. Sediment quality guidelines, contamination factor, geoaccumulation index, enrichment factors, and pollution load index indicated uncontaminated sediment in both seasons. Potential ecological risk assessment showed low risk conditions in all sites. However, modified hazard quotient indicated moderate pollution risk from all metals except Pb. Analysis suggests anthropogenic sources, particularly evident near shipbreaking yards in Sitakunda. While initially uncontaminated, ongoing metal influx poses a potential risk to mangrove ecosystems

Laparoscopic vs open repair for incisional hernia

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to conduct a meta-analysis of RCTs investigating the surgical and postsurgical outcomes of elective incisional hernia by open versus laparoscopic method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A search of PubMed, Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index, Current Contents, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials published between January 1993 and September 2013 identified all the prospective RCTs comparing surgical treatment of only incisional hernia (and not primary ventral hernias) using open and laparoscopic methods were selected. The outcome variables analyzed included (a) hernia diameter; (b) operative time; (c) length of hospital stay; (d) overall complication rate; (e) bowel complications; (f) reoperation; (g) wound infection; (h) wound hematoma or seroma; (i) time to oral intake; (j) back to work; (k) recurrence rate; and (l) post-operative neuralgia. The quality of RCTs was assessed using Jadad's scoring system. Random effects model was used to calculate the effect size of both binary and continuous data. Heterogeneity amongst the outcome variables of these trials was determined by the Cochran Q statistic and I2 index. The meta-analysis was prepared in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Six RCTs were considered suitable for meta-analysis. A total of 378 patients underwent open mesh repair and 373 had laparoscopic repair. Statistically significant reduction in bowel complications was noted with open surgery compared to the laparoscopic repair in five studies (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.15, 5.72, p=0.02). Comparable effects were noted for other variables which include hernia diameter (SMD -0.27, 95% CI -0.77, 0.23, p=0.29), operative time (SMD -0.08, 95% CI -4.46, 4.30, p=0.97), overall complications (OR -1.07, 95% CI -0.33, 3.42, p=0.91), wound infection (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.09, 2.67, p=0.41), wound hematoma or seroma (OR 1.54, 95% CI 0.58, 4.09, p=0.38), reoperation rate (OR -0.32, 95% CI 0.07, 1.43, p=0.14), time to oral intake (SMD -0.16, 95% CI -1.97, 2.28, p=0.89), length of hospital stay (SMD -0.83, 95% CI -2.22, 0.56, p=0.24), back to work (SMD -3.14, 95% CI -8.92, 2.64, p=0.29), recurrence rate (OR 1.41, 95% CI 0.81, 2.46, p=0.23), and postoperative neuralgia (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.16, 1.46, p=0.20). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of our meta-analysis, we conclude that laparoscopic and open repair of incisional hernia is comparable. A larger randomized controlled multicenter trial with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria and standardized techniques for both repairs is required to demonstrate the superiority of one technique over the other

Fish diversity of an agriculturally influenced river in Bangladesh: current profile, threats and management perspectives

Aim: Local and global stressors such as agricultural activities, climate change, habitat loss, eutrophication and pollution are the major causes of declining fish diversity. Therefore, for the management of fisheries and ecosystems, it is important to know the fish diversity of Little Feni River. The study was performed to know the diversity status of fishes in Little Feni River, Bangladesh during April - December, 2015. Methodology: Fishes and their related data were collected from the Little Feni River of fish landing centers, fish markets, interviewing fishermen and arotdar (or known as commission agent). Results: From this study, 47 species under 24 families were recorded in which 31 (66%) species were from freshwater and the remaining 16 (34%) species were from marine sources. Of the collected fishes, 26 species were categorized as not threatened (NT), 9 vulnerable (VU), 4 critically endangered (CR), 4 endangered (EN) and the remaining 9 could not be classified under the said list due to data deficient (DD). The results indicated the alarming decline of fish diversity in the investigated area in general and/or perhaps in the country as whole. Interpretation: Long-term investigation, appropriate evaluation and proper documentation are urgently needed so that the public, investigators and policy makers would be able to know about the current status of fish diversity, and can take initiatives for proper conservation management practices towards the gradual decline of wild fish abundance in Little Feni River

Difficulties faced by older Rohingya (forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals) adults in accessing medical services amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh

Background COVID-19 has seriously disrupted health services in many countries including Bangladesh. This research aimed to explore whether Rohingya (forcefully displaced Myanmar nationals) older adults in Bangladesh faced difficulties accessing medicines and routine medical care services amid this pandemic. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 416 Rohingya older adults aged 60 years and above residing in Rohingya refugee camps situated in the Cox's Bazar district of Bangladesh and was conducted in October 2020. A purposive sampling technique was followed, and participants' perceived difficulties in accessing medicines and routine medical care were noted through face-to-face interviews. Binary logistic regression models determined the association between outcome and explanatory variables. Results Overall, one-third of the participants reported difficulties in accessing medicines and routine medical care. Significant factors associated with facing difficulties accessing medicine included feelings of loneliness (adjusted OR (AOR) 3.54, 95% CI 1.93 to 6.48), perceptions that older adults were at the highest risk of COVID-19 (AOR 3.35, 95% CI 1.61 to 6.97) and required additional care during COVID-19 (AOR 6.89, 95% CI 3.62 to 13.13). Also, the notable factors associated with difficulties in receiving routine medical care included living more than 30 min walking distance from the health centre (AOR 3.57, 95% CI 1.95 to 6.56), feelings of loneliness (AOR 2.20, 95% CI 1.25 to 3.87), perception that older adults were at the highest risk of COVID-19 (AOR 2.85, 95% CI 1.36 to 5.99) and perception that they required additional care during the pandemic (AOR 4.55, 95% CI 2.48 to 8.35). Conclusion Many Rohingya older adults faced difficulties in accessing medicines and routine medical care during this pandemic. This call for policy-makers and relevant stakeholders to re-assess emergency preparedness plans including strategies to provide continuing care