Publications by authors named "Md Hassan Uz-Zaman"

The phenomenon of de novo gene birth-the emergence of genes from non-genic sequences-has received considerable attention due to the widespread occurrence of genes that are unique to particular species or genomes. Most instances of de novo gene birth have been recognized through comparative analyses of genome sequences in eukaryotes, despite the abundance of novel, lineage-specific genes in bacteria and the relative ease with which bacteria can be studied in an experimental context. Here, we explore the genetic record of the Escherichia coli long-term evolution experiment (LTEE) for changes indicative of "proto-genic" phases of new gene birth in which non-genic sequences evolve stable transcription and/or translation.

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The phenomenon of gene birth-the emergence of genes from non-genic sequences-has received considerable attention due to the widespread occurrence of genes that are unique to particular species or genomes. Most instances of gene birth have been recognized through comparative analyses of genome sequences in eukaryotes, despite the abundance of novel, lineage-specific genes in bacteria and the relative ease with which bacteria can be studied in an experimental context. Here, we explore the genetic record of the Long-Term Evolution Experiment (LTEE) for changes indicative of "proto-genic" phases of new gene birth in which non-genic sequences evolve stable transcription and/or translation.

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Eukaryotic genomes are pervasively translated, but the properties of translated sequences outside of canonical genes are poorly understood. A new study in Cell Systems reveals a large translatome that is not under significant evolutionary constraint but is still an active part of diverse cellular systems.

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In many low- and middle-income countries, antibiotic-resistant bacteria spread in the environment due to inadequate treatment of wastewater and the poorly regulated use of antibiotics in agri- and aquaculture. Here, we characterized the abundance and diversity of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes in surface waters and sediments in Bangladesh through quantitative culture of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing coliforms and shotgun metagenomics. Samples were collected from highly urbanized settings (7), rural ponds with a history of aquaculture-related antibiotic use (11), and rural ponds with no history of antibiotic use (=6).

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Despite a considerable body of published research on hepatitis B in Bangladesh, researchers continue to lament the lack of reliable information about hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection epidemiology. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive survey of the literature with particular focus on a number of epidemiological questions, as well as a commentary on the trends of hepatitis B research as it has taken place in Bangladesh. The key themes to emerge from this review are: first, beyond noting a declining trend, it is difficult to provide conclusive estimates about HBV prevalence in the general population of Bangladesh.

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