bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of Fiber-optic Bronchoscopy in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Diseases in Diabetic Patients: Experience in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Ahmed Jamal Uddin , Hossain Md Delwar , Rahim Muhammad Abdur , Musa AKM
Published: June 2016

Background: Fiber-optic bronchoscopy (FOB) is an invasive procedure performed to identify possible endobronchial lesions. Diabetic patients often present with non-resolving pneumonia and collapse, many of whom are elderly and smoker; thus always giving rise to the suspicion of malignancy.Methods: This observational study was performed from March 2009 to August 2013 in the Department of Internal Medicine and Pulmonology of BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh; a 500 bedded tertiary care hospital dealing mostly with diabetic patients.Results: Out of 160 diabetic patients 126 (78.7%) were male, 34 (21.3%) were female. Mean age of the patients was  57.2 ±10.8 years. The indications of bronchoscopy were collapse (38, 23.8%), non-resolving consolidation (55, 34.4%), mass lesion (38, 23.8%), hemoptysis (10, 6.2%) and others (19, 11.8%). Findings in the bronchoscopy were mitotic lesion (56, 35.0%), inflammatory lesion (50, 31.3%) and normal finding (54, 33.8%). Among 56 cases of mitotic lesion, bronchial biopsy was taken in 48 (85.7%) cases. Histopathology reports of bronchial biopsy were squamous cell carcinoma (18, 37.5%), large cell carcinoma (11, 22.9%), adenocarcinoma (7, 14.6%), small cell carcinoma (5, 10.4%), inflammatory lesion (4, 8.3%) and normal finding (3, 6.3%). Among 38 cases of collapse, mitotic lesion was found in 24 (63.2%) cases. Among 55 (100%) cases of non-resolving consolidation, mitotic lesion was found in 18 (32.5%), inflammation in 23 (41.8%) and normal findings in 14 (25.5%) cases.Conclusion: Bronchoscopy is an useful method to detect any endobronchial lesion in suspected cases of collapse or non-resolving pneumonia in diabetic patients and it can be the choice of investigation in non-resolving pneumonia.Birdem Med J 2016; 6(1): 18-21
Immediate Outcome of Mechanically Ventilated Neonates: Experience from a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Halder Amrita Lal , Baki Md Abdul , Nahar Nazmun , Begum Tahmina
Published: June 2016

Background: A large number of neonates in intensive care unit require mechanical ventilation due to various disease conditions. There has been a dramatic fall in neonatal mortality in developed countries with the advent of mechanical ventilation and the concept of neonatal intensive care. But still fatality rate is very high in developing countries. So, this study or was done to identify the immediate hospital outcome of the neonates who required mechanical ventilation.Methods: This study was done in Special Care Baby Unit, BIRDEM General Hospital from July 2009 to June 2010. All neonates requiring mechanical ventilation during the study period were prospectively enrolled in this study. During the time of mechanical ventilation neonates were followed up to observe any complication till discharge or death.Results: Total 37 neonates were enrolled in the study. Among them 27 (73%) were preterm and 30 (81%) were low birth weight. Respiratory distress syndrome was the most common reason for ventilation accounting for 17 (45.9%) cases. The other indications were perinatal asphyxia (9, 24.3%), congenital pneumonia (5, 13.5%), septicemia (5, 13.5%) and meconium aspiration syndrome (1, 2.7%). The most common complication during the period of ventilation was septicemia (14, 37.8%). Other complication included pneumothorax (6, 16.2%), acute renal failure (5, 13.3%), pneumonia (5, 13.3%), pulmonary hemorrhage (3, 8.1%), intraventricular hemorrhage (2, 5.4%) and heart failure (2, 5.4%). The fatality rate was 38% and most of the infant died of perinatal asphyxia (5, 35.7%), septicemia (4, 28.5%), respiratory distress syndrome (3, 21.5%) and congenital pneumonia (2, 14.3%).Conclusion: Respiratory distress syndrome was the most common reason for mechanical ventilation followed by perinatal asphyxia and septicemia. Most common complication during mechanical ventilation was septicemia which was also a common cause of death. Another important cause of death was perinatal asphyxiaBirdem Med J 2016; 6(1): 22-25
Medical Quiz: Images Vol.6(1)
Authors: Islam Md Rashedul , Rahman Tanbin
Published: June 2016

Abstract not availableBirdem Med J 2016; 6(1): 54
Occurrence, Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern and Plasmid Profile of Salmonella spp. Isolated from Raw Beef Meat in Dhaka City
Authors: Azad Abul Kalam , Parveen Sahana , Ahmed Md Shakir Uddin , Malek Md Abdul
Published: June 2016

Salmonella is motile enterobacterium that causes diseases like typhoid fever, paratyphoid fever and food borne illnesses. Salmonella infections are due to the consumption of contaminated foods. The objective of the present study was to observe the sanitary and hygienic conditions of the retail areas and to isolate pathogenic Salmonella spp from raw beef, to observe antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of Salmonella spp from the raw beef. A total of forty (40) raw beef samples were collected from the sixteen different butcher shops of the four different markets namely Bazaar-1, Bazaar-2, Bazaar-3 and Bazaar-4 of Dhaka City to determine the presence of the significant enteric pathogen Salmonella. From the colony characteristic and biochemical properties, it was found that out of forty samples Salmonella were found in thirty four (85%) samples. The prevalence of drug resistance bacteria were also assayed by antibiotic susceptibility testing. Among thirty four isolates, nearly 6% (2), 32% (11), 76% (26), 6%(2) and 32% (12) isolates showed resistance to Nitrofurantoin, Nalidixic acid, Ampicillin , Gentamycin and Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole respectively. Almost 85%(29), 62%(21), 24% (8), 91% (31), 91% (31)and 68% (23) isolates showed sensitivity to Nitrofurantoin, Nalidixic acid, Ampicillin,Ciprofloxacin,Gentamycin and Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole respectively Some isolates also showed intermediate in sensitivity reaction for example 3% (1), 6% (2), 3% (1) and 9% (3) isolates showed intermediate in sensitivity reaction to Nitrofurantoin, Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamycin and Nitrofurantoin respectively. Twenty four isolates were investigated for the plasmid profile analysis where thirteen isolates (about 54%) were found to carry plasmids of different sizes ranging from small (2.3 kb) to large sizes (>10kb and also greater than the chromosomal DNA). The presence of large plasmids may be a possible source of drug resistance. The results of this study demonstrate the unhygienic quality of beef meat and their risk of contracting food borne infections to the consumers.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 29, Number 1, June 2012, pp 17-22
In Vitro, Controlling the Establishment of Xanthomonas Campestris with different Bacterial Bioagents
Authors: Ali Amna , Haider M Saleem , Mushtaq Sobia , Khokhar Ibatsam , Mukhtar Irum , Hanif Sana , Akhtar Nosheen
Published: June 2016

The antimicrobial agents of bacteria isolated from different rhizosphere of fruits and vegetables soil in Lahore. Of ten species, five were gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescence, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhii, Brachybacterium faecium); other five were gram positive and identified as Bacillus farraginis, Kurthia gibsonii, Aureobacterium liquefaciens, Curtobacterium albidum, Micrococcus lylae. The antagonistic potential of bacterial strains was assessed by the well diffusion technique and results indicating varying degree of biocontrol activity against pathogenic strain of X. campestris. Out of ten bacterial species, E. coli (gram negative) and C. albidum (gram positive) showed a high prevalence of resistance with reduction of 4.2cm and 4.1cm zone diameter respectively. The minimum inhibitory volume (MIV) to two bio-agents was determined for X. campestris from range 10-100 ?L. E. coli (volume required to inhibit < 20 ?L) and C. albidum (volume required to inhibit < 40 ?L) exhibited good activity against pathogen. These results provide information on the prevalence of resistant bacterial strains with the MIV of organisms and indicate the possibility of using these bacterial species as bio-agent against X. campestris.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 29, Number 1, June 2012, pp 37-40
A Comparative Study on Escherichia coli Isolates from Environmental and Clinical Samples
Authors: Marjan Shajuty , Zaman Khadiza , Jahan Fahmida , Munshi Saurab Kishore , Rahman Farjana , Noor Rashed
Published: June 2016

Pathogenic Escherichia coli remain an important etiological agent of infantile diarrhea in Bangladesh. Present study focused on the features of E. coli strains isolated from clinical and environmental samples. A total of 6 surface water samples and 6 clinical samples were examined. Isolates were analyzed on the basis of colony morphology and biochemical traits. The antibiogram profile of the isolates was determined against 6 commonly used antibiotics. Ten isolates were found to be resistant against more than 1 antibiotic. Both types of isolates showed 50% resistance against trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Clinical isolates showed 100% sensitivity against gentamicin whereas 2 environmental isolates were found to be resistant against the antibiotic. Eighty and sixty five percent of environmental strains were sensitive against ceptriaxone and ciprofloxacin, respectively; while 50% showed resistance against ampicillin and nalidixic acid. In case of clinical strains, 65% isolates were found to be sensitive against ceptriaxone whereas 65% showed resistance against ampicillin and nalidixic acid; and 50% isolates were found to be resistant against ciprofloxacin. The isolates (n=12) were also examined for the presence of plasmids conferring the antibiotic resistance. However, no such plasmid was observed.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 29, Number 2, Dec 2012, pp 44-48
Antibacterial, Antidiabetic and Lipid Lowering Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Ipomoea aquatica
Authors: Khatun Chand Sultana , Islam Md Ashraful , Azad Md AK , Ali Md Ashraf , Hassan Md Feroz , Wahidunnobi Md , Khan Md Sohel Sabus , Begum Khadiza , Begum Kohinur
Published: June 2016

Present study was designed to investigate antibacterial, antidiabetic and lipid lowering effects of ethanolic leaf extract of Ipomoea aquatica (IA). The antibacterial effect of IA leaf extract was performed using agar-cup-diffusion assay against six pathogenic bacterial strains such as Klebsiella aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus Vibrio cholerae and Salmonella typhi. This extract has potent antibacterial effect against all six strains compared to commercially available antibiotics of cetriaxone, ciprofloxacin and ampicillin. Total of 40 Swiss Albino male mice were used for investigation of antidiabetic and lipid lowering effects and made diabetic by alloxan. 20 mice were used for oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and 20 mice for a week-long anti-hyperglycemic. Both groups were subdivided into four, each having 5 mice- i) the control receive only 0.5% methyl cellulose as vehicle; ii) Standard received vehicle plus metformin; iii & iv) test samples DIA 250 and DIA 500 received vehicle plus IA extract with 250 and 500 mg /kg b. wt (body weight), respectively. Lipid profile analysis was performed by estimating total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and liver glycogen concentration on 20 mice after week-long antihyperglycemic tested mice. The glucose tolerance results showed significant (p<0.05) and improved 50.03% and 66.09% at the DIA250 and DIA500, respectively. However, IA significantly reduced (p<0.05) blood glucose level 57.89% and 69.12% at the DIA250 and DIA500, respectively for a weeklong anti-hyperglycemic activity. Both glucose tolerance and hypoglycemic effect is comparable to diabetic control group and the effect is dose dependent. In addition to anti-hyperglycemic effect, alloxan induced diabetic mice showed increase in plasma TC and TG level. After the administration of IA extract, TC and TG level were restored to near normal level which showed significant (p<0.05) results. The results of IA extract also showed significant (p<0.05) and improved liver glycogen content compared to diabetic control mice group. These results indicate that IA has antibacterial, antidiabetic and lipid lowering effects.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 29, Number 2, Dec 2012, pp 50-54
Comparison of the Efficacy of Selected Bacterins against Edwardsiella Tarda in Immunized Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica)
Authors: Hossain Md Mer Mosharraf , Kawai Kenji , Duston Jim , Oshima Syunichirou
Published: June 2016

An effective vaccine against Edwardsiella tarda has not been reported in substitution for high concentration of formalin for the prevention of edwardsiellosis disease. In this study, the efficacy of inactivated E. tarda was evaluated and compared by intraperitoneal (IP) injection-immunization or challenge against Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica). Formalin, formalin with heat, citric acid, pressure and electric current were used for inactivation of the bacteria, and the relative percent survival (RPS) values of pressure (600 psi for 5 min) killed cells was determined. PKCinactivated vaccine showed 89-93% protection that was higher than others. PKC-inactivated vaccine at a concentration of 106 cells/fish was sufficient to induce high protection (RPS>89). Protection of the different-inactivated vaccines was evaluated at different time post immunization, and the peak of protection was observed at 9 days post-challenge. Fish immunized with PKC showed significantly (P<0.05) higher serum and mucus antibody titers elicit both systemic and mucosal adaptive immune responses, and induce specific humoral immune responses in eel. Coincident with higher protection, sera of fish immunized with the PKC vaccine had higher agglutination titers than FKC, FHKC, CAKC and ECKC. All these data strongly suggested that PKC vaccine is an effective strategy to protect eel against edwardsiellosis.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 29, Number 2, Dec 2012, pp 62-69
Investigation of Antioxidant, In-vitro Cytotoxic, and In-vivo Antitumor Effects of Leaf Extracts of Annona Reticulata
Authors: Biswas Shashwata , Shahriar Mohammad , Khanam Jahan Ara , Ahsan Chowdhury Rafiqul
Published: June 2016

This study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant, brine shrimp lethality, bioassay and antitumor effects of nhexane, petroleum ether, methanol and chloroform extracts of Annona reticulata leaves. All extracts demonstrated good cupric reducing activity with increasing concentrations keeping methanol extract at the top and n-hexane extract at the second position. The methanol extract was found to have the highest antioxidant capacity 28±26.88 followed by n-hexane 16.95±11.39 and chloroform 12.85±10.32 in the form of mg of ascorbic acid equivalent per gram of crude extract. The methanol extract also showed the highest values of 2.41±0.963 mg of gallic acid equivalent phenolic content and 6.54±4.08 mg of quercetin equivalent flavonoid content per g of crude extract. In the brine shrimp lethality bioassay, LC50 values of methanol, chloroform, petroleum ether, and n-hexane extracts were found to be 1.084?g/ml, 1.096?g/ml, 1.995?g/ml and 3.126 ?g/ml, respectively. These findings suggest that A. reticulata leaves can be a good source of antioxidants and possess significant cytotoxic effect. In a narrow spectrum investigation on antitumor activity of the extracts, we found that the methanol extract inhibited the tumor growing process (control group, chloroform group and petroleum ether group showed significant rise in body weight; i.e., 8% - 14% of initial weight compared to that of methanol group showing a rise of 0.45% - 0.94% of initial weight) and improved ILS (Percentage Increase in Life Span) with increasing doses (Doses of 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg showed ILS values of 13.70%, 19.20% and 21.92%, respectively) to some extent when compared with control group and groups receiving other extracts.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 29, Number 2, Dec 2012, pp 70-74
Studies on the Antimicrobial Activity and Brine Shrimp Toxicity of the Leaves Extract of Ageratum Conyzoides
Authors: Daula AFM Shahid Ud , Siddiqui Rokeya , Alam Md Masud , Hossain Md Abul
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of the leaves extracts of Ageratum conyzoides L. Ageratum conyzoides has been utilized for the treatment of various ailments. The crude methanolic extract of Ageratum conyzoides, n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate soluble fractions of methanolic extracts were screened for their antimicrobial activity against a number of gram positive and gram negative bacteria by disk diffusion method. The crude extract and n-hexane soluble fraction of crude extract showed significant to moderate antimicrobial activity and chloroform, ethyl acetate soluble fraction of crude extract showed moderate to mild antibacterial activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. The zones of inhibition produced by the crude extract (methanolic extract), n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate soluble fractions were found to be 14.89 mm - 19.40 mm, 14 mm - 19.40 mm, 10.66 mm - 13.50 mm and 9.50 mm - 13.26 mm respectively at a concentration of 30 mg/disc. Chloroform, n-hexane and ethyl acetate soluble fractions of methanolic extract of Ageratum conyzoides were screened for antitumor properties using brine shrimp lethality bioassay. A reputed cytotoxic agent vincristine sulphate was used as a positive control. From the results of the brine shrimp lethality bioassay it can be well predicted that nhexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate soluble fractions of methanolic extract of Ageratum conyzoides possess cytotoxic activity on shrimp nauplii. The median lethal concentration (LC50, the concentration at which 50% mortality of brine shrimp nauplii occurred) of n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate were 245.42 mg/ml, 92.61 mg/ml and 6.35 mg/ml, respectively, comparison with positive control vincristine sulphate with 0.839 mg/ml.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 29, Number 2, Dec 2012, pp 98-103
Production and Partial Characterization of Cellulase from Pseudomonas Isolates Obtained from Cow Dung and Municipal Solid Wastes
Authors: Sohag Md Mehadi Hasan , Hasan Md Mahbub , Ahmed Jahed , Daud Syed Nur Ahmed , Alam Md Khurshid , Amin Mohammad Ruhul , Hoq Md Mozammel , Azad Abul Kalam
Published: June 2016

Cellulase producing bacteria were isolated from cow dung and municipal solid wastes using enrichment technique. Cellulase activity was determined on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) agar medium supplemented with 1% CMC. Production of clear zones by the bacterial isolates on CMC agar was considered as indicative of extracellular cellulase activity. The greater size of transparent zone diameter was found proportional to the higher amount of cellulase production. Two bacterial isolates producing significant clear zone were identified as Pseudomonas spp based on morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics. Fermentation was carried out under shake flask conditions for production of cellulase from Pseudomonas isolates in a basal medium containing CMC, KH2PO4, K2HPO4, MgSO4, NH4SO4, CaCl2 and FeSO4 at pH 7.0. The assay of cellulase viz. endoglucanase and exoglucanase in terms of CMCase and FPase, respectively was done by measuring the release of the reducing sugar. Some parameters influencing the production of cellulase by these bacterial isolates were investigated. Optimum level of cellulase was produced after 48 h of fermentation at 37°C with 5% inoculums size under continuous agitation at 120 rpm in the growth medium of pH 7.0. Optimum temperature and pH for the activity of cellulase from these bacterial isolates was 40°C and 7.0, respectively. Cellulase from these isolates was found almost stable at 25-40°C and pH 6.0-8.0 for 1 h. Furthermore, the cellulase activity was stimulated by Ca2+ and K+ but inhibited by Hg2+ and Zn2+, whereas, Mg2+ showed very low effect. Results reported herein indicated that the Pseudomonas isolates can be used as producer of extracellular cellulase.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 30, Number 1-2,June-Dec 2013, pp 11-16
Survey on Indigenous Protozoa in Effluent Treatment Plant of a Textile Dyeing Industry
Authors: Hassan MM , Alam MZ , Anwar MN
Published: June 2016

Effluents from textile dyeing industry are so toxic that it threatens the environment in various ways. Hence, it should be treated before discharge. Biotreatment is the most promising approach for the remediation of toxic industrial effluent where microorganisms breakdown the dye molecule into its nontoxic basic elements. In effluent treatment plants (ETP), protozoa accelerate dye degradation process by stimulating the growth of acting bacteria and also play a key role in clarification of the secondary effluent through engulfment of excess bacteria. However, only a few types of protozoa can survive and thrive on this toxic environment. This study deals with the identification and survey of the protozoa present in the effluent treatment plant of a dyeing industry. Collected samples were stained with Leishman reagent and observed under microscope. A total of 10 protozoa were observed and 6 of them were identified up to genus viz. Paramecium, Nassula, Opercularium, Stylonychia, Telotrochidium, Trachelomonas on the basis of their morphological and structural arrangements observed under microscope. Hence, this study reveals that some protozoa can thrive in toxic dyeing effluent and play an important role in maintaining the sustainability of an effluent treatment plant (ETP).Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 30, Number 1-2,June-Dec 2013, pp 39-42
Strain Improvement of Trichoderma Viride through Mutation for Enhanced Production of Cellulase
Authors: Khandoker Nusrat , Mamun Arafat Al , Nafiz Tanvir Noor , Khan Shakila Nargis , Hoq Md Mozammel
Published: June 2016

Microbial fungal cellulases are very important for their applications in biopolishing of textile fibres, in poultry feed and paper and pulp industries. The main purpose of this study was to improve the wild strain Trichoderma viride for enhanced production of cellulase by random mutation technique employing ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and Ethidium bromide (EtBr) treatments. The wild strain exhibited the highest cellulase activity 5.52 U/ml on carboxy methyl cellulose (1.0%) and a comparable activity 4.74 U/ml on wheat bran (1.0%) as substrate under the optimum temperature 30°C and pH 4.0. Upon mutation by UV exposure the fungi produced cellulase 11.28 U/ml where as EtBr treated mutant showed 14.61 U/ml cellulase activities. Both the enzymes from wild and mutant T. viride demonstrated the highest activity at the assay temperature of 40ºC. The enzyme was applied for bio-polishing of jeans at prototype experiment and showed effective result as compared to one of the commercial enzymes.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 30, Number 1-2,June-Dec 2013, pp 43-47
Isolation and Characterization of Vibrio parahaemolyticus Organisms from River Sources Around Barisal District, Bangladesh
Authors: Monir Serajum , Rabbi Fazle , Ahsan Chowdhury R , Choudhury Naiyyum
Published: June 2016

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a halophilic bacterium and lives in coastal water and causes gastroenteritis in humans especially where the rate of seafood consumption is high. Although it is a marine organism, very less is known about its pandemic spreading in the fresh water environment across Bangladesh. The present study was, therefore, undertaken to isolate and investigate the virulence potential, as well as phenotypic and genotypic traits of V. parahaemolyticus strains occurring in the fresh water environments around coastal southern parts of Bangladesh. A total of 70 suspected colonies of V. parahaemolyticus were isolated from water, sediment and roots of water hyacinth samples collected from four different locations of Bishkhali river located in Barisal district of Bangladesh. Of the 70 colonies, fourteen isolates were confirmed as V. parahaemolyticus. PCR detection for the presence of toxR, trh and tdh genes among these seven isolates using primers specific for toxR, trh and tdh revealed that all seven were positive for toxR but negative for trh or tdh genes. The results indicate that the isolates under this study do not contain virulence properties that correlate to the ability of causing infection and diseases.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 30, Number 1-2,June-Dec 2013, pp 61-64
Antibiotic Sensitivity, ESBL production and Prevalence of blaSHV and blaOXA genes in Escherichia coli from Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Akhter Marufa Zerin , Miah Md Molin
Published: June 2016

Ninety five Escherichia coli isolates from diagnosed urinary tract infections were examined for antibiotic resistance, ESBL production and the presence of two ESBL producing genes blaSHV and blaOXA. It was observed that the prevalence of UTI was most in ages between 19 to 45 years. All the isolates were resistant against different antibiotics including the third generation cephalosporins. Resistance against ciprofloxacin, the frequently prescribed drug was 82%. Only meropenem and nitrofurantoin showed greater sensitivity towards the isolates showing 13 % and 33 % resistance respectively. The resistances were 90, 86, 82 , 79 , 78, 76, 75, 75, 74, 73, 72, 68, 33 and for amoxicillin, nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, cephalexin, ceftriaxone, cefixime, amoxiclav, ceftazidime, netilmicin, aztreonam, gentamicin, amikacin, nitrofurantoin and meropenem respectively. Thirtyone isolates were randomly selected for detection of ESBL Production by double disc diffusion synergy test. Twenty one isolates (67.74%) were positive in ESBL production. PCR experiments were carried out using the 21 ESBL positive E. coli isolates to examine the presence of two ESBL genes namely blaSHV and blaOXA. All (100%) of the 21 isolates showed the presence of blaOXA gene, whereas 8 (38%) isolates among the 21 showed the presence of blaSHV gene.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 30, Number 1-2,June-Dec 2013, pp 65-70
A Modified Boronic Acid (MBA) Disc Potentiation Assay for Detection of Extended Spectrum ?-Lactamase (ESBL) Producing Bacteria
Authors: Naeem Nazratan , Sultana Munawar , Hossain M Anwar
Published: June 2016

In this study, a modified boronic acid (MBA) disc potentiation assay has been used to detect extended spectrum â-lactamase (ESBL) producing isolates from clinical liquid waste (CLW) in Bangladesh. The method is modified from the existing boronic acid (BA) disc potentiation assay in that, in our protocol only one type of antibiotic disc is required in comparison to the requirement of different types of antibiotic discs for the BA test. Clavulanic acid (CA) and Boronic acid (BA) were used to phenotypically identify ESBL and AmpC producers, respectively. A total of 181 multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates were screened for ESBL production by both the conventional double disc diffusion synergy test (DDST) and the MBA disc potentiation test. Among these two methods, 38% of the isolates showed positive ESBL phenotype in MBA test in comparison to the 24% of the isolates in DDST, hence showed higher efficiency. The MBA method described here is efficient, easy to perform, and cost effective to detect ESBL producing bacteria.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 31, Number 1-2,June-Dec 2014, pp 29-33
In vitro Biofilm Formation Ability of Clinical Isolates of Salmonella enterica Serovars Typhi and Paratyphi
Authors: Morium Maisha Maliha , Ahsan Sunjukta , Kabir M Shahidul , Akhter Marufa Zerin , Islam M Faridul
Published: June 2016

In the present study the ability of clinical isolates of Salmonella enterica serovars Typhi (n = 30) and Paratyphi A (n = 11) to form biofilm on abiotic surface was investigated. All isolates were found capable of biofilm formation in a microtitre plate assay. Upon optimization of biofilm formation by the test isolates, Adherence test medium (ATM) was found to be the best medium for biofilm formation by both S. enterica serovars Typhi and Paratyphi. Growth was optimized by incubation at 37°C in an orbital shaker set at 150 rpm for 48-72 hours. Biofilms were best detected when washed with PBS (1X), stained with crystal violet (1%) and subsequently washed with acetone (33%). Optical density (OD) readings were better correlated with growth at 570 nm when compared to 600 nm. Of the 28 Salmonella Typhi isolates, 17 (61%) were very strong biofilm producers, 8 (29%) were strong biofilm producers and 3 (11%) were moderate biofilm producers. On the other hand, out of 13 S. Paratyphi, 9 (69%) were very strong biofilm producers, 3 (23%) were strong biofilm formers and 1 (8%) was a moderate biofilm producer. None of them were weak biofilm producers. The present study raises concern from a public health point of view because the ability of the clinical isolates to form biofilm would indicate their ability of being transmitted from abiotic surface to uninfected host giving rise to disease.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 31, Number 1-2,June-Dec 2014, pp 35-39
In Silico Analysis: Annotations about Structural and Functional Features of DUF 2726 Family Member Proteins
Authors: Alam SM Sabbir , Amin M Ruhul , Hossain M Anwar
Published: June 2016

Domains of unknown functions (DUFs) are a big set of protein families within the Pfam database that includes proteins of unknown function. In the absence of functional information, proteins are classified into different families based on conserved amino acid sequences and are potentially functionally important. In Pfam database, the numbers of families of DUFs are rapidly increasing and in current the fraction of DUF families had increased to about twenty two percent of all protein families. In this study we targeted DUF2726 member proteins which are mainly present in different bacterial species of Gamma-proteobacteria and have a particular domain organization. We analyzed the protein sequences of domain DUF2726 using different computational tools and databases. We found that this domain contains a nuclear localization signal peptide, which is conserved in Escherichia spp. and Shigella spp. It were also predicted that it has nucleic acid binding properties. Analyzing protein-protein interactions functional partners associated with DUF 2726 were revealed. Protein secondary structure, transmembrane helices structure were predicted. We have found that it has gene neighbourhood and co-occurrences with protein RepA and RepB. RepA and RepB are functionally associated with replication. RepA is a replication protein and RepB is a replication regulatory protein. Presence of a nucleic acid binding properties, a nuclear localization signal (NLS) signalling peptide, and possible interaction pattern with replication proteins, conjectures its possible role as a NLS like signalling peptide.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 31, Number 1-2,June-Dec 2014, pp 53-58
Possible Growth Retrieval Simulation on the Heat-Stressed Pseudomonas aeruginosa (SUBP01) Cells
Authors: Munna M Sakil , Tanzim Kazi Rumana , Afrad M Mohibul Hassan , Humayun Sanjida , Rahman M Sidiqur , Lubna Mahbuba Akter , Noor Rashed
Published: June 2016

Earlier observation of cellular damage of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (SUBP01) by the extrinsic oxidative agent (H2O2) and the assumptive accumulation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) through aeration further led to the growth retrieval assay of the bacterium. Current study investigated the influence of the inorganic growth stabilizers (20 mM MgSO4 plus 5 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, EDTA) and the organic extracellular fractions of the heat-resistant Bacillus species (SUBB01) and P. fluorescens (SUBP02) on the growth pattern of P. aeruginosa at 45° and 46°C. Bacterial growth (cfu) was measured on the minimal agar plates up to 72 hours, microscopic experiments to monitor the subsequent morphological changes, and finally by the spot tests to examine the cell viability under the given heat stressed conditions. As expected, growth revival was observed at both 45° and 46°C after 48 to 72 hours, upon supplementation with inorganic growth stabilizing agents and the extracellular fractions (secretions) of P. fluorescens compared to that of the control; i.e., untreated with inorganic or organic supplements. Interestingly, compared to that of P. fluorescens extracellular extracts, no positive impact on growth retrieval was noticed by the application of the extracellular fractions of Bacillus species.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 31, Number 1-2,June-Dec 2014, pp 59-64
Envelope Protein Gene VP466-a Target for PCR Detection of White Spot Syndrome Virus in Shrimp
Authors: Hossain Anwar , Sanyal Santonu Kumar , Siddique Mohammad Anwar , Biswas Raj Kumar , Sultana Munawar , Hossain M Anwar
Published: June 2016

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is an enveloped and double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the family Nimaviridae and genus Whispovirus, causing white spot disease (WSD) in shrimp. The virus is highly virulent and leads to 100% mortality within 10 days. Detection of WSSV and segregation of infected brood shrimp, post-larvae and cultured shrimp are currently considered as containment strategies to reduce the spread of WSD. This investigation describes a polymerase chain reaction method to detect WSSV in WSD infected cultured shrimp targeting VP466 gene encoding the large structural protein in virus particle. In silico homology analysis of the primer pair designed in this work clearly identified WSSV VP466 gene sequence with 100% specificity. A total of 16 shrimp samples from 16 farms were selected, where 6 shrimp samples were with characteristics WSD spot and 10 shrimp samples were asymptomatic. Among the 16 shrimp samples, 12 showed PCR positive amplifications for major envelope protein gene VP466. Sequencing of the amplicons followed by homology searching using BLAST further confirmed the presence of WSSV. Phylogenetic analysis of VP466 gene sequences showed its close proximity to the WSSV strain of Indian origin. The present study demonstrates that the envelope protein VP466 gene as a specific target for PCR detection and characterization of WSSV in WSD infected and carrier shrimpsBangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 31, Number 1-2,June-Dec 2014, pp 65-68
Development of a Cost Effective Medium for Enhanced Production of Bacillus thuringiensis ?-endotoxin
Authors: Bhowmik Anamika , Mourin Muntahi , Shishir Md Asaduzzaman , Khan Shakila Nargis , Hoq Md Mozammel
Published: June 2016

The present study was carried out to develop a sustainable production medium using locally available cheap raw materials for biopesticide production by Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Btk) HD-73. In submerged fermentation (SmF) condition, the conventional Luria-Bertani (LB) medium which was enriched with nitrogen source (10% defatted soybean meal) supported 28.57% sporulation and 125% endotoxin increase over LB (alone). The effect of cystine on sporulation and endotoxin synthesis was highly pronounced in LB-soybean medium (LBS) with a range of 19.54% and 131.35% higher endotoxin yield respectively in SmF condition. While basal salts supplemented in soybean-cystine (SMc) medium, it resulted in 7.65% endotoxin yield compared to LB-soybean-cystine (LBSc) medium. Addition of molasses balanced the C: N ratio in the SMc medium thus helping 84.85% higher endotoxin synthesis after 24 hours fermentation. Substitution of basal salts with cost effective sea water yielded about 19.27% less endotoxin. The optimum medium thus obtained consisting of soybean extract-molasses-cystine with sea water was used in 3.0 L bioreactor cultivation for endotoxin synthesis by Btk HD-73 under 30% saturation of dO2 through cascade of agitation and aeration. The production rate obtained was 1.67 fold higher in bioreactor than in shake flask culture.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 32, Number 1-2,June-Dec 2015, pp 1-6
Morphological and Biochemical Characterization of Bacteria Isolated from Fresh and Salted Hilsa, Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton, 1822)
Authors: Rohomania Tahara , Saha Mihir Lal , Hossain Anwar , Rahman Mohammad Shamsur
Published: June 2016

Morphological and biochemical characterization of different bacteria isolated from eight fresh and salted hilsa collected from four fish markets namely Palashi Bazaar, Karwan Bazaar, Anando Bazaar and New Market of Dhaka city was carried out. Five types of bacteriological culture media namely nutrient agar as generalized complex medium, EMB agar medium for coliform, SS agar for Salmonella-Shigella, MSA for Staphylococcus and TCBS for Vibrio were used to isolate the bacteria associated with the hilsa. In salted hilsa, no microbial growth was observed on SS and TCBS agar plate. A total of 66 bacterial isolates were obtained in the study where detail study of 24 strains (12 Gram positive and 12 Gram negative) using morphological and biochemical characterization was conducted. Variable morphological and biochemical properties of the isolated strains were observed. Gram positive bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus megaterium, B. marinus, Planococcus citreus, Micrococcus varians, M. nishinomiyaensis, Staphylococcus lentus, S. epidermidis, S. aureus and Gram negative bacteria such as Salmonella paratyphi, Salmonella spp., Proteus morganii, P. vulgaris, Vibrio sp., Halobacterium sp. were presumptively identified in the current study. Presence of these bacteria in fish indicates the possibility of occurrence of food poisoning. So, care should be taken during handling and consumption of hilsa whether fresh or salted as it carries pathogenic strains of bacteria of public health concern.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 32, Number 1-2,June-Dec 2015, pp 7-13
Impact of Different Carbon Sources on the in vitro Growth and Viability of Escherichia coli (SUBE01) and Salmonella spp. (SUBS01) Cells
Authors: Nur Ifra Tun , Tahera Jannatun , Munna Md Sakil , Rahman M Majibur , Noor Rashed
Published: June 2016

With a previous observation of Escherichia coli growth cessation along with temperature variation within three different bacteriological culture media (nutrient agar, Luria-Bertani agar and minimal agar), current investigation further depicted on the possible growth dynamics of Escherichia coli (SUBE01) and Salmonella (SUBS01) growth and viability upon supplementation of different carbon sources (dextrose, sucrose, lactose, glycerol and tween 20) at 37°C under the aeration of 100 rpm. Viability of the tested bacterial species was assessed through the enumeration of the colony forming unit (cfu) appeared upon prescribed incubation for 12-24 hours on different agar plates consisting of the above mentioned carbon sources. Besides, to inspect the cellular phenotypic changes, morphological observations were conducted under the light microscope. Variations in bacterial growth (either growth acceleration or cessation) were further noticed through the spot tests on the agar plates. Considerable shortfalls in the culturable cells of E. coli and Salmonella spp. were noted in the minimal media separately consisting of sucrose, lactose, glycerol or tween 20 while an opposite impact of accelerated growth was noticed in the media supplied with dextrose. The data revealed a hierarchy of consequence of carbon sources as nutrient generators whereby the favourable bacterial growth and survival order of the carbon sources was estimated as dextrose > glycerol > lactose > tween 20 > sucrose.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 32, Number 1-2,June-Dec 2015, pp 39-44
Microbiological Profiling of Ice Cream Samples Sold in the Retail Shops in Dhaka City
Authors: Rahman Tasmina , Sharma Bashudeb Chandra , Isalm Md Niazul
Published: June 2016

Being a popular ready-to-eat food among all age groups, ice creams warrant the maintenance of sound microbiological quality for the sake of public health safety. Present study investigated the microbiological quality of the commonly consumed ice creams available within the retail shops in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. Five ice creams from each comprising 3 types of samples (soft, hard & flavored) of 7 most popular brands (a total of 90 samples) were collected and assessed for the presence of contaminating bacteria through conventional microbiological and biochemical identification methods. Total viable bacterial load was estimated within a range of 4.9 × 103 to 7.9 × 105 cfu/ ml. Brand A ice cream samples were noticed to harbor the least amount of microorganisms. On the other hand 65% of samples belonging to brands B and C were found to be contaminated with Shigella spp. while 30% of samples of brand B and C and 60% of brand E were contaminated with L. monocytogenes. While some were found to be microbiologically sound, most of the ice cream samples studied were found to be contaminated with microorganisms. Maintenance of appropriate hygienic condition during manufacturing and storage of ice cream products are thus recommended to ensure the consumer health safety.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 32, Number 1-2,June-Dec 2015, pp 45-48
Assessment of the Impact of Small-Scale Irrigation on Household Livelihood Improvement at Gubalafto District, North Wollo, Ethiopia
Authors: Mengistie Dereje , Kidane Desale
Published: June 2016

Ethiopia has been highly affected by drought and climate-related hazards, and millions of people have been left without sustenance every year. To increase productivity and diversify the livelihood scenarios as an option, small-scale irrigation (SSI) schemes have been introduced.This study assessed the impact of SSI in achieving household livelihood improvement and the major challenges of SSI practices in the Gubalafto district. Questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation data collection tools were used. Proportionally, a total of 374 respondents were included.The collected data was analyzed by descriptive statistics. The application of SSI improved the annual income of irrigator households from 1978.12 to 10,099 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) (1 USD ≈ 20 ETB) before and after using irrigation with a standard deviation of 1534.32 compared to non-irrigators who have an annual average income of 3146.75 ETB with a standard deviation of 1838, respectively. It proved that 32.1% of irrigators increased their frequency of production due to irrigation. Shortage of water, access to improved seeds, marketing, and increment of farm input costs have been hindering SSI practices. Awareness campaigns for non-irrigators and adequate supervision for the irrigators by development agents (DAs) and district officials are important to improve the livelihood of farmers.
Failure Mechanisms of Nickel/Metal Hydride Batteries with Cobalt-Substituted Superlattice Hydrogen-Absorbing Alloy Anodes at 50 °C
Authors: Meng Tiejun , Young Kwo-hsiung , Koch John , Ouchi Taihei , Yasuoka Shigekazu
Published: June 2016

The incorporation of a small amount of Co in the A2B7 superlattice hydrogen absorbing alloy (HAA) can benefit its electrochemical cycle life performance at both room temperature (RT) and 50 °C. The electrochemical properties of the Co-substituted A2B7 and the failure mechanisms of cells using such alloys cycled at RT have been reported previously. In this paper, the failure mechanisms of the same alloys cycled at 50 °C are reported. Compared to that at RT, the trend of the cycle life at 50 °C versus the Co content in the Co-substituted A2B7 HAAs is similar, but the cycle life is significantly shorter. Failure analysis of the cells at 50 °C was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis. It was found that the elevated temperature accelerates electrolyte dry-out and the deterioration (both pulverization and oxidation) of the A2B7 negative electrode, which are major causes of cell failure when cycling at 50 °C. Cells from HAA with higher Co-content also showed micro-shortage in the separator from the debris of the corrosion of the negative electrode.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Resources Used in Thermal Spray Processes: Energy and Exergy Methods
Authors: Taheri Kamran , Elhoriny Mohamed , Plachetta Martin , Gadow Rainer
Published: June 2016

In manufacturing, thermal spray technology encompasses a group of coating processes that provide functional surfaces to improve the performance of the components and protect them from corrosion, wear, heat and other failings. Many types and forms of feedstock can be thermal sprayed, and each requires different process conditions and life cycle preparations. The required thermal energy is generated by a chemical (combustion) or electrical (plasma/or arc) energy source. Due to high inefficiencies associated with energy and material consumption in this process, a comprehensive resources used analysis for a sustainable improvement has always been promising. This study aims to identify and compare the influence of using different forms of feedstock (powder, suspension) as well as energy sources (combustion, plasma) on efficiency and effectiveness of energy conversion and resources consumption for different thermal spray processes based on energy and exergy analysis. Exergy destruction ratio and effectiveness efficiency are used to evaluate the energy conversion efficiency. The degree of perfection and degree of energy ratio are applied to account for the intensity of resources consumption (energy or material) in thermal spray processes. It is indicated that high velocity suspension flame spray has the lowest effectiveness efficiency and the highest exergy destruction compared to other thermal spray processes. For resource accounting purposes, in general, suspension thermal spray showed the lower degree of perfection and accordingly the higher inefficiency of resources used compared to powder thermal spray.
When Is an Area Law Not an Area Law?
Authors: Chandran Anushya , Laumann Chris , Sorkin Rafael
Published: June 2016

Entanglement entropy is typically proportional to area, but sometimes it acquires an additional logarithmic pre-factor. We offer some intuitive explanations for these facts.
Educational Programming on the Raspberry Pi
Authors: Kölling Michael
Published: June 2016

The original aim when creating the Raspberry Pi was to encourage “kids”—pre-university learners—to engage with programming, and to develop an interest in and understanding of programming and computer science concepts. The method to achieve this was to give them their own, low cost computer that they could use to program on, as a replacement for a family PC that often did not allow this option. With the original release, the Raspberry Pi included two programming environments in the standard distribution software: Scratch and IDLE, a Python environment. In this paper, we describe two programming environments that we developed and recently ported and optimised for the Raspberry Pi, Greenfoot and BlueJ, both using the Java programming language. Greenfoot and BlueJ are both now included in the Raspberry Pi standard software distribution, and they differ in many respects from IDLE; they are more graphical, more interactive, more engaging, and illustrate concepts of object orientation more clearly. Thus, they have the potential to support the original aim of the Raspberry Pi by creating a deeper engagement with programming. This paper describes these two environments and how they may be used, and discusses their differences and relationships to the two previously available systems.