Zebrafish Androgen Receptor: Isolation, Molecular, and Biochemical Characterization

Androgens play an important role in male sexual differentiation and development. They exert their function by binding to and activating the androgen receptor (Ar), a member of the steroid hormone receptor superfamily. Here, we report on the isolation and characterization of zebrafish Ar. The complete transcript of zebrafish ar is 5.3 kb long encoding a putative polypeptide of 868 amino acids. Our experimental and bioinformatic analysis has found a single ar locus in zebrafish. Phylogenetic analysis using the ligand-binding domain showed that the zebrafish Ar clustered with its cyprinid orthologs to form a separate group, which was closer to the beta clade than to the alpha clade. Tissue-specific expression analysis revealed that the ar mRNA was expressed ubiquitously in all adult tissues tested, with sexually dimorphic expression in the gonad and muscle. While the ar transcript was maternally deposited into the embryo, signs of zygotic expression could be detected as early as 24 h after fertilization, and the expression level increased substantially afterwards. When analyzed during gonad development, the expression level of ar mRNA at 4 wk after fertilization was similar in both developing gonads but later became higher in the transforming testis, suggesting a potential role during male gonad differentiation. We also combined theoretical modeling with in vitro experiments to show that the zebrafish Ar is preferentially activated by 11-ketotestosterone

Molecular Analyses of Gonad Differentiation and Function in Zebrafish

Ph.DDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPH

Age-related Risk Factors and Severity of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: We aimed to estimate the reported symptoms and comorbidities and assess the correlation between a series of symptoms and comorbidities and age of the patients’ positive in COVID-19. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis [PROSPERO registration: CRD42020182677]. Databases [PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, WHO, Semantic Scholar, and COVID-19 Primer] were searched for clinical studies published from January to April 2020. The pooled prevalence of symptoms and comorbidities were identified using the random effect model, and the multivariable factor analysis was performed to show the correlation between a group of symptoms and comorbidities and age of the COVID-19 patients. Results: Twenty-nine articles, with 4,884 COVID-19 patients were included in this study.  Altogether, we found 33 symptoms and 44 comorbidities where the most frequent 19 symptoms and 11 comorbidities were included in the meta-analysis. The fever [84%], cough/dry cough [61%], and fatigue/weakness [42%] were found more prevalent. On the other hand, acute respiratory distress syndrome, hypertension and diabetes were the most prevalent comorbid condition. The multivariable factor analysis showed positive association between a group of symptoms and comorbidities, and with the patients' age. The symptoms comprising fever, dyspnea/shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, anorexia and pharyngalgia; and the comorbidities including diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, COPD/lung disease and ARDS were positively correlated with the COVID-19 patient’s age. Conclusion: As a unique effort, this study found a group of symptoms and comorbidities, correlated with age of the COVID-19 patients that may help to implement patient-centred interventions

Suicidal behaviors among undergraduate medical students in Bangladesh

Background: Suicide among medical students is a global public health concern; however, it is often addressed poorly in developing countries like Bangladesh. This study aims to examine suicidal behaviors among undergraduate medical students in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted between February and July of 2019. Data were collected from 583 MBBS students at Bangladesh’s public and private medical colleges. A convenience sampling method was used, and data were collected through a pretested semi-constructed questionnaire. Results: A lifetime suicidal ideation was found among 23.8% of the participants. Significant associations were found among lifetime suicidal ideation, plan and attempt with depression, comorbidity, and family history. Multivariable logistic regression models revealed that a family history of suicide attempts or death by suicide increased the odds six-fold for ideation, over sixfold for a plan, and threefold for an attempt. Females were twice likely to be susceptible to suicide ideation, plan, and attempt. Conclusion: Suicidality appears high among medical students in Bangladesh. Levels of depression, comorbidities, as well as substance abuse affect lifetime suicide ideation. A previous history of attempting or committing suicide in the respondent’s family increases the individual risk for ideation, plan, and attempt. Females are more vulnerable than males

Epidemiology of childhood and adolescent cancer in Bangladesh, 2001-2014

Background: Cancer burden among children and adolescents is largely unknown in Bangladesh. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview on childhood and adolescent cancers and to contribute to the future strategies to deal with these diseases in Bangladesh. Methods: Data on malignant neoplasms in patients aged less than 20years diagnosed between 2001 and 2014 (N=3143) in Bangladesh was collected by the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital and ASHIC Foundation. The age pattern and distribution of cancer types were analysed and the incidence rates were calculated. Results: The age-standardised incidence rate was 7.8 per million person-years for children (0-14 years) in the last time period (2011-2014). Retinoblastoma (25%) and leukaemia (18%) were the most common childhood cancers. For adolescents (15-19 years), the age-specific incidence rate was 2.1 per million person-years in the same time period. Most common adolescent cancers were malignant bone tumours (38%), germ cell and gonadal tumours (17%), and epithelial tumours (16%). There were more boys affected (M: F ratio 2.0 in children and 1.4 in adolescents) than girls. Conclusion: Cancer incidences were lower than expected most likely due to a low level of awareness about cancer among clinicians and the population, inadequate access to health care, lack of diagnostic equipment and incomplete recording of cases. Improvements on different levels should be made to get a better epidemiologic insight and to detect cancer earlier resulting in a better outcome for affected chil

Validity of low-cost measures for global surveillance of physical activity in pre-school children : the SUNRISE validation study

Objective: To validate parent-reported child's habitual total physical activity (TPA) against accelerometry and three existing step-count thresholds for classifying 3 h/day of TPA in pre-schoolers from 13 culturally and geographically diverse countries. Design: Cross-sectional validation study. Methods: We used data involving 3- and 4-year-olds from 13 middle- and high-income countries who participated in the SUNRISE study. We used Spearman's rank-order correlation, Bland-Altman plots, and Kappa statistics to assess correlation and classification ability of parent-reported child's habitual TPA against activPAL™-measured TPA over 3 days. Additionally, we used Receiver Operating Characteristic Area Under the Curve (ROC-AUC) analysis to validate three existing step-count thresholds (Gabel, Vale, and De Craemer) for accurately classifying achievement of the WHO guideline of at least 3 h/day TPA using step-counts derived from activPAL™. Results: Of the 352 pre-schoolers, 49.1 % were girls. There was a very weak but significant positive correlation and slight agreement between parent-reported and accelerometer-measured TPA (r: 0.140; p = 0.009; Kappa: 0.030). Parents over-estimated their child's TPA compared to accelerometer data (mean bias: 69 min/day; standard deviation: 126; 95 % limits of agreement: −179, 316). Of the three step-count thresholds tested, the De Craemer step-count threshold of 11,500 steps/day provided excellent classification of meeting the TPA guideline as measured by accelerometry (AUC: 0.945; 95 % CI: 0.928, 0.961; Sensitivity: 100.0 %; Specificity: 88.9 %). Conclusions: Parent reports may have limited validity for assessing pre-schooler's level of TPA. Step-counting is a promising alternative – low-cost global surveillance initiatives could potentially use pedometers for assessing compliance with the physical activity guideline in early childhood

Thalassemias in South Asia:clinical lessons learnt from Bangladesh

Abstract Thalassemias are emerging as a global public health concern. Due to remarkable success in the reduction of childhood mortality by controlling infectious diseases in developing countries, thalassemias are likely to be a major public health concern in the coming decades in South Asia. Despite the fact that Bangladesh lies in the world’s thalassemia belt, the information on different aspects (epidemiology, clinical course, mortality, complications and treatment outcomes) of thalassemias is lacking. In this comprehensive review, the aim is to to depict the epidemiological aspects of thalassemias, mutation profile and current treatment and management practices in the country by sharing the experience of dealing with 1178 cases over 2009–2014 time periods in a specialized thalassemia treatment centre. We have also discussed the preventative strategies of thalassemias from the context of Bangladesh which could be effective for other developing countries

Cross-sectional examination of 24-hour movement behaviours among 3-and 4-year-old children in urban and rural settings in low-income, middle-income and high-income countries : the SUNRISE study protocol

Introduction 24-hour movement behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep) during the early years are associated with health and developmental outcomes, prompting the WHO to develop Global guidelines for physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age. Prevalence data on 24-hour movement behaviours is lacking, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). This paper describes the development of the SUNRISE International Study of Movement Behaviours in the Early Years protocol, designed to address this gap. Methods and analysis SUNRISE is the first international cross-sectional study that aims to determine the proportion of 3- and 4-year-old children who meet the WHO Global guidelines. The study will assess if proportions differ by gender, urban/rural location and/or socioeconomic status. Executive function, motor skills and adiposity will be assessed and potential correlates of 24-hour movement behaviours examined. Pilot research from 24 countries (14 LMICs) informed the study design and protocol. Data are collected locally by research staff from partnering institutions who are trained throughout the research process. Piloting of all measures to determine protocol acceptability and feasibility was interrupted by COVID-19 but is nearing completion. At the time of publication 41 countries are participating in the SUNRISE study. Ethics and dissemination The SUNRISE protocol has received ethics approved from the University of Wollongong, Australia, and in each country by the applicable ethics committees. Approval is also sought from any relevant government departments or organisations. The results will inform global efforts to prevent childhood obesity and ensure young children reach their health and developmental potential. Findings on the correlates of movement behaviours can guide future interventions to improve the movement behaviours in culturally specific ways. Study findings will be disseminated via publications, conference presentations and may contribute to the development of local guidelines and public health interventions.Peer reviewe

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on rare diseases - A case study on thalassaemia patients in Bangladesh

Objectives: Thalassaemia is a life-threatening rare disease, which requires regular blood transfusion and medical care. The information on how thalassaemia patients are affected during the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis is scarce. This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the blood transfusion and healthcare access of thalassaemia patients at the community level in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among thalassaemia patients registered in a community-based ‘thalassaemia registry’ in Jamapur, Bangladesh. Results: As compared to pre-COVID-19 time, the number of blood transfusions among patients under the thalassaemia registry was significantly reduced during COVID-19 pandemic (190 units versus 81 units). In addition, the median number of red cell transfusions per patient was dropped significantly from 4 units to one unit. Over 80% of patient had no access to healthcare services at all during the early phase of the pandemic. Conclusions: Emergency response with appropriate mitigative measures must be a priority for addressing an acute shortage of blood supply in situations like COVID-19 pandemic