In response to the increasing use of exogenous enzymes in carp polyculture systems in Bangladesh, a study was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeds enriched with exogenous enzymes on the growth, flesh composition, and palatability of an Indian major carp, Cirrhinus cirrhosus. This feeding trial was conducted over 90 days in 12 cages in a fish pond at University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh. A commercial feed additive (Aquazyme Plus) was used as the enzyme source at concentrations of 0.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 g/kg feed to prepare four test feeds, designated as the following treatments: T1 (control), T2, T3, and T4. Growth and feed utilization parameters, flesh composition, and organoleptic qualities of cooked flesh were evaluated using standard formulas, methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), and an organoleptic technique, respectively. Results revealed superior weight gain and SGR in fish from group T4, followed by those from groups T3, T2, and T1. Group T4 also exhibited the best FCR and PER, as well as the highest protein and lipid content. Organoleptic evaluation showed that the flesh of fish from groups T3 and T4 achieved higher scores for sensory qualities, while that of the control fish achieved the lowest scores. The incorporation of exogenous enzymes into the feed improves the growth, flesh quality, and organoleptic qualities of C. cirrhosus. The incorporation of this enzyme at a dose of 6.0 g/kg of feed resulted in significantly better results for this species. J. Bio-Sci. 34(1): 41-50, 2026
Nutrition is a critical determinant of growth and silk productivity in the silkworm (Bombyx mori L.), yet reliance on mulberry leaves creates seasonal constraints, particularly in Bangladesh. This study assessed the effects of two formulated artificial diets, based on mulberry leaf powder, soy flour, and corn flour, compared with mulberry-fed controls in the BN/M multivoltine race. Key growth, cocoon, pupal, and silk fibre traits were measured, and multivariate analyses (PCA, correlation, and clustering) were applied to reveal the interrelationships among these traits. Results showed that mulberry leaves ensured superior larval growth and silk gland development, but artificial diets provided trait-specific benefits. Diet 1 enhanced the shell ratio (14.57%) and fibre length (401 m), while Diet 2 yielded heavier male (0.869 g) and female pupae (1.268 g). PCA separated growth/biomass traits from silk productivity traits, highlighting trade-offs between larval development and fibre yield. Strong correlations, such as between fifth-instar weight and silk fibre output, confirmed the biological linkage between nutrient intake and cocoon productivity. Clustering further distinguished artificial diet treatments from mulberry-fed controls, indicating distinct phenotypic responses. This is the first systematic evaluation of artificial diets for the BN/M race under Bangladeshi sericulture conditions. The findings demonstrate that while mulberry leaves remain indispensable, artificial diets can supplement rearing during lean seasons by enhancing specific economic traits. A cost analysis revealed that although artificial diets are slightly more expensive, they help offset seasonal shortages and sustain cocoon yields, thereby supporting sericulture resilience in regions with limited mulberry availability. J. Bio-Sci. 34(1): 74-87, 2026
Industrial effluents discharge into the rivers severely degrade water quality by introducing heavy metals, organic pollutants, and excess nutrients, leading to toxicity of aquatic life and severe health risk for humans. This research aimed to explore occupational health risks and assess the discharge of effluents from a canal connected to the Jamuna River. An in-depth interview was conducted among employees of the Jamuna Fertilizer Company Limited (JFCL) to know the occupational health condition of that industry from January to June 2023. These employees reported various health problems, including eye, respiratory, and abdominal disorders, due to poor management and a lack of awareness. The Jamuna River was negatively affected by untreated waste discharged by JFCL. Water samples were collected at the discharge points of effluents from the Jamuna fertilizer plants to investigate the river's physicochemical parameters. The results revealed that the water quality of the Jamuna River is compromised by these discharges, posing a threat to aquatic life. The average dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration measured was 4.06 ppm, below the WHO-recommended standard of 5 ppm. Although the average pH is 8.32 and the average total dissolved solids (TDDS) content is 172.33 ppm, both of these parameters are within acceptable limits, the electrical conductivity (EC) exceeds acceptable thresholds. Furthermore, concentrations of heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) exceeded safety thresholds, threatening aquatic organisms. Low levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) were particularly detrimental to aquatic habitats in the region. During the study, pre-monsoon water temperatures remained within acceptable limits, but they exceeded these thresholds during the monsoon season. Overall, the study revealed that the water quality of the canal, which is connected to the Jamuna River, has deteriorated significantly due to untreated discharges, affecting not only aquatic life but also the entire ecosystem and local communities. J. Bio-Sci. 34(1): 63-73, 2026
Oral candidiasis is a common fungal infection caused by Candida species, often exhibiting resistance to antifungal agents. Among non-albicans Candida species, Candida krusei is of clinical concern due to the development of resistance mechanisms, including drug efflux pumps and gene overexpression. This study investigates drug susceptibility, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), efflux pump activity, and gene expression in C. krusei isolates. After identification using chromogenic media (HiCrome Candida Differential Agar), clinical isolates were subjected to antifungal susceptibility testing and MIC determination against fluconazole, voriconazole, miconazole, clotrimazole, and nystatin following CLSI guidelines. Efflux pump activity was evaluated using the Rhodamine 6G (R6G) efflux assay. Gene expression of CDR1, CDR2, TAC1, and ERG11- key regulators of azole resistance—was analyzed using RT-qPCR and the 2−∆∆CT method. The antifungal susceptibility profiling revealed that the majority of the clinical isolates exhibited resistance to nystatin with an MIC of ≥ 8μg/mL, while the MIC ranges 0.25-2μg/mL for other drugs. Notably, higher R6G efflux was observed in nystatin exposure compared to other antifungals, indicating a contributory role of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters to antifungal resistance- especially in reducing intracellular drug accumulation. Further support for this mechanism was provided by RT-qPCR analysis, which showed upregulation of resistance-associated genes- CDR1, CDR2, TAC1, and ERG11- pre-treated with nystatin. The increased efflux activity observed in the R6G assay and overexpression of these efflux genes, especially in response to nystatin, underscores the pivotal role of efflux pumps in mediating resistance. These findings suggest that targeting efflux-mediated pathways may be a promising strategy in overcoming resistance in Candida infections. J. Bio-Sci. 34(1): 22-30, 2026
The carbon dioxide (CO₂) sequestration efficiency of five selected tree species- Swietenia macrophylla (Mahogany), Acacia auriculiformis (Akashmoni), Tectona grandis (Shegun), Ficus benghalensis (Banyan tree) and Borassus flabellifer (Tal palm) was estimated using a non-destructive method. Tree height and trunk diameter were measured at breast height (4 ft) and above breast height (6 ft) to assess CO₂ sequestration potential. At a trunk height of 4 ft, the highest CO₂ sequestration was recorded in F. benghalensis, with an estimated 198,070.59 kg, whereas the lowest was observed in B. flabellifer, with 13,425.46 kg. Similarly, at 6 ft trunk height, F. benghalensis exhibited the maximum CO₂ sequestration (233,812.999 kg), while B. flabellifer showed the minimum (9,992.96 kg). These results indicate that F. benghalensis is the most effective species for CO₂ sequestration among the studied trees, likely due to its large trunk diameter, extensive biomass and wide canopy structure, which contribute to greater carbon storage capacity. J. Bio-Sci. 34(1): 125-129, 2026
