Framework For Spatiotemporal Visualization of Community Health In a Smart And Connected Community (SCC)

Smart and Connected Community (SCC) will use health data of the community members for knowledge generation beyond mobile health (mHealth). Current mHealth only assists individual users to monitor their health status, but do not allow integration and interpretation of collective health data. The objective of this thesis is to exhibit the continuous health status of the community members through a framework of visualization including spatial and temporal plots, such as anonymous user health severity graph, severity flow plot, a severity map view, the cumulative and segmented animation. The framework composes of physiological data collection with smartphones and sharing of anonymous data to SCC health server. Physiological data is sent from the smartphone app in JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) format and stored in the server database. Temporal visualization is presented as graph and flow, whereas spatial visualization utilizes Google Map overlay to display the severity distribution through the color code of severity. Furthermore, an animation mode is developed that displays combined spatiotemporal data over the selected duration in either cumulative or segmented at specified intervals. To implement this, a web-based dynamic server is used. The front end of the server is built with JavaScript JQuery and Ajax, whereas the backend of the server is managed by Hypertext Preprocessor, i.e. PHP, a server-side scripting language. The phpMyAdmin (administration tool for MySQL) stores the JSON data that comes from the smartphone app. To assess the framework, we utilized the MIT-BIH database with pre-recorded data from Arrhythmia patients. We assume each dataset record as a community member (subject). From these records, we classified arrhythmia and measure severity ranging from 0 to 100 considering various severity of arrhythmia (e.g. ventricular tachycardia is the most severe). These data are then randomized to a different location and fed to the visualization tool for functionally verify and assess the performance of the visualization tool. Furthermore, a survey was conducted to collect feedback about the visualization tool that shows that 81.4% participants in pre-session and 84.75% in post-session provided positive feedback about the visualization of health data. By using this framework, community members can generate collective knowledge that might assist community stakeholders such as the Health Department to improve community health by identifying health issues, developing strategies, and resource allocation

FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF BOVINE HERPESVIRUS MAJOR TEGUMENT PROTEIN VP8

Bovine herpesvirus (BoHV-1) is an important bovine pathogen. The ul47 gene-encoded VP8 is the most abundant protein of the BoHV-1 virion. VP8 is indispensable for BoHV-1 infection in cattle and a UL47-deleted virus exhibits drastic reduction in replication in tissue culture. The reason for the inability of UL47-deleted virus to replicate in cattle is unknown. Interferons (IFNs) secreted in response to viral infection trigger translocation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT1) to the nucleus for induction of IFN-stimulated genes. We observed that VP8 interacts with STAT1 through two regions, amino acids 259-482 and 632-741. IFN-β production was significantly reduced in BoHV-1- but not in BoHV-1ΔUL47-infected cells. VP8 did not alter STAT1 phosphorylation or degrade STAT1, but inhibited nuclear translocation of STAT1 to reduce IFN-β production. Thus, VP8 plays a vital role in inhibition of IFN-β signaling via interaction and sequestration of STAT1 in the cytoplasm. VP8 also interacted with Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and Nijmegen breakage syndrome-1 (NBS1), which are critical components in the DNA damage response. Association of VP8 with ATM and NBS1 did not affect ATM, but inhibited NBS1 activation. Consequently, phosphorylation of structural maintenance of chromosome-1 (SMC1), the downstream regulator of the ATM/NBS1 pathway, was abolished. BoHV-1 but not BoHV-1ΔUL47 infection inhibited NBS1 and SMC1 phosphorylation. In addition, VP8 induced apoptosis through caspase-3 activation. Hence, VP8 blocks the ATM/NBS1/SMC1 pathway resulting in induction of apoptosis, which reveals a role of VP8 in the modulation of the DNA damage response. We identified heat shock protein-60 (HSP60) as a mitochondrial interacting partner of VP8. VP8 co-localized with HSP60 in the mitochondria. Association of VP8 with mitochondria reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Mitochondrial functions were impaired in BoHV-1- but not in BoHV-1ΔUL47-infected cells. Thus, VP8 might contribute to the deregulation of mitochondrial functions. These results demonstrate that VP8 plays a crucial role during BoHV-1 infection by down-regulating IFN-β signaling, inhibiting the DDR pathway and deregulating mitochondrial functions. These functional characteristics of VP8 provide a (partial) explanation for the defective replication of BoHV-1ΔUL47 in cell culture and its lack of virulence in cattle

Morphological Characterization and Assessment of Genetic Variability, Character Association, and Divergence in Soybean Mutants

Genetic diversity is important for crop improvement. An experiment was conducted during 2011 to study genetic variability, character association, and genetic diversity among 27 soybean mutants and four mother genotypes. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the mutants and mothers for nine morphological traits. Eighteen mutants performed superiorly to their mothers in respect to seed yield and some morphological traits including yield attributes. Narrow differences between phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation (PCV and GCV) for most of the characters revealed less environmental influence on their expression. High values of heritability and genetic advance with high GCV for branch number, plant height, pod number, and seed weight can be considered as favorable attributes for soybean improvement through phenotypic selection and high expected genetic gain can be achieved. Pod and seed number and maturity period appeared to be the first order traits for higher yield and priority should be given in selection due to their strong associations and high magnitudes of direct effects on yield. Cluster analysis grouped 31 genotypes into five groups at the coefficient value of 235. The mutants/genotypes from cluster I and cluster II could be used for hybridization program with the mutants of clusters IV and V in order to develop high yielding mutant-derived soybean varieties for further improvement

Multidrug resistant clinical strains isolated from tracheal aspirates of patients in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Background: Antimicrobial resistance poses a major threat in the treatment of respiratory disease especially in developing countries like Bangladesh. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria along with extremely drug resistant (XDR) bacteria have emerged as major clinical and therapeutic dilemma in the treatment of tracheal infections here. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess multidrug resistance among clinical strains isolated from tracheal aspirates of patients in Dhaka, Bangladesh.Methods: Total 200 clinical isolates from tracheal aspirates were identified and their antibiotic susceptibility profiles were evaluated by using the VITEK 2 system following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Patient information on diagnosis, sex, age was obtained from hospital data.Results: Of 200 clinical isolates obtained, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequent pathogens (30.5%) followed by Acinetobacter baumannii (29%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (22.5%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (7.5%), Escherichia coli (5%), Staphylococcus aureus (2%), Proteus spp (1.5%), Enterobacter spp (1%), Citrobacter spp (0.5%), Providencia spp (0.5%). Of 20 different antibiotics tested, highest number of isolates (86%) showed resistance to third generation cephalosporin cefixime, however least number of isolates showed resistance to polymixin antibiotics- colistin (12.5%) and polymixin B (6%). Tracheal infection was found to be more prevalent in males rather than in females although this difference was not statistically significant. The prevalence of infections was highest among the patients of age-group (old adults) ≥60 years (61.5%). Of 200 clinical isolates, 43 (21.5%) were XDR and 125 (62.5%) were MDR bacteria. Of 200 clinical isolates, the synthesis of extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) and carbepenemase were detected in 59 (29.5%) and 98 (49%) strains respectively.Conclusions: Tracheal infections caused by β-lactamase producing MDR and XDR pathogens among patients are high in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Therefore, there is an urgent need for constant surveillance and interventions in Bangladesh in order to prevent further spreading of those resistant organisms

Exploration of Endophytic Fungi and Their Bioactive Potential Isolated from the Medicinal Plant Adhatoda vasica

Background and objective: The plants with pharmacological potential host potential endophytic fungi having metabolic interaction. Adhatoda vasica Nees, a well-reputed medicinal plant in Asia, has very few investigations on the plant's endophytic fungi available. This study reports the isolation, identification, and bioactive potential determination of the endophytes from the leaf and stem of the plant growing in Bangladesh. Methods: A protocol for fungus isolation was followed, including the significant steps: sample collection, surface sterilization, cultivation, preliminary selection, and purification. The fungal species were identified by morphological and molecular features, and then, small-scale cultivation followed solvent treatment (chloroform) to extract secondary metabolites. The extract's cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities were determined by brine shrimp lethality bioassay, disc diffusion method, and DPPH free radical scavenging activity, respectively. Results: Eight endophytic fungi were isolated and identified: four Fusarium sp., two Colletotrichum sp., one Phacidiopycnis sp., one Lasiodiplodia sp. Genome sequence confirmed two novel fungi from the plant: Fusarium solani (OR414980) and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (OR420097). In bioactivity testing, the fungi from the stem exhibited better activity than the leaf fungi. Among the eight fungi, Lasiodiplodia sp. showed the highest and most significant potential in each bioactivity test. Its extract (100 µg/disc) was approximately 80% susceptible against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and a fungus A. flavus compared to references (30 µg/disc). The fungus's LC50 (4 h) was 0.45 µg/mL, whereas vincristin sulfate showed nearly half.  Conclusion: The study recorded uncommon fungi of four genera from A. vasica; some showed remarkable bioactivity

Degree of fibrosis and its association with angiogenesis in the myelofibrotic bone marrow

Background: Primary and secondary myelofibrosis has become a global burden due to its increased mortality and morbidity. Angiogenesis is a significant driving force in the development of fibrogenesis in the bone marrow, which leads to myelofibrosis. The microvascular density (MVD) with immunomarker CD34 can be used to assess the degree of angiogenesis. The objective of this study was to examine the association between degree of myelofibrosis and angiogenesis in hematological malignancies. Methods: Forty-six trephine biopsy specimens of various hematological malignancies with myelofibrosis were studied at the Department of Pathology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Extent of myelofibrosis in each case was assessed by examining the reticulin and Masson’s trichrome stained sections using a semiquantitative grading system of bone marrow fibrosis (MF) within a scale of MF-0 to MF-3. Angiogenesis was measured by counting MVD in the ‘hotspots’ after immunostaining with CD34 antibody. Results: The trephine biopsy cases were grouped into early fibrotic (MF-1) and advanced fibrotic (MF-2,3) consisting of 16 (34.8%) and 30 (65.2%) patients, respectively. Angiogenesis was estimated as mean MVD count which revealed 16.7 ± 5.4 and 32.0 ± 11.5 in these groups, respectively.  Significant difference of mean MVD values     (P<0.001) between the early and advanced fibrotic groups revealed the association of angiogenesis and degree of myelofibrosis. Conclusion: MVD may be used to measure angiogenesis in myelofibrotic marrow along with other clinical and laboratory indices as a marker of disease activity in hematological malignancies, thus aiding disease prognosis. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Journal 2023;16(1): 26-34

Degree of fibrosis and its association with angiogenesis in the myelofibrotic bone marrow

Background: Primary and secondary myelofibrosis has become a global burden due to its increased mortality and morbidity. Angiogenesis is a significant driving force in the development of fibrogenesis in the bone marrow, which leads to myelofibrosis. The microvascular density (MVD) with immunomarker CD34 can be used to assess the degree of angiogenesis. The objective of this study was to examine the association between degree of myelofibrosis and angiogenesis in hematological malignancies. Methods: Forty-six trephine biopsy specimens of various hematological malignancies with myelofibrosis were studied at the Department of Pathology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Extent of myelofibrosis in each case was assessed by examining the reticulin and Masson’s trichrome stained sections using a semiquantitative grading system of bone marrow fibrosis (MF) within a scale of MF-0 to MF-3. Angiogenesis was measured by counting MVD in the ‘hotspots’ after immunostaining with CD34 antibody. Results: The trephine biopsy cases were grouped into early fibrotic (MF-1) and advanced fibrotic (MF-2,3) consisting of 16 (34.8%) and 30 (65.2%) patients, respectively. Angiogenesis was estimated as mean MVD count which revealed 16.7 ± 5.4 and 32.0 ± 11.5 in these groups, respectively.  Significant difference of mean MVD values     (P<0.001) between the early and advanced fibrotic groups revealed the association of angiogenesis and degree of myelofibrosis. Conclusion: MVD may be used to measure angiogenesis in myelofibrotic marrow along with other clinical and laboratory indices as a marker of disease activity in hematological malignancies, thus aiding disease prognosis. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Journal 2023;16(1): 26-34

Types and distribution of cancer patients attending in a tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh

Bangladesh, similar to other countries is experiencing an increased burden of cancer. Absence of a national cancer registry has created a gap in the information regarding the presentation of cancer statistics of the country. The objective of this study was to assess the types and distribution of the cancer patients attending a tertiary academic medical center hospital in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was conducted among all the confirmed cancer patients attending the in-patient and out-patient, and daycare facilities in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University in October, 2019. A validated questionnaire, recommended by International Agency for the Cancer Registry was used to collect data. Written informed consent was obtained from every respondent. This study had received its ethical clearance from Institutional Review Board of BSMMU. Among the 1656 respondents, 78.8% were adult and 25.2% were from paediatric age groups. Leading cancer for adult males were lung cancer (9.6%), leukaemia (9.4%) and lymphoma (9.0%); and breast cancer (28.1%), thyroid cancer (16.1%), and cervical cancer (12.2%) for females. Leukaemia was the most frequent cancer in the paediatric group for both males (71.5%) and females (66.5%). Establishing a hospital-based cancer registry with high quality data in an academic medical center setting is feasible and can set the stage for establishing nationwide hospital-based as well as establishing a popula- tion-based cancer registry in Bangladesh, which is necessary to identify and tackle the rising burden of cancer in this country. BSMMU J 2022; 15(1): 43-4

Ideals and institutions: systemic reasons for the failure of a social forestry program in south-west Bangladesh

We explore the contradictions between the ideals and principles of Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) and the local-level institutional processes encountered in their implementation. In particular, we examine the design, implementation, and outcomes of the Social Forestry Program (SFP) in the south-west coastal region of Bangladesh through case studies of two villages in Khulna District. The SFP was a component of the donor-funded Sundarban Biodiversity Conservation Project (SBCP), intended to improve the livelihoods of poor households and protect the landscape through strip plantations on both sides of the large embankments that surround the farming land in the coastal region. Our findings show the gap between the national and international context in which the SFP was formulated and the realities of the local context in which formal and informal institutions worked to frustrate the achievement of CBNRM ideals. Hence the SFP failed to significantly increase forest cover or improve the livelihoods of the target populations. We document the specific ways in which the SFP deviated from the assumptions of CBNRM. However, we conclude that the problem is systemic, related to the top-down imposition of a supposedly bottom-up process, and not simply a matter of improving project implementation. Thus improving rural livelihoods and natural resource management in complex marginal environments such as south-west coastal Bangladesh will require far more transformative institutional change than can be achieved by donor-initiated project interventions, no matter how worthy the ideals