Causes of farmers’ aversion to organic vegetable production in Shyamnagar and Kaligonj Upazilla of Bangladesh

Agriculture is an ongoing changing field where farmers constantly change production technology by adopting different updated modern practices. The study explores the motivating factors influencing farmers to switch to synthetic pesticides dependent on farming from organic farming methods. The main factors are the lower price of organic vegetables, pesticide availability, social responsibility and economic considerations. The most challenging AEZ -13 coastal Satkhira has been taken for this study. The result shows that farmers who choose to switch give high importance to the production cost, price of organic vegetables, supply of bio-product, and availability of organic products than the moral, economic and social concerns. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(1): 25-30, June 202

Impact of Financial Literacy on Financial Behaviour: Based on the Evidence from the Middle-Class of Bangladesh

Financial Literacy, refers to the knowledge about financial terms and the ability to employ that knowledge wisely in making financial decisions. This paper is an effort to study the impact of financial literacy and financial behaviours of the urban middle-class people of Bangladesh.  Most of the available research on financial literacy has focused on developed and industrialised economies whereas, this study attempts to highlight the condition of financial literacy and how it impacts financial behaviour in a developing economy. The results of the study imply that the individuals have a moderate degree of financial literacy in terms of risk-return, inflation, interest rate and numerical aptitude. The financial behaviour of individuals in terms of risk aversion, payment obligations and so forth has been found to be associated with the degree of financial literacy and some other factors. The results of the study have demonstrated that a higher degree of financial literacy can help individuals make informed decisions. Such decisions or financial behaviours sometimes radiate prudence and lead to positive behaviour and sometimes not. The findings from this research acknowledge that financial literacy does not necessarily adhere to any universal approach. Diverse populations exhibit varying degrees of financial literacy and necessitate tailored strategies to attain financial well-being. The findings of the research reinstate the fact that the use of financial education can serve as a potent mechanism for fostering financial aptitude, enhancing financial resilience, and mitigating financial distress among individuals. Keywords: Financial Literacy, Financial Behaviour, Middle Class, Bangladesh DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/14-18-03 Publication date:October 31st 202

Digital breast tomosynthesis for early detection of malignant breast microcalcification: A hospital-based cross-sectional study

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Early detection by screening is crucial for improved survival. Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) may offer better visibility than conventional screening. This study aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of DBT in detecting malignant breast microcalcifications compared to histopathological findings. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done at the Department of Radiology and Imaging, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, from July 2022 to June 2023 and enrolled 35 women suspected of having breast cancer. Each patient underwent DBT and histopathology tests. The diagnostic accuracy of DBT in detecting malignant breast microcalcifications was assessed compared to the gold standard of histopathology. Results: The average age of the participants was 48.6 years. Palpable breast lumps (91.4%) were the most common clinical presentation. Among them, 80% had malignant microcalcifications diagnosed by DBT, primarily with linear (40.0%) and segmental (28.6%) distribution. Histopathology identified 80% of cases as malignant, with ductal carcinoma in situ (34.3%) being the most prevalent type. DBT demonstrated high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (85.7%) in detecting malignant microcalcifications, resulting in an overall accuracy of 97.1%. Conclusions: DBT has high diagnostic accuracy for detecting malignant breast microcalcifications and can be considered a valid tool for the early detection of breast microcalcifications, particularly in the context of diagnosing breast cancer

Phytochemical Compound Screening to Identify Novel Small Molecules against Dengue Virus: A Docking and Dynamics Study

The spread of the Dengue virus over the world, as well as multiple outbreaks of different serotypes, has resulted in a large number of deaths and a medical emergency, as no viable medications to treat Dengue virus patients have yet been found. In this paper, we provide an in silico virtual screening and molecular dynamics-based analysis to uncover efficient Dengue infection inhibitors. Based on a Google search and literature mining, a large phytochemical library was generated and employed as ligand molecules. In this investigation, the protein target NS2B/NS3 from Dengue was employed, and around 27 compounds were evaluated in a docking study. Phellodendroside (−63 kcal/mole), quercimeritrin (−59.5 kcal/mole), and quercetin-7-O-rutinoside (−54.1 kcal/mole) were chosen based on their binding free energy in MM-GBSA. The tested compounds generated numerous interactions at Lys74, Asn152, and Gln167 residues in the active regions of NS2B/NS3, which is needed for the protein’s inhibition. As a result, the stable mode of docked complexes is defined by various descriptors from molecular dynamics simulations, such as RMSD, SASA, Rg, RMSF, and hydrogen bond. The pharmacological properties of the compounds were also investigated, and no toxicity was found in computational ADMET properties calculations. As a result, this computational analysis may aid fellow researchers in developing innovative Dengue virus inhibitors

Causes of farmers’ aversion to organic vegetable production in Shyamnagar and Kaligonj Upazilla of Bangladesh

Agriculture is an ongoing changing field where farmers constantly change production technology by adopting different updated modern practices. The study explores the motivating factors influencing farmers to switch to synthetic pesticides dependent on farming from organic farming methods. The main factors are the lower price of organic vegetables, pesticide availability, social responsibility and economic considerations. The most challenging AEZ -13 coastal Satkhira has been taken for this study. The result shows that farmers who choose to switch give high importance to the production cost, price of organic vegetables, supply of bio-product, and availability of organic products than the moral, economic and social concerns

Serum C-reactive protein concentration in preeclamptic women: Effect on pregnancy outcome

Background: Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder of unknown etiology characterized by development of hyperten­sion to the extent of 140/90 mm of Hg or more with proteinuria after the 20th gestational week in a previously normoten­sive and non protein uric women. According to the National High blood presure Working group (NHBPEP) and Ameri­can college of obstetricans and Gynecologiests (ACOG) hypertension in pregnancy is defined as a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher after 20 weeks of gestation in a woman with previously normal blood pressure (NHBPEP, 2000; ACOG, 2002). If the disease is allowed to progress to the HELLP syndrome or eclampsia, maternal morbidity and mortality increases. The majority of perinatal losses are related to placental insufficiency, which causes intrauterine growth retardation, prematurity associated with preterm delivery, or abruptio placentae. Objectives: This study tried to explore the effect of serum C reactive protein concentration in preeclamptic women and its effect on pregnancy outcome. Methods: This case control study included 60 third trimester pregnant women (30 normotensive and 30 preeclamptic) who attended Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BIRDEM and DMCH, during July 2009 and June 2010. Estimation of serum C reactive protein (CRP) concentrations was done by liquid phase immunoprecipitation assay and turbulometry at DMC. Results: Mean (±SD) age showed no significant difference between groups; however, BMI, SBP, DBP and CRP were significantly (P<0.001) high in case group. Gravidity and ANC showed no significant variation between groups. CRP concentration was significantly high case group. Gestational age was significantly low in case group resulting in higher preterm delivery. No significant variation was observed regarding fetal outcome; however, birth weight was significantly low and neonatal complication was also significantly high in case group. Conclusion: CRP concentration was high in preeclamptics resulting in adverse pregnancy outcome

Serum C-reactive protein concentration in preeclamptic women: Effect on pregnancy outcome

Background: Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder of unknown etiology characterized by development of hyperten­sion to the extent of 140/90 mm of Hg or more with proteinuria after the 20th gestational week in a previously normoten­sive and non protein uric women. According to the National High blood presure Working group (NHBPEP) and Ameri­can college of obstetricans and Gynecologiests (ACOG) hypertension in pregnancy is defined as a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher after 20 weeks of gestation in a woman with previously normal blood pressure (NHBPEP, 2000; ACOG, 2002). If the disease is allowed to progress to the HELLP syndrome or eclampsia, maternal morbidity and mortality increases. The majority of perinatal losses are related to placental insufficiency, which causes intrauterine growth retardation, prematurity associated with preterm delivery, or abruptio placentae. Objectives: This study tried to explore the effect of serum C reactive protein concentration in preeclamptic women and its effect on pregnancy outcome.Methods: This case control study included 60 third trimester pregnant women (30 normotensive and 30 preeclamptic) who attended Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BIRDEM and DMCH, during July 2009 and June 2010. Estimation of serum C reactive protein (CRP) concentrations was done by liquid phase immunoprecipitation assay and turbulometry at DMC.Results: Mean (±SD) age showed no significant difference between groups; however, BMI, SBP, DBP and CRP were significantly (P&lt;0.001) high in case group. Gravidity and ANC showed no significant variation between groups. CRP concentration was significantly high case group. Gestational age was significantly low in case group resulting in higher preterm delivery. No significant variation was observed regarding fetal outcome; however, birth weight was significantly low and neonatal complication was also significantly high in case group.Conclusion: CRP concentration was high in preeclamptics resulting in adverse pregnancy outcome

Prevalence of Methicillin and &beta;&minus;Lactamase Resistant Pathogens Associated with Oral and Periodontal Disease of Children in Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Oral and periodontal diseases (OPD) is considered one of the main problems of dentistry worldwide. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of oral and periodontal pathogenic bacteria along with their antimicrobial resistance pattern in 131 children patients aged between 4&ndash;10 years who attended in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital during October 2019 to March 2020. OPD pathogens were identified through isolation, cultural and biochemical properties, and nucleic acid detection. The isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility to 12 antibiotics commonly used in dentistry. In addition, the isolates were analyzed molecularly for the presence of six virulence and three antibacterial resistance genes. Five pathogens were identified, of which Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (49%) and S. salivarius (46%) were noticed frequently; other bacteria included S. mutans (16.8%), S. sobrinus (0.8%) and L. fermentum (13.7%). The virulence genes&mdash;clumping factor A (clfA) was detected in 62.5% isolates of S. aureus, and gelatinase enzyme E (gelE) gene was detected in 5% isolates of S. salivarius, while other virulence genes were not detected. All the tested isolates were multidrug-resistant. The overall prevalence of MDR S. aureus, Streptococcus spp. and L. fermentum was 92.2%, 95.1% and 100%, respectively. It was observed that a high proportion of isolates were found resistant to 5&ndash;8 antibiotics. A majority of S. aureus, Streptococcus spp., and L. fermentum isolates tested positive for the &beta;&minus;lactamase resistance genes blaTEM and cfxA, as well as the methicillin resistance gene mecA. Phylogenetically, the resistance genes showed variable genetic character among Bangladeshi bacterial pathogens. In conclusion, S. aureus and S. salivarius were major OPD pathogens in patients attended in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital of Bangladesh, and most were Beta-lactam and methicillin resistant

An in silico approach to develop potential therapies against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)

A deadly respiratory disease Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is caused by a perilous virus known as MERS-CoV, which has a severe impact on human health. Currently, there is no approved vaccine, prophylaxis, or antiviral therapeutics for preventing MERS-CoV infection. Due to its inexorable and integral role in the maturation and replication of the MERS-CoV virus, the 3C-like protease is unavoidly a viable therapeutic target. In this study, 2369 phytoconstituents were enlisted from Japanese medicinal plants, and these compounds were screened against 3C-like protease to identify feasible inhibitors. The best three compounds were identified as Kihadanin B, Robustaflavone, and 3-beta-O- (trans-p-Coumaroyl) maslinic acid, with binding energies of −9.8, −9.4, and −9.2 kcal/mol, respectively. The top three potential candidates interacted with several active site residues in the targeted protein, including Cys145, Met168, Glu169, Ala171, and Gln192. The best three compounds were assessed by in silico technique to determine their drug-likeness properties, and they exhibited the least harmful features and the greatest drug-like qualities. Various descriptors, such as solvent-accessible surface area, root-mean-square fluctuation, root-mean-square deviation, hydrogen bond, and radius of gyration, validated the stability and firmness of the protein-ligand complexes throughout the 100ns molecular dynamics simulation. Moreover, the top three compounds exhibited better binding energy along with better stability and firmness than the inhibitor (Nafamostat), which was further confirmed by the binding free energy calculation. Therefore, this computational investigation could aid in the development of efficient therapeutics for life-threatening MERS-CoV infections

Missense mutations in spike protein of SARS‐CoV‐2 delta variant contribute to the alteration in viral structure and interaction with hACE2 receptor

Abstract Introduction Many of the global pandemics threaten human existence over the decades among which coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) is the newest exposure circulating worldwide. The RNA encoded severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus is referred as the pivotal agent of this deadly disease that induces respiratory tract infection by interacting host ACE2 receptor with its spike glycoprotein. Rapidly evolving nature of this virus modified into new variants helps in perpetrating immune escape and protection against host defense mechanism. Consequently, a new isolate, delta variant originated from India is spreading perilously at a higher infection rate. Methods In this study, we focused to understand the conformational and functional significance of the missense mutations found in the spike glycoprotein of SARS‐CoV‐2 delta variant performing different computational analysis. Results From physiochemical analysis, we found that the acidic isoelectric point of the virus elevated to basic pH level due to the mutations. The targeted mutations were also found to change the interactive bonding pattern and conformational stability analyzed by the molecular dynamic's simulation. The molecular docking study also revealed that L452R and T478K mutations found in the RBD domain of delta variant spike protein contributed to alter interaction with the host ACE2 receptor. Conclusions Overall, this study provided insightful evidence to understand the morphological and attributive impact of the mutations on SARS‐CoV‐2 delta variant