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Controlled burning of lead-acid battery plates can release lead-bearing particulate matter that disperses through the air, deposits on passive surfaces, and is transferred to edible crops. This study quantified the source-to-receptor pathway under field-calibrated conditions in Kushtia, Bangladesh, by monitoring PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ across a triangular sampling grid extending to 45 m, assessing passive Pb deposition on Whatman filter papers, and measuring Pb accumulation in red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.). Three battery plates were burned per event, producing an approximate total mass loss of 149.7 ± 4.5 g. PM, deposition, and crop data all exhibited strong distance-dependent gradients, and two-way ANOVA represented significant effects of distance, time/week, and their interaction for all response variables (all p < 0.0001). PM_2.5 showed the strongest distance-dependent association with both filter-paper Pb deposition and Pb accumulation in red amaranth within the sampled range, while PM₁₀ showed significant but weaker associations within the sampled distance range. The background control plot remained below the instrumental detection limit, supporting atmospheric deposition as the dominant exposure pathway. The crop-response model showed an excellent fit (R² = 0.948), since the Codex leafy-vegetable Pb benchmark is based on fresh weight while plant data were measured on a dry-weight basis, the threshold distance was evaluated across a plausible moisture range. Therefore, the 50 m setback is presented as a precautionary recommendation rather than a strict model-derived boundary. The findings provide a mechanistic basis for setback planning around informal battery-burning activities and highlight the food-safety risks of atmospheric Pb transfer to edible crops.

Rice bakanae, a devastating seed-borne disease caused by Fusarium species requires a more attractive and eco-friendly management strategy. The optimization of plant-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as nanofungicides by targeting Fusarium species may be a rational approach. In this study, Azadirachta indica leaf aqueous extract-based AgNPs (AiLAE-AgNPs) were synthesized through the optimization of three reaction parameters: A. indica leaf amount, plant extract-to-AgNO₃ ratio (reactant ratio), and incubation time. The optimized green AgNPs were characterized using ultraviolet–visible light (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The optimal conditions for producing spherical, unique, and diminutive-sized AgNPs ranging from 4 to 27 nm, with an average size of 15 nm, were 2 g AiLAE at a 1:19 ratio (extract-to-AgNO₃) and incubated for 4 h. Fusarium isolates collected from infected soils and identified as F. fujikuroi (40) and F. proliferatum (58 and 65) by PCR were used for seed infestation. The AgNPs exhibited concentration-dependent mycelial growth inhibition with EC₅₀ values ranging from 2.95 to 5.50 μg/mL. The AgNPs displayed exposure time-dependent seed disinfectant potential (complete CFU reduction in F. fujikuroi (40) and F. proliferatum (58) was observed at a concentration of 17.24 μg/mL). The optimized green AgNPs were non-toxic to germinating seeds, and completely cured bakanae under net-house conditions, suggesting their great nano-fungicidal potency for food security and sustainable agriculture.

Antimicrobials have been used to improve animal welfare, food security, and food safety that promote the emergence, selection, and dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. In this study, 50 E. coli were isolated from frozen chicken meat samples in Dhaka city. Antibiotic sensitivity patterns were assessed through the disk diffusion method and finally screened for the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARG) using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Among the 160 samples, the prevalence of E. coli was observed in fifty samples (31.25%). All of these isolates were found resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent, and 52.0% of the isolates were resistant against 4–7 different antimicrobials. High resistance was shown to tetracycline (66.0%), followed by resistance to erythromycin (42.0%), ampicillin and streptomycin (38.0%), and sulfonamide (28.0%). In addition, the most prevalent ARGs were tet(A) (66.0%), ereA (64.0%), tet(B) (60.0%), aadA1 and sulI (56.0%), blaCITM (48.0%) and blaSHV (40.0%). About 90.0% of isolates were multidrug resistant. This study reveals for the first time the current situation of E. coli AMR in broilers, which is helpful for the clinical control of disease as well as for the development of policies and guidelines to reduce AMR in broilers production in Bangladesh.

Identification of meat and meat products is significant for economic, religious, or public health reasons. This study focused on the detection and differentiation of meat animal species. A total of sixty-four meat samples (10 samples of each like beef, buffen, chevon, and mutton; twenty-four samples of pork) were analyzed for these purposes. PCR-RFLP of 12S rRNA gene with four restriction enzymes was performed on individual meat samples as well as mixture of different meat. Species specific primers as well as sequencing of DNA were also used to detect and verify the RFLP results. PCR amplification yielded a 456bp fragments from 100% samples. AluI digested beef DNA into 359 and 97bp, chevon and mutton DNA into 246 and 210bp fragments and pork DNA into 290 and 166bp fragments. However, it cannot digest buffen DNA. On the other hand HhaI digested only buffen DNA into 247 and 209bp fragments but not others. ApoI restricts only mutton DNA and yielded 329 and 127bp fragments but not others. Nevertheless, BspTI yielded 323 and 133bp fragments only from chevon. Besides, mixed samples (1:1) of beef-buffen and chevon-mutton can be differentiated by AluI & HhaI and BspTI & ApoI, respectively. Chord analysis based on our sequence and respective sequences of studied animals from GenBank indicated that the cutting sites are conserved in these species of animals. Phylogenetically each of the species was clustered separately. This technique may be useful for meat animal species detection and differentiation either from individual meat and mixed meat samples.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles have a high surface-to-mass ratio and rapidly aggregate in water causing great difficulties for toxicity test exposed to aquatic organisms or other cell lines. This study uses a cell viability kit for routine toxicity test of TiO2 as well as other nanoparticles which accumulate in the aquatic environment. Tetrahymena immediately endocytoses TiO2 nanoparticles and stores them in food vacuoles until the particles undergo exocytosis as larger aggregates. However, during the process of endocytosis and exocytosis, TiO2 particles interfere with cell growth and consequently induce acute toxicity. It exerted high cell growth inhibition at 20 h incubation and induces significant cytotoxic effects. Surprisingly, the effect of TiO2 decreases at 40 h incubation, due to the recovery of cell growth and reduction of the cytotoxicity of the particles.

Antibiotic resistance has become a major clinical and public health problem within
the lifetime of the peoples. The current worldwide increase in resistant bacteria and
simultaneously, the downward trend in the development of new antibiotics have serious
implications. This study isolated and characterized different antibiotic resistance bacteria
present in the hospital effluents of Kushtia district in Bangladesh using selective growth
medium in presence of amoxicillin, tetracycline and penicillin at different concentration.
Salmonella spp, Escherichia coli and Shigella were found to be resistant to these antibiotics. It
also finds that amoxicillin is more resistant to the microorganisms as compared to other two
antibiotics. This study also showed that the gram-negative acquired resistant to antibiotics
rather than gram-positive bacteria in the hospital effluents. Therefore a high level of antibiotic
resistance bacteria is present in the hospital effluents which can be a big health hazard to the
human beings

The study has demonstrated that anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil causes acute toxicity and interferes with the growth of green microalgae, Scenedesmus vacuolatus. It accumulates in microalgae biomass with bioaccumulation factor of 1.84 × 10⁴ and further integrates into the DNA and RNA of microalgae. In addition, the labelled microalgae genome is transferred into protozoan Tetrahymena pyriformis on feeding and is retained in the food vacuoles of predator organisms. This biotransfer of labelled 5-fluorouracil via genomic material was evaluated using radioactivity in Tetrahymena cell pellets though radioactivity did not detect anticancer drug in the genome of the predator organism.

This review summarizes the application of Tetrahymena spp. in ecotoxicology, in order to promote a more integrated, multi-level
ecotoxicological assessment approach regarding the effects of chemical stressors on several biological levels (from molecule to ecosys-
tem). Such a multi-level testing approach in one species facilitates the establishment of missing causal relationships between biochemical
responses and ecological effects. The review illustrates that Tetrahymena spp. represent excellent ecotoxicological test species due to their
important role in the microbial foodweb, wide distribution and abundance, sequenced genome in T. thermophila, large background know-
ledge and scientific publications in cellular biology, ecology and ecotoxicology. Several bioassays have already been developed on differ-
ent biological organisation levels, such as enzyme assays (biochemical level), behavioral tests (individual level), population growth tests
(population level) and microcosms (community level). Moreover, specific mode-of-action based assays are available (e.g. genotoxicity), or
are in development (e.g. endocrine disruption and neurotoxicity). Tetrahymena spp. combine traits of (1) a single cell, thus might replace
or complement specific cell-line testing approaches, with traits of (2) a whole organism and population, thus allowing to study complete
metabolic pathways and its consequences on population growth and genetic adaptation. Assays involving Tetrahymena spp. might easily be
adapted for a rapid multi-level in situ or ex situ toxicity biosensor test system for ecologically relevant risk assessment

Background, aim, and scope

As possible precursors of PFOA, fluorotelomer alcohols are a class of highly fluorinated and volatile compounds. Although they are widespread in the environment, little toxicity data is available. The present study focused on testing the population growth impairment potential of FTOH. Moreover, certain efforts were made to find the possible effect mechanism of these compounds.

Materials and methods

The growth inhibition test was made both in an open system (96-well microplates) and in a closed system (closed flasks). In addition, cells were stained with acridine orange and observed under fluorescence microscopy at 488 nm. Furthermore, direct membrane damage was checked by measuring LDH leakage.

Results

For 8:2 FTOH and 10:2 FTOH, no growth inhibition was found in either of the systems. In contrast, 4:2 FTOH interfered with population growth in the closed system (EC₅₀ = 276.1 mg/L), whereas, 6:2 FTOH had an influence on population growth both in the closed system (EC₅₀ = 64.3 mg/L) and in the open system. Macronucleus destruction was observed with 6:2 FTOH. No direct membrane damage was detectable.

Discussion

With a closed system, 4:2 and 6:2 FTOH were found to be capable of impairing population growth. However, this potential was to a certain extent underestimated. With the help of the air–water distribution coefficient, the real EC₅₀ was estimated within the interval [203.2, 276.1] mg/L and [14.7, 64.3] mg/L for 4:2 and 6:2 FTOH, respectively. Some evidence, such as the absence of direct membrane or macronucleus damage, indicate that certain FTOH could likely cause apoptosis. But the exact effect mechanism could not be determined on the basis of the present results.

A 96-well plate culture methodology for the unicellular eukaryote Tetrahymena pyriformis, strain GL was used for the determination of toxicity and metabolism of catecholamines. Catecholamines exhibited moderate acute toxicity to Tetrahymena cells where dopamine and L-DOPA showed higher toxic potential at EC(10) (0.39 ppm and 0.63 ppm, respectively) and EC(20) (1.1 ppm and 1.0 ppm respectively) after 48 h exposure. All tested catecholamines were highly degradable in the PPY-medium due to the oxidizing environment during incubation. Also the catecholamines were naturally synthesized and released by Tetrahymena cells into the culture medium and increasingly accumulated with time where noradrenalin exhibited the highest degree of accumulation. However, the exogenous exposure of catecholamines to the cells caused the depletion of natural noradrenalin synthesis even with the addition of very low physiological concentration (0.12 ppm). Dopamine caused the higher effect on inhibiting noradrenalin synthesis. Treatment with a higher concentration (8.0 ppm) of dopamine in 96-well plates caused strong excitation of the cells and ascertained a new metabolite in vivo while the other representative catecholamines were not responsible for the production of this metabolite. This dopamine metabolite is relatively non-polar as compared to noradrenalin, adrenaline and dopamine and eluting later through the reverse phase C-18 column.

Adolescence (to grow into adulthood “between ages 10–19 years”) is the most important periods of human life. It is a transitional stage of physical and psychological human development that generally occurs during the period from puberty to legal adulthood. Adolescence is a time of moving from the immaturity of childhood into the maturity of adulthood as composed of a set of transitions such as biological, cognitive, social, and emotional that reveal gradually and that touch upon many aspects of the individual’s behavior, development, and relationships. Empowerment is the expansion of freedom of choice and action. It means increasing one’s authority and control over the resources and decisions that affect one’s life. Social inclusion, autonomy, visibility, mobility, agency, and self-efficacy are the vital concepts associated with the concept of empowerment. In...

The present study was designed to compare the chemical and phytochemical compositions of Momordica charantia, Azadira chtaindica, Trigonella foenum-graecum and Phyllanthus emblica and subsequently, antidiabetic activities of T. foenum-graecum and a combination of polyherbal extract of T. foenum-graecum and M. charantia were evaluated on alloxan induced diabetic mice. The proximate and phytochemical compositions of the plants were quantitatively determined using standard methods. In order to evaluate antidiabetic activity, normal and alloxan induced diabetic mice were orally administered 0.5 mL aqueous extract of T. foenum-graecumand combination of T. foenum-graecum – M. charantia once per day for 7 days. These two plants were selected for antidiabetic activity based on their high phytochemical contents. A near normal blood glucose value of 98.5 ± 0.2 mg / 100mL and 97.02 ± 0.55 mg / 100 mL was observed in the 7^th and 5^th day experimental animals after administration of T. foenum-graecum and T. foenum-graecum – M. charantia, respectively and remained at the same level even after further oral administration. Consequently, it is evident that compared with single extract of T. foenum-graecum, the combined polyherbal extract of T. foenum-graecum – M. charantia promptly lowered blood glucose and maintained a relatively steady level over the study period. However, there was no change in blood glucose levels of control animals subsequent to administration of either extracts of T. foenum-graecum or T. foenum-graecum – M. charantia

Cancer is a growing public health concern worldwide, particularly in low and middle-income countries such as Bangladesh. Lifestyle factors, including dietary habits, smoking, and obesity, play a crucial role in cancer development. To provide updated insights for risk prediction and public health interventions this study aims is to collect and analyze patient data from the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital (NICRH) to identify and evaluate the association of lifestyle risk factors with cancer incidence in Bangladesh. This study investigates the prevalence of different cancers and their association with modifiable risk factors among Bangladeshi cancer patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the NICRH where two-thirds (201) of the cancer patients’ data were involving to dominate the result. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and logistic regression analysis was performed by SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), version 26 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) to assess the relationship between cancer and lifestyle factors. The findings indicate that breast cancer (18.9%) was the most prevalent cancer, followed by lung (15.9%), stomach (12.9%), cervix uteri (12.9%), and esophageal cancer (6.5%). Lung cancer was most common in males (27.5%), whereas breast cancer was the most frequent in females (34.5%). The highest cancer incidents were observed in individuals aged 40-60 years. Smoking showed a significant association with lung cancer (OR: 1.230, P = 0.001), while obesity was strongly associated with breast cancer (OR: 1.43, P = 0.006). These findings highlight the urgent need for public health intervention, including tobacco control, obesity prevention, dietary modifications, and expanded cancer screening programs, to reduce cancer incidence in Bangladesh. Addressing these risk factors through policy-driven strategies and awareness initiatives could significantly improve cancer prevention and early detection efforts.

Adolescence represents a critical window of opportunity for shaping long-term health behaviors and development outcomes, especially in resource-limited rural contexts. This study explores the interconnected roles of nutrition, public health, and community-based health interventions in promoting adolescent empowerment in rural Bangladesh. Guided by a multidimensional framework, the research focuses on how communication and the practice of Nutritional Knowledge, Health, and Behavior (NKHB) can influence adolescent well-being. A total of 159 adolescents aged 10 to 17 years participated in the study, with 87 boys and 72 girls included in the sample. Anthropometric analysis revealed that 51.6% of respondents were underweight, 40.9% had a normal BMI, and a small but significant proportion were either overweight or obese. Notably, underweight adolescents reported a higher frequency of common illnesses such as colds, fevers, and skin infections highlighting the link between nutritional deficits and weakened immunity. The findings also identified significant disparities in social interactions and communication patterns. Girls were found to spend more time with mothers and siblings, while boys interacted more with peers and community members. These communication patterns are closely associated with knowledge dissemination and behavioral shaping, suggesting that targeted interventions must address gendered pathways of influence. Despite various national efforts, the research confirms a critical gap in localized and integrated health education strategies for adolescents in rural areas. The study proposes a strategic framework that integrates community-based workshops, school-based monitoring, and adolescent friendly health services to improve NKHB. By aligning this framework with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly SDG 2 & SDG 3 the research offers a practical pathway for improving adolescent health outcomes. Ultimately, empowering adolescents through nutrition and behavior change is essential not only for individual development but also for achieving broader public health and development goals in Bangladesh.

This study was conducted to evaluate the synergistic effects of the mixtures of
green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with ampicillin and metformin separately in
obviating the global threats of antimicrobial resistance and diabetes mellitus.
AgNPs was synthesized using Azadirachta indica aqueous leaf extract at varying
extract concentration and incubation time. The synthesis of AgNPs in aqueous
solution was confirmed by the visual color change and by using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer.
The biosynthesized AgNPs was further characterized using Scanning
Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis. The experimental results revealed that the
biosynthesized AgNPs were polydispersed, smaller in size and aggregated. The
mean diameter of the formed AgNPs was 50 nm as evident from the SEM analysis.
Additionally, the mixtures of AgNPs with ampicillin and metformin exhibited
synergistic in vitro antimicrobial and in vivo antidiabetic effects i.e., being more
efficacious than AgNPs, ampicillin and metformin alone.

A comparative study was conducted to evaluate quality of Spirulinaplatensis products like powder and tablets that were manufactured by different companies in Bangladesh. The powder form was collected from Bangladesh Spirulina Company Ltd. and was named as SP-1. On the other hand, the tablets were collected from Eureka International, Life Line International and Evergreen Enterprise’s and were as named as SP-2, SP-3 and SP-4, respectively. The parameters investigated in this study were moisture content, ash content, acid insoluble and acid soluble ash content, crude fat content, nitrogen and protein content. Additionally, the amount of different solvent extracts, phytochemical screening, determination of total phenolic and flavonoids contents and antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging activity), reducing power assay and total antioxidant activity and elemental analysis were also investigated. DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power assay and total antioxidant activity of all samples extract of four varieties showed significant/good/moderate activity, especially methanol and water extracts showed significant activity. All the four varieties of Spirulinaplatensis possessed good reducing power. Results of elemental analysis of four verities of Spirulinaplatensis showed significant difference. Analysis of mineral composition revealed the presence of sufficient amount of minerals such as sodium, potassium, iron and zinc. High levels of potassium were observed in all the samples. Heavy metals were also analyzed like lead, copper, chromium etc. Some of the samples were found to have contained lead in significant amounts. The reducing powers of the methanol and water extracts of four different samples (Spirulinaplatensis) were found to be significant in comparison with the standard ascorbic acid. The total antioxidant capacities of the methanol and water extracts of four different samples (Spirulinaplatensis) were found to be moderately significant in comparison with the standard ascorbic acid. From the result of this study, it is observed that different samples of Spirulinaplatensis contained different amount of physicochemical, chemical and antioxidant properties. However, among of the four products, SP-3 was found to have the best quality.

Breastfeeding practices of mother are effective way for reducing infant morbidity and mortality. Improper breastfeeding along with inadequate complementary feeding are the main reasons for malnutrition among the children in Bangladesh. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess and find the breast feeding practice in selected areas of Dhaka city with respect to socio-economic and demographic condition. Here, 250 mothers and their 250 infants were considered to asses using a formative questionnaire. Within this sample size 129 (51.6%) were male infants and 121 (49.4%) were female infants respectively. This study found that the privilege of breast feeding practice progressively increases with the mother’s education that has been started from less than high school level (below 10 classes) to bachelor’s level or more than higher. In addition, this study found that about 84.8% lactating mothers have knowledge on what are colostrums. But surprisingly only 58% mothers gave colostrums to their infants. Furthermore, we found that the rate of exclusive breast feeding among three months and six months age infants were 51.2% and 27.2% respectively. Therefore, according to findings of this study it could be concluded that mothers in the Dhaka city should give more attention on breast feeding to her infants and subsequently prevent infant mortality and get a healthy child.

Vegetable oils (soybean, rapeseeds, sesame etc.) are very popular in South-Asian countries like Bangladesh, but most of these oils are rich in erucic acid which has an adverse effect on serum lipids. This study investigated the acute efficacy and protective effect of dietary supplementation of sesame oil at different concentrations on constant dose of rapeseed powder which induced elevation of serum lipids in Wister rats. In this study, rapeseeds significantly decreased body weight (p<0.05) and food efficiency ratio (FER) while serum lipids like total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were augmented. However, the effect of sesame oil was vice-versa. But when sesame oil was mixed with rapeseeds as dietary supplement, body weight, FER and HDL (high density lipoprotein) were increased while TC, TG and LDL were reduced significantly (p<0.01). This result revealed sesame oil had ameliorated effects on rapeseed through lowering lipid levels in serum and also protected from toxicity effect of rapeseed. Therefore, regular intake of sesame oil as a dietary supplementation might improve desirable lipid profile and also maintain the proper lipid index in human.

This study has been conducted to assess the present scenario of spraying insecticides/fungicides during the whole cultivation period of mango in Shibgonj upazilla of Chapainawabgonj district. A total number of 250 mango growers were randomly selected and interviewed by structured questionnaires from December, 2014 to June, 2015. The data were collected with respect to their educational level, cultivating land, times and types of insecticides/fungicides spray, and farmer’s consciousness about the excessive use of insecticides/fungicides. Out of the 250 mango growers, 184 were illiterate which accounts almost 74% followed by under HSC, 51 (20%) and higher educated, 15 (6%). Around 1-3 acre of land was used by 145 (58%) mango growers for cultivation followed by 3-7 acre by 85 (34%) and more than 7 acres by 20 (8%). Eight insecticides and seven fungicides under different trade names were most commonly sprayed at 2, 3, 4, and even more than 7 times in the stage of mango flowering, green mango, and finally, in mature stages. Most importantly, 151 (60%) growers do not have any, while 99 (40%) have very little knowledge about the negative effects of using excessive amounts of insecticides/fungicides. The mango growers are randomly using same pesticides under different brand name. Additionally, they frequently use fungicides instead of insecticides that cause no death of mango pest. As a result, they could not protect early dropping of mangoes. Furthermore, 103 (41%) and 147 (59%) growers have little and no knowledge regarding the side effects of spraying of formalin and calcium carbide that are used for preservation and early ripening of mango, respectively. Therefore, necessary actions should be taken immediately keeping in mind not only to reduce the early fall out of mangoes but also to produce safe mangoes for consumption.

The aim of this study was to find the effect of printex 90 and titanium dioxide nanoparticle on catecholamine
homeostasis in Tetrahymena thermophila. These two nanoparticles were exposed for 20 hours and 40 hours respectively.
Tetrahymena cell produce catecholamine which was extracted by solid phase extraction and then analyzed by HPLC-
ECD. Nanoparticles cause the stimulation of catecholamine production to the Tetrahymena. Noradrenaline and dopamine
were predominantly synthesized in the cell with exposure of nanoparticles. Printex 90 induces strong stimulation of cell
for catecholamine synthesis as compared to titanium dioxide. The production level of catecholamine increases with
higher doses of nanoparticles with few exceptions. Nevertheless, this study clearly claims that nanoparticle increases
catecholamine synthesis and causes subsequent toxicity.

Objectives: Children under-five years are more vulnerable and susceptible to malnutrition especially in the coastal region. Therefore, this study sought to find out the contributing factors of malnutrition among under-five children in coastal region of Bangladesh.Study Design: It is descriptive type cross-sectional study.Methods: Anthropometric methods and structured questionnaires were used to collect required data. Nutritional status was measured using Z score according to WHO classification.175 children (6-59 months) and their householdin Barguna district was considered for study subjects. Results and discussion:Only 5.7% children were introduced with colostrum and 25.71% followed exclusive breast feeding. The rate of literacy was found to be higher in father (85.1%) as compared to mother (39.4%). 68.6% children are suffering from underweight whereas the percentage of wasting and stunting children were found to 40.6% and 60% respectively. Breastfeeding practice and monthly family income were significantly associated with wasting, stunting and underweight. Children who were not exclusively breast fed had higher rate of moderate wasting (59.5%), stunting (70.5%) and underweight (74.6%). Children with illiterate father were found to have more odd value of having wasting, stunting and underweight compared to literate father. Furthermore, early age (6-24 month) of children are more susceptible for malnutrition as compared to the age (25-59 months) of children. Conclusions: Children are underweight and stunting due to the insufficient breast feeding practice, father’s education, monthly income of families and sanitary practices. Therefore, community nutrition and public health education are early demands for the people in the coastal area.

To investigate the Infant and Young Child Feeding Practice and Nutrition status among 6-23 months age group children in nutrition intervention (national nutrition program) and non-intervention areas. Nutrition intervention has been proposed to reduce the risk of malnutrition. It was a comparative cross-sectional study. A total of 360 households, of which 180 were from the nutrition intervention area each with at least a child aged between 6-23 months were randomly selected. Statistical package for Social Scientists (SPSS/PC+) was used for data entry and analysis. Nutritional status that is weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height were computed using anthro software. T-test, chi-square and Pearson’s correlation (p < 0.05) were administered to compare the two groups. There was a significant difference between the intervention and non intervention groups in relation to the incidence of initiation of breast feeding, prelacteal and exclusive breast feeding and complementary feeding (p < 0.05). The prevalence of wasting (p = 0.004), stunting (p = 0.015) and underweight (p = 0.003) was observed to be greater for non NNP area compared with the group of NNP area and association was found between those areas. In the study showed that the Infant and Young Child Feeding Practice and Nutritional status are better in nutrition intervention area. Key words: Under-two children, Nutritional status, wasting, stunting, underweight, nutrition intervention, IYCF and IYCN, Z-score.

This study deals with the nutritional profile of adolescent girls on the basis of data collected from sample survey of 300 respondents from Khagrachhari district in Chittagong hill tracts region of Bangladesh by cross sectional method. This study found that about 66.00% of adolescent girls lived in rural and only 34.00% lived in urban area of Khagrachhari district. About 93.00% of adolescent girls were tribes and only 7.00% were Bengali. According to the BMI level 41.33% of adolescent girls were underweight, 35.00% normal, 8.33% overweight and 6.67% obese. Their nutritional status were very poor because 65% adolescent girls intake low food, 15.67% undergo married during adolescent period. Among the adolescent girls the percentage of non school going was 11.60 and above class eight were only 21.67. The light spark of this study is 28.34% of the adolescent girl's intake diet more than the normal (1900 kcal. per day), 63.40% maintains hygienity. Study also shows that nutritional awareness developed 43.33% through mass media such as Television, Radio and Newspaper. Friends and family members also play a vital role to improve their nutritional awareness.

Aims: To make approaches to data collection and analysis for reviewing the impact of malnourishment upon the high incidence of infections and infestations among children in slum.
Study Design: This prospective study was carried out among the total of 110 slum children and incidence of infections and infestations among them was observed. Data were collected by survey of dwelling condition, face to face interviews with the mother and examination of physical condition of children aged less than 12 years. To calculate the incidence rate for infections and infestation among the malnourished children and their association with aspects of demographic, socioeconomic, health and community factors Gomez's original classification and Waterlow classification was used and statistical analysis was done.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted from July 2011 to June 2012 in Kushtia Districts of Bangladesh.
Methodology: The survey form was prepared in two sections. The first part was conducted in order to assess the nutritional status by taking anthropometric measurement and dietary history of the child and the second part was prepared for examining presence of any disease. Children were eligible for inclusion in the study if they were less than 12 years of age. For all dwellings with at least one eligible child data on socioeconomic and demographic variables were collected through structured face-to-face interviews. Where the main householder or career or mother was not available the interview was conducted with a secondary householder or career.
Results: Of the total 110 slum children 67.27% were found moderately malnourished, 12.72% were severely malnourished and 11.81% were mild malnourished. It also found that a greater part of the children were wasted (52.72%) and 15.45% of the children were both wasted and stunted. In this study 45 children (40.9%) out of 110 were found to be infected with one or more of the infections. Among these infections the most prevalent are - cough (17.27%), skin abscess (14.54%), diarrhea (13.63%), tonsillitis (8.18%) and respiratory distress (15.45%) are also very common. Among the malnourished boys 43.24% were infected and the infestation rate among the malnourished boys was 45.94%. Among the malnourished girls the infection and infestation rate was 45.31% and 37.5% respectively. By sexes combined 44.5% malnourished children were infected and 40.6% were infested.
Conclusion: The analysis proved that the factors which predispose the host to malnutrition also predispose to infection, thus establishing the vicious circle of infection-malnutrition-infection. The analysis also revealed that intestinal parasitic infestations contribute significantly to poor growth and malnutrition in children

To determine the nutritional status and analyze the nutritional survey based on broad range of dietary,
clinical, biochemical, anthropometric and socio-economic data for pregnant women the study was conducted on 400
pregnant women in South –West region of Khulna division, Bangladesh. The study was carried out by cross sectional
methods amongst pregnant women in different trimesters of pregnancy. Data were collected with a pre-tested
questionnaire composed of structured and non-structured question. The questionnaire included Socio-economic status,
educational status, age, family member, child of respond, daily requirement of nutrients, vaccination during
pregnancy, food habits, food believes, food prices, awareness about common disorder during pregnancy, height weight
and clinical condition of mother, etc. We found that 66.25% pregnant women were nourished (including- normal
39.62%, over weight-21.50% and obese-5.13%), 24.75% were moderately malnourished. We also found that about
60%, 20%, 13.25% and 6.75% peoples comprises the monthly family income =5000 TK, 5000-8000 TK, 8000-10000
TK and =10000 TK respectively. In addition 34.50% people are primary education, 47.00%, secondary education,
5.25%, under graduate, 2.50% graduate and nearly 10.75% even does not have primary education. Very much
unexpectedly about 59.50 % pregnant women were anemic who are risk to deliver their baby. The nutritional statuses
of the pregnant women in the family size =4 people are better than =6 people. On the other hand urban pregnant
women (68.57%) are comparatively well nourished than rural pregnant women (61.54%). Therefore, the key factor for
the nutritional status of pregnant women may depend on the education and financial condition of their family. It is
postulated that the nutrition situation of South-West region of Bangladesh has not improved satisfactory as an
educational environment and need more attention and a community based strategy for the improvement of maternal
nutritional status. This study would be useful in understanding the severity of the nutritional status of pregnant women
and increase the awareness on pregnant women accomplishing their physical, mental and academic achievements.

Background: Diarrhoea is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. This study observed the influences of nutritional status and age on the outcome of severe diarrhoea in adult male patients.

Methods and materials: Data were obtained through interview by arranged questionnaire. It is a prospective longitudinal study, where one group of patient was well nourished and other group was malnourished.

Results: Significant differences were found in all study factors between malnourished and well nourished diarrhoea patients. Patients with poor nutritional status had low body weight and muscle mass index than well nourished patients. The stool volume was higher in malnourished patients than well nourished patient. In addition mean duration of diarrhoea for malnourished patients was higher than well nourished patients until discharge from hospital.

Conclusion: Therefore, the diarrhoea of malnourished and low socioeconomic status of adult patients is more severe, and the incidence of this disease can be reduced by growing awareness as well as improve nutritional and socioeconomic status of those patient groups.

Two types dopamine receptor present in the cell membrane of vertebrates. But in this study D1 receptor was identified in the invertebrate ciliates protozoan, Tetrahymena thermophila by use of fluorescent ligands. D1 specific agonist SKF-38393 binds specifically to Tetrahymena. The specific binding of SKF-38393 was encountered by equimolar addition of D1 antagonist thus showed no binding of ligands. In addition, it was also proved that the D1 specific agonist did not cross bind with the D2 type receptor due to the equimolar addition of D2 selective antagonist spiperone. Interestingly this study also showed that the dopamine receptor present in the endoplasmic reticulum and endosomes of Tetrahymena as well as cell membrane which was revealed by laser scanning microscope. Therefore, this evidence supports the existence of a D1 receptor in the ciliate protozoan.

Antibacterial and antifungal activity of 2-oxo benzylidine (3-oxo aniline) Cu (II)-ethylindiamine has been tested against a number of pathogenic bacteria and fungus with different doses. At dose 25 μg disc^-1 the compound showed 6-13 mm diameter zone of inhibition against all of the tested bacteria which was found to be larger range as compared to cotrimoxazole (15-29 mm) at the same dose. Minimum inhibitory concentration was withinin the range of 64-128 μg ml^-1 against all of the tested bacteria_. The compound showed 0-13 mm diameter zone of inhibition against all of the tested fungus at dose 45 μg disc^-1 which was found to be larger range as compared with nystatin. The brine shrimp lethality of the compound was found to be 5.23 μg ml^-1 which shows a pronounced cytotoxic effect.

Swiss Albino mice inoculated with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells were treated with the extract of some medicinal plants include Citrullus colocynthis, Withania somnifera, Bambusa arundinacea, Mesua ferrea, Acorus calamus, Myrica nagi, Calotropis procera, Catharanthus roseus, Ficus racemosa and also with clinically highly effective drug bleomycin. Among the medicinal plants Bambusa arundinacea showed highest cell growth inhibition 81.9%. The tumor cell growth inhibition were found to be decreased as bleomycin>Bambusa arundinacea (ethylacetate extract)>Citrullus colocynthis>Ficus racemosa (methanol extract)>Withania somnifera>Mesua ferrea> Catharanthus roseus (methanol extract). Acorus calamus and Calotropis procera did not show any inhibition.