Different Areas Of Bangladesh Research Articles

Bangladesh's national education policy for English teaching: Policy direction and gaps over the last decade

This study aims to demonstrate the perceived differences between the direction and the gaps in the execution of Bangladesh's National Education Policy (NEP) for English Teachers. It specifically examines the changing requirements of English teachers over the past decade by enhancing their proficiency and teaching methodologies. In this study, we show that communicative language teaching (CLT) approaches significantly modify the existing structure of educational policy in Bangladesh. The present study is grounded in the constructivist research paradigm and utilized a qualitative case study approach from diverse sources. The data was gathered via document analysis, classroom observations, and interviews with six secondary school English teachers from a pool of educators representing four schools in different areas of Bangladesh. The data was analyzed using theme analysis via NVivo 11 software. The findings indicate several areas where the objectives of Bangladesh's NEP could be better aligned with their practical execution. These areas include reforming elementary and secondary schools and restructuring school leadership, teacher education, teacher status, and classroom pedagogy. Furthermore, this study is a valuable contribution toward advancing a more robust and efficient education policy at the national level, which can effectively improve the standard of education for all to provide quality teaching.

Characterization of complete mitochondrial genome of Labeo rohita from Bangladesh

Labeo rohita, commonly known as rui/rohu possesses an important role in agricultural and economic aspects in Bangladesh. This study aimed to characterize the mitochondrial genome of this economically important fish species. Primers (24 pairs) were designed to amplify the whole genome and most of the regions contained 700 to 800bp. In this study, nucleotide sequences of 16,607 bp of the mitochondrial genome of L. rohita were determined for the first time from Bangladesh, which consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes and one D-loop region. All of the genes were similar in size compared to other fish mitochondrial genomes. The gene arrangements, and intergenic and gene overlapping nucleotides of the present study, were similar to that of other Labeo genera so far reported. The phylogenetic tree shows 100% similarity in L. rohita mitochondrial genomes collected from two different areas of Bangladesh. This nucleotide sequence data of the mitogenome of L. rohita would provide necessary information for further studies, including population genetics of carp fishes. Bioresearch Commu. 10(2): 1539-1544, 2024 (July)

Manufacturing Environmentally Friendly Hollow Blocks using Different Aggregates: Effect on Mechanical Properties

Hollow concrete block (HCB) is one of the most fundamental materials in building and construction worldwide. Therefore, HCB has emerged as a viable alternative to traditional building materials likebrick. It is an excellent choice for constructing walls, pavements, and other masonry work construct a long-lasting structure. Today's new world requires a green, eco-friendly, and sustainable world, and HCB can play a significant role in achieving that goal. HCB has superior thermal and fire resistance properties, greater strength, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness. Only a small amount of construction in Bangladesh is done using HCBs. However, as sustainable structural technology advances, more frequent use of HCBs will be required. As a result, this article will provide a brief overview of the various applications of HCBs in Bangladesh, including the manufacturing process and its benefits and drawbacks. Specifically, this work investigates and compares the effect of different natural fine aggregates collected from different areas of Bangladesh on the mechanical properties of HCB. The fine aggregates used in this study came from the Dharala, Patgram, Lalmonirhat, and Someshwari rivers in Durgapur, Netrokona, Bangladesh. HCBs were manufactured using a hydraulic press machine and were constructed using mix design ratios of 1: 5: 1: 3 (Cement: Gravel Sand: Sylhet Sand: Crushed Stone), 1: 4.17: 1.67: 1.5 (Cement: Gravel Sand: Sylhet Sand: Crushed Stone), 1: 2.33: 2: 1.33 (Cement: Gravel Sand: Stone Dust: Crushed Stone), 1: 3.33: 2.33 (Cement: Gravel Sand: Stone Dust) and 1: 2.5: 1: 0.50 (Cement: Gravel Sand: Stone Dust: Crushed Stone) with water cement (W/C) ratio of 0.37. The specimens' dimensions were chosen to be 390 mm x 190 mm x 100 mm. The specimens were tested for unit weight, water absorption, compressive strength, and tensile strength after 28 days of water curing. The results showed that HCBs made with different fine aggregates from the Dharala, Patgram, Lalmonirhat, and Someshwari rivers in Durgapur, Netrokona, Bangladesh, have different compressive strengths at 28 days, namely 978 PSI, 1604 PSI, 1267 PSI, 1162 PSI, and 2128 PSI. The Dhaka University Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vol. 12(2), 2023, P 153-158

Prevalence of West Nile virus antibodies in wild birds in Bangladesh

ObjectivesWest Nile virus is a zoonotic arbovirus spread by mosquito vectors for which birds are common reservoir hosts. In this report, we are presenting the prevalence of West Nile virus antibodies among the resident and migratory wild birds from different locations in Bangladesh. MethodsBirds were captured using mist nets and leg nooses from different areas of Bangladesh. Serum samples were tested using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and swab samples were tested using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. ResultsSamples from 888 resident and migratory birds tested, 48 migratory birds (48 of 888, 5.4 %, confidence interval 4–7 %) were found sero-positive for West Nile virus antibody. All the sero-positive birds were from Hakaluki haor and Tanguar hoar, which suggest local transmission of this virus, though we did not find any evidence of active infection. ConclusionsFurther study is required to better understand the role of these birds in the epidemiology of this virus.

Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Asymptomatic Bangladeshi Female Garment Workers

Antibody titer study is very important to assess the degree of undetected transmission in the community. This study aimed to estimate the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 infection in a group of asymptomatic female workers and compare the clinical and socio-demographic parameters of seropositive and seronegative subjects in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 285 female workers who had come to BIRDEM General Hospital for the COVID-19 test in November 2021 from different areas of Bangladesh. RBD-specific antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 were measured by using Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA) for all participants. Overall antibody positivity was estimated at 91.9% (262), and only 8.1% of participants had a negative IgG antibody response. Of the 262 participants 96.18% were asymptomatic. In the age group, the highest seropositivity was between 21-30 years (58%). The median IgG titer of the antibody was estimated at 578.50 AU/ml. The participants of Khulna had the highest median IgG titer of 3966 AU/ml followed by other areas (p=0.043). There was no significant difference in median IgG titer in symptomatic, asymptomatic, and vaccinated, non-vaccinated participants. Based on the geographical area Dhaka and Barisal had significantly more seropositive subjects than seronegative subjects (p = 0.001) and (p = 0.011). The high number of undiagnosed COVID-19 patients in the population is reflected in the percentage of seropositive people. Our findings will assist academics in better understanding immune status and policymakers in taking proactive measures during pandemic situations and future health emergencies.

Identification of Lasiodiplodia theobromae [(Pat.) Griff. & Maubl] as a causal pathogen of rain tree gummosis [Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr] and its control management

Gummosis in a Rain tree [Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr.] is a new disease in Bangladesh. The prevalence of this disease is increasing over time. An exploratory survey was made to find out the extent of this disease in different areas of Bangladesh during 2017 and 2018. Infested samples of wood were collected to find out associated pathogens. After the isolation of the fungi in the Forest Pathology Laboratory of the Bangladesh Forest Research Institute, the optimal conditions for the growth of the pathogen was determined. Subsequently, the suitable control method was developed. It was found that the roadside plantation of Mongla Sadar Thana, Bagerhat district had the highest disease incidence and severity (42.93 and 54.38 %), and the lowest (12.63 and 18.34 %) was recorded at Satkhira Sadar Thana, Satkhira district, respectively. Lasiodiplodia theobromae [(Pat.) Griff. & Maubl)] was found associated with gummosis in the affected trees. The result of the pathogenicity test revealed that there was a similarity in symptoms that arise between artificial inoculation and natural symptoms in the field. The optimal condition of conidial germination, mycelial growth, and sporulation of L. theobromae was observed at pH 6-8, 90-95 RH, and 25-30°C temperature. The concentration of 2.5 % glucose and sucrose was the best for conidial germination, mycelial growth, and sporulation, and sucrose was better than glucose. PDA medium had the maximum mycelial growth (72.18 mm) and excellent sporulation, while the YEA medium had the lowest mycelial growth (59.19 mm) and poor sporulation. The fungicides Knowin (Carbendazim), ARBA (Carbendazim), and Autostin (Carbendazim) were found to completely inhibit pathogen mycelial growth and sporulation (100%) at 50, 100, and 150 mg/L concentrations. Furthermore, spraying these fungicides and the Bordeaux mixture at a rate of 2 % in the field resulted in the development of the smallest gummosis lesions. L. theobromae was a pathogen causing gummosis disease of rain tree, proven by morphology and Koch's postulates. Different environmental and nutritional factors affect the growth and sporulation of the pathogen and the application of Knowin, ARBA, Autostin, and Bordeaux mixture at 2 % can help control the disease at the field level. Bangladesh J. Agri. 2022, 47(2): 78-96

Taxonomic account of jumping spider-ii: genus Marpissa c. L. Koch (Arachnida: Araneae: Salticidae) from Bangladesh

Present study includes the description of four species of the genus Marpissa C. L. Koch, 1846 collected from different areas of Bangladesh of which one species is described as new to science and other three species are new records for the area of present study. The recorded species are-Marpissa dhakuriensis Tikader, M. ludhianensis Tikader, M. mandali Tikader and M. longinoda n. sp. An illustrated description and distribution together with a key to the species are provided herewith. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2022, 8(1): 73-80

Colposcopic Findings of Cervix in VIA (Visual Inspection of Cervix by Acetic Acid) Positive Cases at BSMMU, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the most common form of cancer in women in developing countries and the second most common form of cancer in the world as a whole. An estimated 468,000 new cases of cervical cancer and 233,000 deaths occurred in the year 2000. Cervical cancer constitutes about 26 % of female cancer in different areas of Bangladesh. Objective: To find out the role of VIA for the detection of precancerous and early cancerous lesions of the cervix with co-relation of Colposcopic findings and ultimate. Methods: A prospective study was conducted from January, 2010 to June 2010 on 100 women attending at the "Colposcopy Clinic" of Gynae Oncology Division of Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of BSMMU, Dhaka. Only VIA positive cases were taken into consideration for the study. Results: The mean age of the participants were 33.39 years (range 18-60) with 41.0 % in the age group between 36-45 years. Among all the subjects, the majority (75%) was housewives and 70.0% the patients hailed from urban area. The yearly incomes of 46% families were between 50,000 to 60,000 Tk. The mean parity of the respondents was 1.75 and 4. More than 4 children were found in 14% cases. Up to 35.0% had 2 children only. About 46.0 % had experienced menarche at the age 13 years and the range was 12-14 years. In regard to risk factors, 64% used hormonal methods. Among the participants 80% experienced first coitus of age between 13-20 years. Excessive vaginal discharge and backache were the principal complaints. Colposcopy evaluated 65 cases as CIN (CIN I 34 %, CIN 11-17%, CIN-III 14%) and 3.0% as invasive lesions. Biopsy evaluated 45% as CIN (CIN I-20% CIN-15%, CIN-III 10%) and 1% as invasive lesions. The sensitivity and specificity of colposcopy were 82.14 % and 50.00% respectively. This suggests the role of colposcopy in the evaluation of CIN and cervical cancer. Conclusion: The study concludes that the VIA and colposcopy are the important methods of diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of cervical pre-malignancy. VIA may be used as a tool for screening in underdeveloped countries and may be associated with a referral procedure for further methods like colposcopy and biopsy. Colposcopy is an indispensable procedure in the evaluation of unhealthy cervix through it requires considerable training and experience.

Extreme Weather Events and Spiraling Debt: A Double Whammy for Bangladeshis Affected by Climate Change

This study explores how people living in different areas of Bangladesh prone to extreme weather events (EWEs) in the form of floods, cyclones, or droughts perceive climate change, the impacts they suffer in the face of EWEs, and how they cope with their consequences. Qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews with 73 respondents from three different areas of Bangladesh and subsequently analyzed. The results show that there are similarities and differences between respondents from regions with different vulnerabilities in terms of their views and perceptions about what climate change is its causes, the consequences of EWEs, and the strategies they adopt to cope with their effects. Respondents understood climate change based on their own local experiences of climate change and EWEs. A main finding is that people in all three areas are driven to borrow money in the face of these events as a survival strategy and to be able to continue to support their families. As the climate is set to change rapidly and EWEs to occur more frequently and regularly, it will become routine for those most vulnerable to them to have to cope and live with their impacts. Increased reliance on borrowing risks leading to a debt spiral for already vulnerable people. They are thus subject to a “double whammy”: on the one hand the direct effects of climate change and EWEs on their lives and livelihoods and on the other getting caught in a debt spiral sparked by times of crisis.

Insights to helminth infections in food and companion animals in Bangladesh: Occurrence and risk profiling

IntroductionA better understanding of the epidemiology of helminths in animal hosts is important in order to ensure animal welfare, public health and food safety. The aim of this study was to explore parasitism in common animals in Bangladesh. Perception and understanding of animal owners regarding parasitic diseases management were also assessed. Materials and methodsA total of 550 fecal samples were examined from common animals (cattle, goat, pig, chicken, dog, and cat) across three different areas of Bangladesh (Dhaka, Sylhet, and Chattogram) from January 2020 to March 2021. Associated risk factors were assessed through questionnaire surveys among 50 animal owners. Parasitological assessment was done using the combined sedimentation-flotation method, and factors associated with infection were modeled using mixed-effects logistic regression. ResultsHelminths including Toxocara sp., Spirometra sp., Capillaria sp., Trichuris sp., opisthorchiid, Ascaris suum, Fasciola sp., Paramphistomum sp., strongyles, hookworms, roundworms, taeniid, and acanthocephalans were detected in the examined animals, and overall prevalence was 59.3% (95% CI = 54.1–62.8). Parasites were found in 61.3% (245/400) of food animals and 54.0% (81/150) of companion animals. Animal owners have a good understanding of parasite infections; however, that knowledge was not being translated into practice. Logistic regression analysis showed that frequency of deworming, animal husbandry practice, contact with untreated animals, and treatment-seeking behaviors were significantly associated with parasitic infection. ConclusionSeveral types of zoonotic parasites are widely prevalent in animals of Bangladesh and pose a potential risk to human health. This study highlights the need to diagnose animal parasitic infection and intensified case management to avoid spillovers to animals and humans.

Taxonomic account of jumping spiders – Genus Marpissa C. L. Koch (Archnida: Araneae: Salticidae) from Bangladesh

A taxonomic study on the jumping spiders’ genus Marpissa C.L. Koch, 1846 was carried out from different areas of Bangladesh. Four species were identified from the study, namely M. andamanensis Tikader, M. bengalensis Tikader, M. calcuttaensis Tikader and M. decorata Tikader. All the species are illustrated and described in detail for the first time in Bangladesh. Generic diagnosis, distribution and key to the species are also provided herewith J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2021, 7(1): 1-10

DNA barcoding and phylogenetic relationship of shrimps (Crustacea: Decapoda) of Bangladesh

We adopted DNA barcoding technique using a 658-bp fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene to identify shrimp species collected from the different areas of Bangladesh. A total of 24 sequences were generated belonging to 14 species including four new records- Macrobrachium nipponense, Macrobrachium kistnense, Exopalaemon carinicauda and Alpheus malleator. Genetic distance measured with Kimura 2 parameter showed that genetic divergence increased with higher taxonomic rank. The mean genetic divergence was evaluated and found to be 0.935%, 22.67% and 30.92% within species, genus and family, respectively. In addition to the barcode-based species identification system, phylogenetic relationships were established where individuals belonging to the same species were grouped under the same clade. Maximum likelihood (ML) was preferred as the statistical method and as expected, the phylogenetic tree complemented and ensured the conventional taxonomy. The present study evidently showed that DNA barcoding can be served as an effective tool to discriminate the shrimp species and this will enhance the understanding on evolution and conservation biology.
 Bioresearch Commu. 7(1): 941-946, 2021 (January)

Prospects of Parasailing Activities in Bangladesh: A Study on the Opportunities and Challenges

Parasailing is considered as the modern and popular part of seaside recreational activities. Bangladesh has recently added ‘Parasailing’ to her service list in Cox’s Bazaar and Himchori in 2010. The purpose of this study is to investigate the tourists’ perceptions towards parasailing activities and to analyze the opportunities and challenges of parasailing in Bangladesh. The study is based on primary as well as secondary data, and has applied descriptive research method on the basis of data collected through a questionnaire consisting of 33 questions from 52 respondents. The reason behind choosing this topic is that ‘parasailing’ has a great opportunity in the future tourism business in Bangladesh. Moreover, the aim of this study is to spread this activity in different areas of Bangladesh, like Saint Martin’s island and Patenga sea beaches, so that tourists can enjoy the taste of same. Thinking from a commercial perspective it has a great potential of increasing recreational facilities, earning a huge amount of income, and employing many people from the local community to bring a change in their lives).

Production and Profitability Study of White Jute Seed at Farmer’s Level in Different Areas of Bangladesh

Production and Profitability Study of White Jute Seed at Farmer’s Level in Different Areas of Bangladesh

Status of Farming and Marketing of Live Pangas (Pangasius hypophthalmus) from Trishal Upazila to Different Areas of Bangladesh

The research was conducted to collect information on the status of farming and marketing of live pangas (Pangasius hypophthalmus) from Trishal region to different areas of Bangladesh by interviewing stakeholder and secondary sources. The survey was carried out for seven months from May to November, 2016. Pangas farmers, arotdar, commission agents, wholesaler and retailers were interviewed in accordance with participatory rural methods. The results showed that the best harvesting season were found to be June to July and November to January. It was also found that 90% farmers harvested their fish completely and only 10% of farmers harvested partially. The price of pangas depends on market structure, quality, size, distance, weight, seasonal variation and regional perception. The prices of pangas were found to be highest of 130tk/kg and the lowest of 85tk/kg but sometimes 60 to 70tk/kg when the fish are dead (on the way to destined area) in different districts. On the other hand significant quantity loss was observed in fish 8%, 10%, 15%, 18%, and 19% after reaching to Savar, Manikgonj, Maowa, Sylhet, and Barisal from Trishal. Therefore, it was strongly recommended that proper handling of live fish must be ensured during transportation to attain quality pangas at consumer level.
 Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 12(1&2): 73-82, 2019

The role of private companies in improving nutrition of consumer groups in a developing country: a hedonic analysis of tilapia attributes in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Consumers in developed countries are often willing to pay for high quality food, while the willingness to pay of poor consumers in developing countries is uncertain. The nutritious value increases the willingness to pay for quality, whereas the lack of affordability reduces it. The purpose of this study is to identify the implicit price of the quality attributes of tilapia among different consumer groups in the domestic market of Bangladesh. A survey on 300 consumers of different areas of Bangladesh was conducted to estimate the hedonic price models. The results show that fish size is a main attribute for the purchase decision of all consumer groups. For all consumer groups, consumers pay 14% more for the bigger size (more than 1 kg) of tilapia. In addition, they pay 7% and 6% more if the fish is tasty and the eyes are transparent while they pay 7% and 3% less for its soft abdomen and presence of bones respectively. The implication of these findings is that private companies in the value chain have an incentive to supply tilapia of improved quality and earn more when the hedonic price of the quality attributes exceeds the costs. Under such circumstances, private companies have an incentive to deliver higher quality tilapia that potentially can also improve the nutritious situation of poor consumers in Bangladesh.

Evaluation of Vitamin D Status among the Doctors of Bangladesh – A Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a whole spectrum of diseases including osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular and immune disorders. Though Bangladesh is low latitude country, vitamin D Deficiency is serious and wide spread problem in Bangladesh. Physicians of Bangladesh are more vulnerable to low vitamin D status due to long indoor work hours and lack of sunlight exposure in both government & private institute. So, the aim of this study to evaluate vitamin D status among the physicians working around the Bangladesh.
 Methods: This was a cross-sectional, multicenter study where we enrolled 1112 doctors from 9 different areas of Bangladesh from May 2018 to June 2019. A Blood sample was collected from all participants to measure Serum 25(OH)D and various patient data such as age, gender, BMI, physical activity level during leisure time, use of vitamins and medications, sunlight exposure time, tea/coffee drinking, smoking, H/O comorbidities etc. was collected.
 Results: Of the 1112 doctors assessed in the study,794 (71.4%) was male and 318 (28.6%) was female. Mean age of the participants was 45.5±11.1 Years. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was found in 734 (65.8%) and 105 (9.4%) participants respectively. Mean vitamin D level was 18.9 ng/ml (±8.6 ng/ml). Less than 5% of participants of Rajshahi, Rangpur, Dhaka, Bogura and Sylhet had sufficient vitamin D level. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with age, obesity, sunlight exposure, physical inactivity, hypertension and vitamin D supplementation.
 Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is very common among physicians of all over Bangladesh. The high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the present study points towards urgent need of an integrated approach to detect vitamin D deficiency among health care professionals and treat appropriately.
 Bangladesh J Medicine January 2021; 32(1) : 31-38

Seroprevalence of Brucellosis in goats in some selected areas of Bangladesh.

Objective:This study aimed to explore the seroprevalence of Brucella spp. in goats in some selected areas of Bangladesh.Materials and Methods:This study was conducted in different goat-populated regions of Bangladesh from July 2017 to June 2018. A total of 208 serum samples were randomly collected from goats in Jashore (n = 50), Jhenidah (n = 22), Tangail (n = 40), Savar (n = 46), Thakurgaon (n = 18), and Bandarban (n = 32) areas. The samples were subjected to determine the presence of antibodies against Brucella spp. by rose bengal plate test (RBPT) and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA).Results:Overall, the seroprevalence of Brucellosis in goats was 4.33% (n = 9/208) by RBPT and 2.40% (n = 5/208) by c-ELISA. The seroprevalence of brucellosis on the basis of RBPT was 6% (buck: 0%, doe: 6%) in Jashore, 4.5% (buck: 0%, doe: 4.5%) in Jhenidah, 2.5% (buck: 0%, doe: 2.5%) in Tangail, 4.35% (buck: 0%, doe: 4.35%) in Savar, 6.25% (buck: 0%, doe: 6.25%) in Bandarban, and 5.56% (buck: 0%, doe: 5.56%) in Thakurgaon. On the other hand, the seroprevalence of brucellosis by c-ELISA was 4% (buck: 0%, doe: 4%) in Jashore, 4.5% (buck: 0%, doe: 4.5%) in Jhenidah, 3.13% (buck: 0%, doe: 3.13%) in Bandarban, and 5.56% (buck: 0%, doe: 5.56%) in Thakurgaon. Brucellosis was more prevalent (p > 0.001) in does aging 3–4 years.Conclusion:Goats from different areas of Bangladesh are caring antibodies against Brucella organisms. Further bacteriological investigations are necessary.

Stem and Total Above-Ground Biomass Models for the Tree Species of Freshwater Wetlands Forest, Coastal Areas and Dry Areas of Bangladesh: Using a Non-Destructive Approach

Biomass and carbon stock in a forested areas are now prime important indicators of forest management and climate change mitigation measures. But the accurate estimation of biomass and carbon in trees of forests is now a challenging issue. In most cases, pantropical and regional biomass models are used frequently to estimate biomass and carbon stock in trees, but these estimations have some uncertainty compared to the species-specific allometric biomass model. Acacia nilotica, Casuarina equisetifolia and Melia azedarach have been planted in different areas of Bangladesh considering the species-specific site requirements. While Barringtonia acutangula and Pongamia pinnata are the dominant tree species of the freshwater swamp forest of Bangladesh. This study was aimed to develop species-specific allometric biomass models for estimating stem and above ground biomass (TAGB) of these species using the non-destructive method and to compare the efficiency of the derived biomass models with the frequently used regional and pantropical biomass models. Four Ln-based models with diameter at breast height (DBH) and total height (H) were tested to derive the best fit allometric model. Among the tested models, Ln (biomass) = a + b Ln (D) + c Ln (H) was the best-fit model for A. nilotica, M. azedarach, B. acutangula and P. pinnata and Ln (biomass) = a + b Ln (D2H) was best-fit for C. equisetifolia. Finally, the derived best-fit species-specific TAGB models have shown superiority over the other frequently used pantropical and regional biomass models in relation to model efficiency and model prediction error.

Serologic Detection of <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> in Cat Owners Residing at Dhaka Metropolitan Area of Bangladesh

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan that can infect any warm-blooded mammal. T. gondii infects about one-third of the human population on the planet. Infection with the parasite in human causes toxoplasmosis that may pose a high risk in immunocompromised individuals under certain clinical conditions. Cats are the ultimate hosts of T. gondii where oocysts are formed through mating of male and female gametes. Infected cats can expel T. gondii oocysts in their feces, and thereby capable of pass on a disease to humans and other animals through consumption of foods, vegetables and water that are polluted with cat feces. The study was conducted to detect the presence of anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies in the blood of individuals with or without cat contact to determine if there is any relationship between cat contacts and T. gondii infection in humans. To address this, we enrolled subjects who contacted with the cat as target group and individuals with no cat contact as control group. Following register of different demographic data (including age, sex, education, foods habit, income status, etc.), whole blood from each enrolled subject of both the target group and control group was collected for serum preparation. T. gondii infected subjects were detected by Toxo Rapid test kit through identifying anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies in their serum. We found that only three out of twenty subjects who were in contact with cat showed positive IgG response while IgM antibody response was absent for all subjects. When compared with the data from control group, we did not find any significant association (p = 0.33) of cat contact with the transmission of T. gondii into human. However, with this small number of study subjects, we cannot conclusively say that there is no impact of cat contact on the transmission of T. gondii into human. Whether any association exists or not can be ascertained with a large number of subjects from different areas of Bangladesh in a future study in the population.