Objectives: This study was designed to isolate, identify, and determine the prevalence of Aspergilli in commercial chicken in selected areas of Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 lung samples from suspected dead chickens, comprising broilers (n = 32) and layers (n = 18), aged between 5 days and 45 weeks, were collected from poultry farms located in the Gazipur district in Bangladesh. Fungi were primarily identified based on the colony morphology using potato dextrose agar (PDA). DNA was extracted from the suspected colonies. Aspegillus spp. was detected by genus-specific ASAP-1 and ASAP-2. Aspergillus spp. were then screened by polymerase chain reaction targeting Aspergillus flavus (FLA-1 and FLA-2), Aspergillus fumigatus (ASPU and Af3r), and Aspergillus niger (ASPU and Nilr). Results: The overall prevalence of Aspergillus spp. was 44% (n = 22/50; p < 0.05). Among the Aspergilli, A. flavus was detected in 10% (n = 5/50) of the samples. Similarly, A. fumigatus and A. niger were detected at 26% (n = 13/50) and 8% (n = 4/50) respectively. Three samples were associated with more than one fungus; two fungi (A. flavus and A. niger) were in two samples, and three fungi (A. flavus, A. fumigatus, and A. niger) were in one sample. Conclusion: Isolation and prevalence of Aspergillus spp. in commercial chicken were studied for the first time in Bangladesh.

The novel coronavirus pandemic has led to morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Until now, it is a highly virulent contagion attacking the respiratory system in humans, especially people with chronic diseases and the elderly who are most vulnerable. A majority of afflicted are those suffering from cardiovascular and coronary diseases. In this review article, an attempt has been made to discuss and thoroughly review the mode of therapies that alleviate cardiac complications and complications due to hypercoagulation in patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Presently a host of thrombolytic drugs are in use like Prourokinase, Retelapse, RhTNK-tPA and Urokinase. However, thrombolytic therapy, especially if given intravenously, is associated with a serious risk of intracranial haemorrhage, systemic haemorrhage, immunologic complications, hypotension and myocardial rupture. The effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus upon the cardiovascular system and coagulation state of the body are being closely studied. In connection to the same, clinical prognosis and complications of thrombolytic therapy are being scrutinized. It is noteworthy to mention that myocardial oxygen supply/demand mismatch, direct myocardial cells injury and acute plaque rupture are the multiple mechanisms responsible for acute coronary syndrome and cardiac complications in Covid-19 infection. However, this review has limitations as data available in this context is limited, scattered and heterogenous that questions the reliability of the same. So, more multi-centric studies involving representative populations, carried out meticulously, could further assist in responding better to cardiac complications among Covid-19 patients.

Commuter's modal choice is a complex phenomenon in urban transportation. It is a key determinant of modern transport planning. Commuters always want to get a hold on any mode at any point of time to meet their travel demand and the selection of mode depends on various factors associated with the commuting. In Savar Pourashava, modal choice by commuters varies with commuter's socio-economic background and demographic characteristics. It also varies with the services that are provided by the various modes operating in the study area. The land use characteristics also affect the travel behavior pattern of commuters in the study area. The attitude and preference of commuters towards modes are also varied from each other. For achieving efficient and reliable transportation system in terms of modal choice of the commuters in the study area, it is essential to identity various factors affecting the travel pattern of the commuters. This research has attempted to identity these factors in modal choice and investigated over the mode that has been preferred by individual commuters and the reasons for selection of the mode. Beside this, the research has explored the relationship between land use characteristics and travel behavior pattern of the commuters.

Objective: Anorectal pain and discomfort during transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy is an important issue of this procedure. Therefore present study was designed to compare whether the use of topical glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) ointment or lignocaine gel is more effective as an adjunct to periprostatic nerve block (PPNB) in reducing pain associated with transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy. Methods: In all, 120 consecutive patients having their first TRUS-guided prostate biopsy were randomized to receive either 0.4% GTN ointment or 2% lignocaine gel, 10 minutes or 5 minutes respectively before biopsy. All patients had a biopsy preceded by an injection with 5 ml of 2% lignocaine local anaesthesia. Results: A 100-point visual analogue score was used to record overall pain due to the presence of the probe, the biopsy itself and pain after the procedure. There was no significant difference in age, PSA level and prostate volume between the groups. There was a significantly lower mean pain score due to probe insertion, in the GTN than lignocaine group (18.32 vs 37.48, P < 0.001); pain perception was lower for the whole procedure in the GTN group (16.59 vs 35.17, P < 0.001); and was most pronounced in men aged d”65 years (21.45 vs 40.7, P < 0.001). Five patients (8.3%) in the GTN group complained of headache. Conclusion: So it can be concluded that, topical GTN ointment is safe and effective in reducing the discomfort and pain associated with TRUS-guided prostate biopsy, in particular the insertion of the ultrasound probe. It might be of maximum benefit in the younger patient(d”65years). Bangladesh Journal of Urology, Vol. 21, No. 1, January 2018 p.14-19