Search Results (48)

Napier grass is widely used across the tropics and subtropics as a feed for dairy and beef cattle, but its quality is poor under current management with resultant poor animal productivity. Current management is focused on achieving high yields and, as such, is harvested at ground level with longer harvest interval when grass reaches 200 cm or higher, which reduces quality. The opportunity to improve the nutritive value of this grass is largely unexplored alongside the opportunity to increase livestock productivity and food security in the tropics and subtropics. Here we determined the impact of leaf number (total) or stage (LS; 6, 9 and 14) at harvest, and harvest severity height (SH; cutting or harvest height from the ground; 5, 10 and 20 cm), on the nutritive value of Napier grass (cv. Pakchong) across one year. Napier grass was sown (from cutting) at a density of 50 cm × 50 cm with three replicates per treatment. Increasing LS from 6 to 14 decreased crude protein (CP) content from 184 g/kg DM to 118 g/kg DM and metabolizable energy (ME) content from 10.4 to 7.3 MJ/kg DM. These results suggest that Napier grass should be harvested at a lower LS to increase plant nutritive value but there was a trade-off between yield and quality as yield decreased by half to improve such quality. The impact of offering Napier grass harvested at 6, 9 or 14 LS on cattle growth was then determined across 113 days in a second experiment. Red Chittagong bulls were enrolled at a weight of a 181.9 ± 2.30 (Mean ± SE) Kg with an age of between 18 and 22 months. The 6 LS treatment cattle had a greater growth rate and higher feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the 14 LS treatment (610 versus 270 g/day and 6.4 versus 16.2, respectively) indicating a trade-off of yield with quality. Our results demonstrate that Napier grass should be harvested at 6 LS with 10 cm SH for feed nutritive value, cattle growth and FCR. Further research is required to ameliorate yield loss associated with this recommended management strategy with a focus on increasing plant density. Full article

Hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs) have garnered growing interest for their ability to combine the high energy storage capability of batteries with the rapid charge–discharge characteristics of supercapacitors. This review examines the evolution of HSCs, emphasizing the synergistic mechanisms that integrate both Faradaic and non-Faradaic charge storage processes. Transition metal oxides (TMOs) are highlighted as promising battery-type electrodes owing to their notable energy storage potential and compatibility with various synthesis routes, including hydro/solvothermal methods, electrospinning, electrodeposition, and sol–gel processes. Particular attention is directed toward Ti-, Co-, and V-based TMOs, with a focus on tailoring their properties through morphology control, composite formation, and doping to enhance electrochemical performance. Overall, the discussion underscores the potential of HSCs to meet the growing demand for next-generation energy storage systems by bridging the gap between high energy and high power requirements. Full article

The pedigree, bulk, and single-seed descent-based rapid generation advance methods are commonly practiced breeding methods in rice. But the efficiency of these breeding methods in enhancing genetic gain has not been investigated yet. In this study, we compared the pedigree and bulk method-derived breeding lines of five crosses with RGA-derived lines. The RGA method was found to be almost two times more efficient in capturing high-yielding lines with a high breeding value and thus accelerated genetic gain much more than the bulk and pedigree methods. The RGA method is not only more efficient but also significantly cheaper (~24%) compared to pedigree methods. The cost per kilogram of genetic gain in yield for the RGA lines is almost 3 times lower than the bulk method and 4.5 times lower than the pedigree method, and it can be achieved in half the time required for line development with either the bulk or pedigree method. Full article

Rice cultivation in the low-lying basin-like wetlands, known as the Haor, is often affected by early flash floods during the first two weeks of April. The flooding is mainly caused by heavy rainfall and water surging downstream from the Meghalaya hills in India. This flash flood poses a significant threat to rice production, risking the country’s food security. Dry winter (Boro) rice is the primary food source throughout the year in the Haor region. Flash floods are the most catastrophic, affecting about 80% or even the entire rice yield. In 2017, a loss of 0.88 million metric tons of Boro rice in Haor regions cost the nation USD 450 million. To escape flash floods, it is recommended to sow Boro rice earlier, between the last week of October and the first week of November, instead of around 15 November so rice may be harvested by the last week of March before the onset of flash floods. However, early sowing has a possibility of causing grain sterility due to cold spells when the booting and heading stages of rice inevitably coincide with the cold period between 15 January and 7 February. The minimum temperature in the Haor regions ranges from 11 to 15 °C during this time. Rice is especially susceptible to low average temperatures (<20 °C) during the reproductive stage, leading to pollen abortion and the malformation of immature microspores. Low temperatures mainly impact rice cultivation in Haor regions during the reproductive phase, resulting in the degeneration of the spikelets, partial panicle exertion, and increased spikelet sterility, leading to a decrease in grain yield. Over two million hectares of Boro rice have been damaged by extreme cold spells in recent years, resulting in partial or total yield loss. To overcome the threats of flash floods and cold injury, breeding short-duration and cold-tolerant rice varieties is crucial. We assume that an economic benefit of USD 230 million per year could be achieved through the development and adoption of short-duration and cold-tolerant high-yielding rice varieties in the Haor regions of the country. In this review article, the authors summarized the problems and outline a way forward to overcome the flash flood and cold injury of Boro rice cultivation in the Haor districts of the country. Furthermore, the authors discussed the various forms and scenarios of cold damage and the global existence of cold-tolerant rice cultivars. Based on the available data from earlier research, a potential way of mitigating flash floods and cold devastation was suggested. Full article

The rise of antimicrobial resistance, particularly from extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E), poses a significant global health challenge as it frequently causes the failure of empirical antibiotic therapy, leading to morbidity and mortality. The E. coli- and K. pneumoniae-derived CTX-M genotype is one of the major types of ESBL. Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are involved in spreading ESBL genes among the bacterial population. Due to the rapidly evolving nature of ESBL-E, there is a lack of specific standard examination methods. Carbapenem has been considered the drug of first choice against ESBL-E. However, carbapenem-sparing strategies and alternative treatment options are needed due to the emergence of carbapenem resistance. In South Asian countries, the irrational use of antibiotics might have played a significant role in aggravating the problem of ESBL-induced AMR. Superbugs showing resistance to last-resort antibiotics carbapenem and colistin have been reported in South Asian regions, indicating a future bleak picture if no urgent action is taken. To counteract the crisis, we need rapid diagnostic tools along with efficient treatment options. Detailed studies on ESBL and the implementation of the One Health approach including systematic surveillance across the public and animal health sectors are strongly recommended. This review provides an overview of the background, associated risk factors, transmission, and therapy of ESBL with a focus on the current situation and future threat in the developing countries of the South Asian region and beyond. Full article

Newcastle disease (ND) is endemic in Bangladesh. Locally produced or imported live Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccines based on lentogenic virus strains, locally produced live vaccines of the mesogenic Mukteswar strain, as well as imported inactivated vaccines of lentogenic strains, are being used in Bangladesh under different vaccination regimens. Despite these vaccinations, frequent outbreaks of ND are being reported in Bangladesh. Here we compared the efficacy of booster immunization with three different vaccines in chickens that had been primed with two doses of live LaSota vaccine. A total of 30 birds (Group A) were primed with two doses of live LaSota virus (genotype II) vaccine at days 7 and 28, while 20 birds (Group B) remained unvaccinated. At day 60, birds of Group A were divided into three sub-groups, which received booster immunizations with three different vaccines; A1: live LaSota vaccine, A2: inactivated LaSota vaccine, and A3: inactivated genotype XIII.2 vaccine (BD-C161/2010 strain from Bangladesh). Two weeks after booster vaccination (at day 74), all vaccinated birds (A1–A3) and half of the unvaccinated birds (B1) were challenged with a genotype XIII.2 virulent NDV (BD-C161/2010). A moderate antibody response was observed after the primary vaccination, which substantially increased after the booster vaccination in all groups. The mean HI titers induced by the inactivated LaSota vaccine (8.0 log₂/5.0 log₂ with LaSota/BD-C161/2010 HI antigen) and the inactivated BD-C161/2010 vaccine (6.7 log₂/6.2 log₂ with LaSota/BD-C161/2010 HI antigen) were significantly higher than those induced by the LaSota live booster vaccine (3.6 log₂/2.6 log₂ with LaSota/BD-C161/2010 HI antigen). Despite the differences in the antibody titers, all chickens (A1–A3) survived the virulent NDV challenge, while all the unvaccinated challenged birds died. Among the vaccinated groups, however, 50% of the chickens in Group A1 (live LaSota booster immunization) shed virus at 5- and 7-days post challenge (dpc), while 20% and 10% of the chickens in Group A2 (inactivated LaSota booster immunization) shed virus at 3 and 5 dpc, respectively, and only one chicken (10%) in Group A3 shed virus at 5 dpc. In conclusion, the genotype-matched inactivated NDV booster vaccine offers complete clinical protection and a significant reduction in virus shedding. Full article

There are substantial public health consequences when hazardous heavy metal contaminants and antimicrobial drug residues are present in broiler edible tissues. This study aimed to assess the concentration of antimicrobial drugs and heavy metals residues in broiler meat, bones and edible composites (combinations of liver, kidney and gizzard). Samples were collected from different types of broiler farms, broiler wet meat markets and supermarkets, covering all five divisions of Bangladesh. The antimicrobial drug and heavy metal residues were analyzed by uHPLC and ICP-MS, respectively. In addition, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among broiler meat consumers in the study areas to evaluate their attitude towards the consumption of broiler meat. The survey clearly stated that broiler meat consumers in Bangladesh have a negative attitude toward the consumption of broiler meat, although all respondents reported to eat broiler meat regularly. The antibiotic with the highest prevalence of residues in broiler edible tissues was oxytetracycline, followed by doxycycline, sulphadiazine and chloramphenicol. On the other hand, all collected broiler edible tissues contained chromium and lead, followed by arsenic. The fact of the matter is that the antimicrobial drugs and heavy metals residues were found to be below the maximum residue limit (MRL), except for the lead content. In addition, the broiler meat samples from supermarkets had lower levels of antimicrobial drugs and heavy metals residue compared to the broiler meat collected from various types of farms and broiler wet meat markets. Irrespective of the source, broiler meat was found to contain antimicrobial drugs and heavy metals residues below the MRL, except for lead, suggesting that broiler meat is safe for human consumption. Therefore, raising public awareness regarding misconceptions about broiler meat consumption among consumers would be warranted. Full article

Newcastle disease (ND) is endemic in poultry in Bangladesh. We performed genotypic and pathotypic characterization of four ND virus (NDV) isolates from recent outbreaks in broiler chickens in Bangladesh during the period of 2020–2021. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete fusion protein gene coding sequences classified the viruses into NDV class II genotype VII.2 together with viruses from Indonesia isolated between 2014 and 2021 and a single 2020 Indian isolate. Pathogenicity testing using the intracerebral pathogenicity index in day-old chickens and mean embryo death time in embryonating chicken eggs revealed that the Bangladeshi isolates are velogenic. Inoculation of 35-day-old chickens with two NDV isolates (LT67 and N5) resulted in 100% morbidity by 3 days post inoculation (DPI), and all birds succumbed to infection by 7 DPI. Massive hemorrhages, congestion and necrotic lesions were observed in different visceral organs, which were typical for infection with a velogenic viscerotropic pathotype of NDV. At microscopic examination, tracheitis, severe pneumonia, focal proventriculitis, transmural enteritis, focal myocarditis, severe congestion and necrosis in kidneys, and lymphoid depletion in lymphoid tissues were found. Our study reports the first outbreak of the panzootic genotype VII.2 NDV in poultry in Bangladesh and documents a possible recent re-introduction of this NDV genotype from Southeast or East Asia. This study further provides viral distribution and epidemiological data that can facilitate the effective control of NDV. Full article

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) foodborne pathogens have created a great challenge to the supply and consumption of safe & healthy animal-source foods. The study was conducted to identify the common foodborne pathogens from animal-source foods & by-products with their antimicrobial drug susceptibility and resistance gene profile. The common foodborne pathogens Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Campylobacter species were identified in livestock and poultry food products. The prevalence of foodborne pathogens was found higher in poultry food & by-product compared with livestock (p < 0.05). The antimicrobial drug susceptibility results revealed decreased susceptibility to penicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, neomycin, streptomycin, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim whilst gentamicin was found comparatively more sensitive. Regardless of sources, the overall MDR pattern of E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus were found to be 88.33%, 75%, 95%, and 100%, respectively. The genotypic resistance showed a prevalence of bla_TEM, bla_SHV, bla_CMY, tetA, tetB, sul1, aadA1, aac(3)-IV, and ereA resistance genes. The phenotype and genotype resistance patterns of isolated pathogens from livestock and poultry had harmony and good concordance, and sul1 & tetA resistance genes had a higher prevalence. Good agricultural practices along with proper biosecurity may reduce the rampant use of antimicrobial drugs. In addition, proper handling, processing, storage, and transportation of foods may decline the spread of MDR foodborne pathogens in the food chain. Full article

Although urea placed deep reduces nitrogen (N) loss and increases rice yield, its use is not expanding due to the lack of effective application methods. A study was carried out to determine how different urea application techniques affected the yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of transplanted Aman rice (cv. BRRI dhan46). The experiment was set up in a RCBD design with seven treatments: T₁ (deep placement of urea briquettes (DPUB) by hand), T₂ (DPUB by battery-powered applicator), T₃ (deep placement of prilled urea (PU) briquettes by BRRI applicator), T₄ (DPUB by injector applicator), T₅ (DPUB by push-type applicator), T₆ (broadcast application of PU), T₇ (zero-N), and three replications. Findings showed that the NH₄⁺-N concentration in field water peaked on day 3 and then rapidly fell as time passed, while the NO₃⁻-N concentration in the water and soil was minimal. T₁ reported the highest grain yield, total N content and uptake, whereas T₇ had the lowest values. On T₁, the apparent N recovery reached its highest level (73.5%). The NUE varied from 13.26% in T₃ to 29.38% in T₁. Based on this finding, deep placement of urea briquette by hand is recommended for increasing the yield and NUE of T. Aman rice. Full article

The emergence of virulent extended spectrum β-lactamase producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-KP) including carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) in hospital-acquired infections has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. We investigated the antibiotic resistance and virulence factors associated with ESBL-KP and CRKP in tertiary care hospitals in Bangladesh and explored their ability to form biofilm. A total of 67 ESBL-KP were isolated from 285 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from environmental and patient samples from January 2019 to April 2019. For ESBL-KP isolates, molecular typing was carried out using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR), antibiotic susceptibility testing, PCR for virulence and drug-resistant genes, and biofilm assays were also performed. All 67 isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR) to different antibiotics at high levels and 42 isolates were also carbapenem-resistant. The most common β-lactam resistance gene was bla_CTX-M-1 (91%), followed by bla_TEM (76.1%), bla_SHV (68.7%), bla_OXA-1 (29.9%), bla_GES (14.9%), bla_CTX-M-9 (11.9%), and bla_CTX-M-2 (4.5%). The carbapenemase genes bla_KPC (55.2%), bla_IMP (28.4%), bla_VIM (14.9%), bla_NDM-1 (13.4%), and bla_OXA-48 (10.4%) and virulence-associated genes such as fimH (71.6%), ugeF (58.2%), wabG (56.7%), ureA (47.8%) and kfuBC (28.4%) were also detected. About 96.2% of the environmental and 100% of the patient isolates were able to form biofilms. ERIC-PCR-based genotyping and hierarchical clustering of K. pneumoniae isolates revealed an association between environmental and patient samples, indicating clonal association with possible transmission of antimicrobial resistance genes. Our findings can help in improving patient care and infection control, and the development of public health policies related to hospital-acquired infections. Full article

Teledentistry is an online dental care service that allows patients and dentists to meet in real time, safely, without being at the same location. During the COVID-19 pandemic, real-time videoconferencing has gained popularity in the field of teledentistry, with numerous benefits for both patients and dentists. Online consultations can minimize costs, maximize time, and provide more convenient care options for both patients and dentists. When practicing teledentistry, a dentist must establish a good doctor–patient relationship. Dentists must ensure that the telecommunication solution that they choose meets their clinical requirements and complies with privacy laws. Dentists should provide adequate information to patients about the limitations, advantages, and disadvantages that may occur during online consultation. Dentists must follow guidelines and procedures regarding informed consent, patient details, personal communications, and consultancies’ privacy and confidentiality. The patient should be aware of the limitations of teledentistry, and dentists will provide the best advice possible in the absence of a face-to-face consultation. This article discusses how teledentistry could be an effective tool for dentists and patients. Full article

In order to develop high-yielding genotypes of adapted maize, multilocation trials of maize were performed including forty-five maize hybrids exploiting genetic variability, trait associations, and diversity. The experiments were laid out in an RCB design and data were recorded on eight yield and yield-contributing traits, viz., days to anthesis (AD), days to silking (SD), anthesis–silking interval (ASI), plant height (PH), ear height (EH), kernels per ear (KPE), thousand-kernel weight (TKW), and grain yield (GY). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant variation present among the different traits under study. The phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) showed a higher value than the genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV), indicating the environmental influence on the expression of the traits. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was found for these traits, indicative of additive gene action. The trait associations showed that genotypic correlation was higher than phenotypic correlation. Based on genetic diversity, the total genotypes were divided into four clusters, and the maximum number of 16 genotypes was found in cluster IV. Among the eight yield and yield-contributing traits, PH, ASI, EH, and TKW were the important traits for variability creation and were mostly responsible for yield. Genotypes G5, G8, G27, G29, and G42 were in the top ranks based on grain yield over locations, while a few others showed region-centric performances; all these genotypes can be recommended upon validation for commercial release. The present findings show the existence of proper genetic variability and divergence among traits, and the identified traits can be used in a maize improvement program. Full article

Rice is a major crop in Bangladesh that supports both food security and livelihoods. However, a need remains for improved productivity and adaptation to the risks associated with climate change. To accomplish this, the increased adoption of climate-resilient and high-yielding rice varieties can be beneficial. Therefore, we conducted a study in Bangladesh over three consecutive years: 2016, 2017, and 2018. The scope of the study included the major cropping season (wet), Aman. The yield advantages of climate-resilient rice varieties were evaluated and compared with those of the varieties popular with farmers. We included new stress-tolerant varieties, such as submergence-tolerant rice (BRRI dhan51 and BRRI dhan52) and drought-tolerant rice (BRRI dhan56 and BRRI dhan71), along with farmer-chosen controls, in the study. We conducted the evaluation through on-farm trials to compare the varieties in both submergence- and drought-affected environments. The seasonal trials provided measured results of yield advantages. The participating farmers were also studied over the three-year-period to capture their varietal adoption rates. We calculated both the location estimated yield advantages (LEYA) and the location observed yield advantages (LOYA). The results revealed that, under non-stress conditions, the grain yields of climate-resilient varieties were either statistically similar to or higher than those of the farmer-chosen controls. Our study also revealed a year-to-year progressive adoption rate for the introduced varieties. The study suggests that the wide-scale introduction and popularization of climate-resilient varieties can ensure higher productivity and climate risk adaptation. The close similarity between LOYA and LEYA indicated that the observational and experiential conclusions of the host farmers were similar to the scientific performance of the varieties. We also found that comparison performed through on-farm trials was a critical method for enhancing experiential learning and obtaining an accurate estimation of yield advantages. Full article

Plants take up silicon (Si) from the soil which impacts their growth and nutrient accumulation. It increases plant resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and heavy metal, diseases, and pest infestation. However, until recently, research of Si application on the crop is limited. This article reviews the recent progress of research on Si application on crop growth and yield, nutrient availability in soil and accumulation, and drought tolerance of crop plants. The review’s findings show that Si improves crop development and output under stressful environmental conditions. Silicon increases the availability and accumulation of both macronutrients (nitrogen, potassium, calcium, and sulphur) and micronutrients (iron and manganese). It improves drought resistance by increasing plant water usage efficiency and reducing water loss during transportation. Silicon application is a crucial aspect of crop productivity because of all of these favorable attributes. The gaps in current understandings are identified. Based on the outcome of the present research, future scopes of research on this field are proposed. Full article