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The use of nutraceuticals in aquaculture is getting attention to minimize oxidative stress and increase immunity of aquatic animals. In our experiment, we tested the potency of Phyllanthus niruri, as a stress-reducing and immune-stimulating agent in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. We reared fish in a recirculating system for 90 days at low (5 g/L) and high (30 g/L) densities. We fed half of the low and high-density fish with commercial feed (control feed) and the other half, with 5% Phyllanthus niruri incorporated into commercial feed (supplemented feed). We assessed plasma cortisol, blood glucose, packed cell volume, plasma proteins, phagocytic capacity, respiratory burst activity, and lysozyme activity. None of these parameters showed any significant difference among the experimental groups. Based on our findings, we conclude that Phyllanthus niruri does not have any potential role in modulating stress and immune response in fish as a nutraceutical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Menstrual disorders, influenced by dietary habits like high fat intake and low fruit and vegetable consumption, are a global public health issue. This study assessed the prevalence of dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and irregular menstrual cycle (IMC) among female university students in Bangladesh, focusing on food cravings and low vitamin A intake as risk factors. Methods: In this comprehensive study, data from randomly selected female university students were collected using a structured questionnaire. The associations were analyzed through chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression, reported as adjusted odds ratios (AOR). Results: The most prevalent menstrual disorder was dysmenorrhea (68.3%) followed by PMS (33.8%), and IMC (24.3%). Food cravers for high-fat and sweet foods were likely to experience dysmenorrhea (AOR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5–3.9, P<0.001), suffer from PMS (AOR: 3.9, 95% CI: 2.3–6.6, P<0.001), and have IMC (AOR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.6–5.3, P<0.001) vs. subjects who didn't. Subjects consuming vitamin A-rich plant foods had 40% (AOR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4–0.9, P < 0.01) and 60% (AOR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.6, P<0.001) less likely suffering from dysmenorrhea and IMC vs. who didn't. Both underweight and overweight/obese subjects experienced more than 2-fold dysmenorrhea vs. normal-weight peers. The chance of IMC was nearly 3-fold among overweight/obese subjects. However, lower physical activity was associated with PMS and IMC whereas family history was associated with dysmenorrhea and PMS. Among the socio-demographic factors, maternal education, place of residence, and earlier menarche (≤12 years) were associated with dysmenorrhea while marital status was associated with IMC. Conclusion: This study indicates that increasing the intake of vitamin A-rich plant foods and reducing high-fat, sweet foods can lower the risk of dysmenorrhea and IMC. Additionally, it highlights the need for regular exercise to mitigate the increased risk of PMS and IMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the impact of migration on the access and utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services by women living in an informal settlement in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 16 in-depth interviews were conducted in March and April of 2019 with women (18–49 years old) who had migrated from rural areas to Dhaka. They reported continued economic insecurity while receiving minimal support from the state. All women reported financial and infrastructural barriers to accessing formal sexual and reproductive health services and tended to seek resources and support through social networks within the slum and from informal health services. Compared with more recent migrants, women who had migrated and resided in the slums for longer found it easier to utilise social networks and resources for sexual and reproductive health. Women had more agency in experimenting with contraceptives but had less power in making decisions during pregnancy and when seeking health care. Menstrual health was a neglected aspect of public health. The study indicates that public health policy targeting the urban poor needs to address the unique challenges faced by migrant women in informal settlements to rectify inequities in health services that leave significant portions of the urban poor population behind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Bangladesh, okra is an important popular summer vegetable. However, traditional farming practices often lead to suboptimal yields. Thus, the study was designed to determine the ideal GA3 and NAA doses for accelerating okra growth, yield, and quality characteristics. A three-replication, randomized complete block design was adopted. Foliar sprays with three concentrations of GA3 (0 ppm, 150 ppm, and 250 ppm) and NAA (0 ppm, 150 ppm, and 250 ppm) were applied in 2022 and 2023. In comparison to the control, the combined application of GA3 @ 150 ppm and NAA @ 150 ppm improved plant height, leaf number, leaf area, branch number, internode length, bud number, pod number, pod length, pod diameter, and 1000 seed weight average over the two years. Furthermore, GA3 @ 150 ppm with NAA 150 ppm increased yield by 35.08% and 27.01% in 2022 and 2023 respectively, above the control. Combining NAA @ 150 ppm with GA3 resulted in higher levels of vitamin C, TSS, magnesium, and zinc by 19.31%, 81.2%, 22.73% and 21.43% in 2022 and 22.83%, 50.57%, 18.07%, 33.33% in 2023 respectively, compared to the control. In contrast, GA3 and NAA decreased potassium and calcium in both year when compared to the control. Overall, the results of this experiment indicated that using GA3 @ 150 ppm with NAA @ 150 ppm could enhance okra growth, yield, and quality. These findings provide insightful information for improving okra cultivation techniques and improving Bangladesh's productivity in agriculture and food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS). T helper (Th) 17 cells are involved in the pathogenesis of MS and its animal model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) by infiltrating the CNS and producing effector molecules that engage resident glial cells. Among these glial cells, astrocytes have a central role in coordinating inflammatory processes by responding to cytokines and chemokines released by Th17 cells. In this study, we examined the impact of pathogenic Th17 cells on astrocytes in vitro and in vivo. We identified that Th17 cells reprogram astrocytes by driving transcriptomic changes partly through a Janus Kinase (JAK)1-dependent mechanism, which included increased chemokines, interferon-inducible genes, and cytokine receptors. In vivo, we observed a region-specific heterogeneity in the expression of cell surface cytokine receptors on astrocytes, including those for IFN-γ, IL-1, TNF-α, IL-17, TGFβ, and IL-10. Additionally, these receptors were dynamically regulated during EAE induced by adoptive transfer of myelin-reactive Th17 cells. This study overall provides evidence of Th17 cell reprogramming of astrocytes, which may drive changes in the astrocytic responsiveness to cytokines during autoimmune neuroinflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public university campuses in Bangladesh have been historically significant sites of negotiating with social and political orders. Based on in-depth interviews with male and female students from three public universities in Dhaka, conducted between 2022 and 2023, this article identifies the ways in which formal and informal structures of power on campus reproduce patriarchal norms and gendered inequities. The students' narratives shed light on how the culture of residential halls, and practices of policing and surveillance, interact with patriarchal norms to limit women's agency and mobility. They also show the ways in which masculine practices which draw from hypersexual views on women and glorify violence become enabled and sustained by institutional power dynamics, wherein harassment and policing become instruments to negotiate power. The article provides new insights into the ways in which patriarchal power dynamics and gender norms promoted and practised within an institutional space create drivers of anti-feminist backlash. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the early metastasis of colon cancer, cancer cells detach, migrate, and infiltrate surrounding tissues, including lymph vessels and blood vessels. Tumor heterogeneity arises from both tumor cells and distinct microenvironments. Maldistribution of blood vessels, creates hypoxic regions within the tumors, fostering cancer stem cell-like properties due to reduced oxygen and nutrient supply. Under hypoxia, tumor cells shift to a glycolytic pathway, producing more lactic acid that acidifies the microenvironment and leads to unstable heart rate variability (HRV) factors, weight disparity, and a higher incidence of aberrant crypt foci (ACF). These hypoxic-induced parameters promote cancer cell invasion, increase radiation resistance, and facilitate cancer cell migration. Methods: In this study, we induced hypoxia-preneoplastic colon damage in albino Wister rats by administrating 1,2-dimethyl hydrazine (DMH). After successfully creating a hypoxic environment in albino Wister rats, resulting in preneoplastic colon damage, we randomly allocated Wistar albino rats into seven groups, each containing 8 animals, and conducted a 6-week study. Group 1-Normal control (administered 1 mM EDTA + saline, 2 ml/kg/day, p.o.); group 2-Toxic control (administered DMH, 30 mg/kg/week, s.c.); group 3-Standard treatment (DMH, 30 mg/kg/week, s.c. for 6 weeks), followed by 5-fluorouracil and Leucovorin (25 mg/kg each on 1st, 3rd, 7th, and 10th days, i.p. after 6 weeks administration of DMH); group 4-Low dose of P1 (DMH, 30 mg/kg/week, s.c.+ P1, 2 mg/kg, i.v., weekly for 3 weeks); group 5-High dose P1 (DMH, 30 mg/kg/week, s.c. + P1, 4 mg/kg, i.v., weekly for 3 weeks), group 6-Low dose of P2 (DMH, 30 mg/kg/week, s.c., + P2, 2 mg/kg, i.v., weekly for 3 weeks), group 7-High dose of P2 (DMH, 30 mg/kg/week, s.c., + P2, 4 mg/kg, i.v. weekly for 3 weeks). Results: DMH-treated rats exhibited alterations in HRV factors, weight disparity, elevated gastric pH, increased total acidity, a higher incidence of ACF, and changes in antioxidant markers (TBARs, SOD, catalase, GSH). Brightfield microscopy at 40x magnification revealed the presence of large crypts within aberrant crypt foci in the toxic control group. Conclusion: Treatment groups P1 and P2 containing triazine derivatives initiated proteasomal degradation of Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 α (HIF-1α) by activating Prolyl Hydroxylase (PHDs) pathways. HIF-1α under a hypoxic environment is responsible for activating a multitude of genes involved in angiogenesis, metastasis, invasiveness, pH changes, metabolic reprogramming, stem cell maintenance, resistance to radiation, and downstream regulation of the immune system. Treatment with P1 and P2 groups helped minimize the ACF count and restored HRV factors, weight disparity, pH levels, total acidity, and oxidative balance. Our findings emphasize the potential role of 1,2,4-triazine derivatives in suppressing hypoxia-induced colon carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune‐mediated inflammatory disease of the CNS. A defining characteristic of MS is the ability of autoreactive T lymphocytes to cross the blood–brain barrier and mediate inflammation within the CNS. Previous work from our lab found the gene Enpp2 to be highly upregulated in murine encephalitogenic T cells. Enpp2 encodes for the protein autotaxin, a secreted glycoprotein that catalyzes the production of lysophosphatidic acid and promotes transendothelial migration of T cells from the bloodstream into the lymphatic system. The present study sought to characterize autotaxin expression in T cells during CNS autoimmune disease and determine its potential therapeutic value. Myelin‐activated CD4 T cells upregulated expression of autotaxin in vitro, and ex vivo analysis of CNS‐infiltrating CD4 T cells showed significantly higher autotaxin expression compared with cells from healthy mice. In addition, inhibiting autotaxin in myelin‐specific T cells reduced their encephalitogenicity in adoptive transfer studies and decreased in vitro cell motility. Importantly, using two mouse models of MS, treatment with an autotaxin inhibitor ameliorated EAE severity, decreased the number of CNS infiltrating T and B cells, and suppressed relapses, suggesting autotaxin may be a promising therapeutic target in the treatment of MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eIF4E family of translation initiation factors bind 5' methylated caps and act as the limiting step for mRNA translation. The canonical eIF4E1A is required for cell viability, yet other related eIF4E families exist and are utilized in specific contexts or tissues. Here, we describe a family called Eif4e1c, for which we find roles during heart development and regeneration in zebrafish. The Eif4e1c family is present in all aquatic vertebrates but is lost in all terrestrial species. A core group of amino acids shared over 500 million years of evolution forms an interface along the protein surface, suggesting that Eif4e1c functions in a novel pathway. Deletion of eif4e1c in zebrafish caused growth deficits and impaired survival in juveniles. Mutants surviving to adulthood had fewer cardiomyocytes and reduced proliferative responses to cardiac injury. Ribosome profiling of mutant hearts demonstrated changes in translation efficiency of mRNA for genes known to regulate cardiomyocyte proliferation. Although eif4e1c is broadly expressed, its disruption had most notable impact on the heart and at juvenile stages. Our findings reveal context-dependent requirements for translation initiation regulators during heart regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BMAP-18, derived from the N-terminal region of bovine myeloid antimicrobial peptide BMAP-27, demonstrates potent antimicrobial activity without cytotoxicity. This study aimed to compare the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anti-inflammatory properties of BMAP-18, rich in aromatic phenylalanine residues, with its aliphatic analog, BMAP-18-FL. Both aromatic BMAP-18 and aliphatic BMAP-18-FL exhibited equally potent antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRPA). Mechanistic investigations employing SYTOX green uptake, DNA binding, and FACScan analysis revealed that both peptides acted by inducing membrane permeabilization and subsequent intracellular targeting. Moreover, both BMAP-18 and BMAP-18-FL effectively prevented biofilm formation and eradicated existing biofilms of MRSA and MDRPA. Notably, BMAP-18-FL displayed a superior anti-inflammatory activity compared to BMAP-18, significantly reducing the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. This study emphasizes the similarities and differences in the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and anti-inflammatory properties between aromatic BMAP-18 and aliphatic BMAP-18-FL, providing valuable insights for the development of multifunctional antimicrobial peptides against drug-resistant bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The liver, the most important metabolic organ of the body, performs a wide variety of vital functions. Hepatic cell injury occurs by the activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are generated by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), xenobiotics, and other toxic substances through cytochrome P450-dependent steps resulting from the covalent bond formation with lipoproteins and nucleic acids. Observing the urgent state of hepatotoxic patients worldwide, different medicinal plants and their properties can be explored to combat such free radical damage to the liver. In vivo and in silico studies were designed and conducted to evaluate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of Gynura procumbens in rats. Materials and methods: Gynura procumbens leaves were collected and extracted using 70% ethanol. The required chemicals CCl4, standard drug (silymarin), and blood serum analysis kits were stocked. The in vivo tests were performed in 140 healthy Wister albino rats of either sex under well-controlled parameters divided into 14 groups, strictly maintaining Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IEAC) protocols. For the histopathology study, 10% buffered neutral formalin was used for organ preservation. Later the specimens were studied under a fluorescence microscope. In silico molecular docking and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) studies were performed, and the results were analyzed statistically. Results and discussion: Gynura procumbens partially negate the deleterious effect of carbon tetrachloride on normal weight gain in rats. The elevated level of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, LDH, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation ranges, gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) in CCl4 treated groups were decreased by both standard drug silymarin and G. procumbens leaf extract. We have found significant & highly significant changes statistically for different doses, here p<0.05 & p<0.01, respectively. On the other hand, G. procumbens and silymarin displayed Statistically significant (p<0.05) and high significant(p<0.01) increased levels of HDL, CAT SOD (here p<0.05 & p<0.01 for different doses) when the treatment groups were compared with the disease control group. Because the therapeutic activity imparted by plants and drugs accelerates the movement of the disturbed pathophysiological state toward the healthy state. In the molecular docking analysis, G. procumbens phytoconstituents performed poorly against transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) compared to the control drug silymarin. In contrast, 26 phytoconstituents scored better than the control bezafibrate against peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α). The top scoring compounds for both macromolecules were observed to form stable complexes in the molecular dynamics simulations. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds performed better than other constituents in providing hepatoprotective activity. It can, thus, be inferred that the extract of G. procumbens showed good hepatoprotective properties in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Crataeva nurvala is a medicinal plant, which contains a wide range of polyphenolic and bioactive compounds. The aim of the study was to evaluate the renal-protective activity of Crataeva nurvala in two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) rats. Methods. In this study, the ethanol extract of Crataeva nurvala bark at a dose of 100 mg/kg was orally used to treat 2K1C rats for four weeks. At the end of the experiment, all rats were sacrificed and tissue samples were collected for further biochemical and histological assessments. Results. This investigation showed that Crataeva nurvala treatment prevented the kidney dysfunction in 2K1C rats. Uric acid and creatinine concentration and CK-MB activities increased in 2K1C rats which were normalized by Crataeva nurvala. 2K1C rats also showed increased oxidative stress, depicted by the elevated level of MDA, NO, and APOP in plasma and tissues. Oxidative stress parameters declined in 2K1C rats by the treatment of Crataeva nurvala. These results could be attributed to the restoration of antioxidant enzyme activities such as catalase and SOD. Crataeva nurvala extracts also upregulated antioxidant gene expression in the kidneys of 2K1C rats. Moreover, several anti-inflammatory genes were suppressed by Crataeva nurvala treatment in 2K1C rats. Furthermore, fibrosis and collagen deposition in the kidneys were also lowered by the treatment of the Crataeva nurvala extract. Conclusion. The experimental data suggest that the Crataeva nurvala extract protected renal damage and oxidative stress, probably by restoring antioxidant enzymes activities in 2K1C rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is a progressive increase in the patients of dental caries and periodontitis in the recent years. The main emphasis is laid on avoiding the accumulation and inducing the elimination/suppression of caries-causing microbes in the oral cavity. A variety of antimicrobial agents are incorporated into oral hygiene products but these products come up with their own disadvantages. Natural products prove to be biocompatible with medicinal properties. Aims and Objectives: The objective of the study is to access the antimicrobial activities of Juglans regia bark against dental caries and plaque. Also, antibacterial activity of Juglans bark is compared with oral rinses and systemic antibiotics. Material and Methods: The study sample consisted of 50 subjects and was divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 25 samples without caries and Group 2 also included 25 samples with caries. Both samples were in the age group 18-22 years. Plant samples of Juglans regia bark from Kashmir and Himachal were collected. Extracts containing both varieties were prepared and antibacterial activities of both groups were determined. Comparison of Juglans regia bark with antibiotics and mouthwashes was also done. Results and Conclusion: J. regia bark of both the varieties showed zone of inhibitions. Ethanol variety showed larger zone of inhibition than distilled water variety of both plaque and caries groups. Chlorhexidine showed satisfactory antimicrobial activity while Betadine showed none. Amoxicilline was effective but Metronidazole showed no activity against both groups. Bark of J. regia proved to be very beneficial against both plaque and caries bacteria without any side effects as both mouthwashes and antibiotics are harmful and cannot be used daily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insufficient physical activity and unhealthy lifestyle preferences have been significant concerns for decades. This study aimed to determine the perceived barriers to maintaining physical activity among adults in three major cities of Bangladesh and their association with mental health status. This is a cross-sectional study where 400 participants were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Twenty municipal wards were randomly selected from three cities, followed by a convenient selection of the study participants from each ward. Questionnaires about perceived physical activity barriers were developed based on previously published literature. The DASS-21 scale assessed the mental health status of the study participants. Descriptive statistics were applied to narrate the baseline characteristics of the respondents. The Shapiro–Wilk test was used to check the normality of the perceived physical activity scores. Quantile regression analysis was applied to model the physical activity barrier scores depending on several covariates. Five quantiles were used: the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant for hypothesis testing. Among the respondents, 68.50% were male, half of them were married, 68.0% belonged to nuclear families, 48.0% completed graduate level education, 34.25% were service holders, one-third of the respondent's working hours were 6–8 h, and 19.50% belongs to the overweight and obese groups. Poor traffic and construction work near the road (60.30%) was seen as the most significant barrier to physical activity. Over half of the respondents stated that lack of time, facilities, and expenses hinder physical activity. Mental health status reported mild to extremely severe levels of depression (32%), anxiety (47%), and stress (42.50%), respectively. Significant associations between the perceived physical activity scores and gender, family type, occupation, income, BMI, anxiety, and depression were obtained. Ensuring a safe environment, facilitating accessibility and availability of low-cost exercise facilities, improving road and traffic conditions, and providing appropriate mental health counseling may help to mitigate physical activity barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Owing to poor suicide literacy, people are not aware of the consequences of the suicide stigma, which may affect individuals. This study aimed to examine the status of suicide stigma and literacy among young adults in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 616 male subjects and female subjects residing in Bangladesh aged between 18 and 35 years who were invited to complete an online survey. Suicide literacy and suicide stigma among the respondents were assessed by using the validated Literacy of Suicide Scale and Stigma of Suicide Scale, respectively. Other independent variables that have been found to affect suicide stigma or literacy were included in this study based on prior research. Correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships between the study's main quantitative variables. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess factors affecting suicide stigma and suicide literacy, respectively, after controlling for covariates. Results: The mean literacy score was 3.86. The participants' mean scores in the stigma, isolation, and glorification subscale were 25.15, 14.48, and 9.04, respectively. Suicide literacy was negatively associated with stigmatizing attitudes (p = 0.005). Male subjects, unmarried/divorced/widowed, less educated (below HSC), smokers, less exposure to suicide, and respondents with chronic mental illness had lower suicide literacy and more stigmatizing attitudes. Conclusion: The findings suggest that addressing suicide literacy and stigma by developing and executing awareness programs on suicide and mental health among young adults may increase knowledge, decrease stigma, and hence prevent suicide among this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the superoxide dismutase mimic compound "tempol" on liver and renal damage in Long Evans male rats administered with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Methods: The antioxidant enzyme activity and oxidative stress parameters were investigated in the liver, kidney, and plasma tissues. Histological examination of the liver and kidney sections affirmed inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen deposition, and iron deposition. RT-PCR was also employed to evaluate the expression of oxidative stress and inflammatory genes. Results: The CCl4-administered rats exhibited increased plasma activities of ALT, AST, and ALP compared to the control rats. The tempol treatment in the CCl4-administered rats significantly lowered ALT, AST, and ALP enzyme activities compared to the CCl4 group. Oxidative stress parameters, such as the MDA, NO, and APOP levels in various tissues of the CCl4-administered rats, showed increased concentrations, whereas tempol significantly lowered the level of oxidative stress. Moreover, CCl4 administration decreased the antioxidant enzyme activities, which were further significantly restored by the tempol treatment. The control rats that underwent treatment with tempol did not present with any abnormality or toxicity. Furthermore, the tempol treatment in the CCl4-administered rats increased Nrf-2-HO-1-mediated gene expression and enhanced related antioxidant enzyme gene expressions. The tempol treatment in the CCl4-administered rats also decreased anti-inflammatory gene expressions in the liver. In histological sections of the liver, CCl4 increased inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen deposition, and iron deposition, which were reduced significantly due to the tempol treatment. Conclusion: The results of this investigation revealed that tempol could protect against liver and kidney damage in CCl4-administered rats by modulating antioxidant gene expressions and restoring antioxidant defense mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Occupational health hazards and injuries are an alarming concern among traffic police. Occupational injuries affect the physical, social, and mental well-being of police personnel, which has various public health implications. The evaluation of occupational health and safety policies and regulations for the traffic police relies on their occupational exposure and health hazard statistics and assessments. Objective: The purpose of this scoping review is to systematically explore, analyze, and describe relevant findings from all studies conducted on occupational exposure and associated health hazards among traffic police in South Asia. Methods: The scoping review will include studies that assessed occupational exposure prevalence, types, knowledge, predisposing factors, and prevention strategies. Databases like PubMed, Springer Link, EBSCOhost, the Cochrane library, and Google Scholar will be used to obtain both published and unpublished works in the English language. Relevant gray literature, including governmental and international organization reports, will be examined. After removing duplicates and screening titles and abstracts, the full-text analysis will begin. Arksey and O'Malley's methodology framework for scoping reviews will be followed. According to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews, the scoping review will be reported. Two qualified reviewers will independently conduct article screening and data extraction. The extracted data will then be tabulated and accompanied by an explanation to facilitate comprehension. We will extract relevant article results using NVivo (version 10; QSR International) and thematic content analysis. The included articles will be evaluated using the mixed methods appraisal tool (version 2018). Results: The scoping review will provide insight into how occupational health hazards affect traffic police physically and psychologically in South Asia. The theoretical conceptualization of different aspects of the occupational health of traffic police will emphasize future studies in this region, which will inform policy makers to revise their occupational health and safety policies and principles. It will have implications for taking necessary preventive measures in the future to reduce occupational injuries and fatalities resulting from different types of occupational hazards. Conclusions: This scoping review will describe the overview of occupational hazards among South Asian traffic police and will provide insights for policy makers to implement changes and to adapt new strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Caesarean delivery has a significant role in reducing maternal and child death. However, unnecessary utilization has adverse health effects. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of caesarean delivery in Bangladesh. Methods Data from the latest Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS, 2019) was used in this study. Since MICS data are hierarchical in nature, multilevel modelling was used. Results The prevalence of caesarean section (CS) was 67.4% among Bangladeshi women. Multilevel analysis suggests the age of the women, household wealth status, utilization of antenatal care (ANC) , delivery at a health facility and division were significantly associated with CS. Women who delivered in a private health facility had the highest odds for CS (odds ratio [OR] 10.35 [95% confidence interval {CI} 8.55 to 12.54]). Women 30–34 y of age had a 36% higher likelihood of CS compared with women 15–19 y of age (OR 1.36 [95% CI 1.03 to 1.79]). The odds of CS positively increased with household wealth status. Women who had at least one ANC visit had a 1.7 times higher possibility of CS (OR 1.70 [95% CI 1.26 to 2.30]). Conclusions Policy guidelines on caesarean deliveries are urgently needed in Bangladesh to avoid unnecessary caesarean deliveries and protect mothers from the consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human islet amyloid polypeptide or amylin is secreted along with insulin by pancreatic islets. Under the drastic environmental conditions, amylin can aggregate to form amyloid fibrils. This amyloid plaque of hIAPP in the pancreatic cells is the cause of type II diabetes. Early stages of amylin aggregates are more cytotoxic than the matured fibrils. Here, we have used the all-atom molecular dynamic simulation to see the effect of water, TMAO, urea and urea/TMAO having ratio 2:1 of different concentrations on the amylin protein. Our study suggest that the amylin protein forms β-sheets in its monomeric form and may cause the aggregation of protein through the residue 13–17 and the C-terminal region. α-Helical content of protein increases with an increase in TMAO concentration by decreasing the SASA value of protein, increase in intramolecular hydrogen bonds and on making the short-range hydrophobic interactions. Electrostatic potential surfaces show that hydrophobic groups are buried and normalised configurational entropy of backbone, and side-chain atoms is lesser in the presence of TMAO, whereas opposite behaviour is obtained in the case of urea. Counteraction effect of TMAO using Kast model towards urea is also observed in ternary solution of urea/TMAO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Inpatient falls complicate and lengthen hospital admissions for older adults. Cognitive impairment is a risk factor for falls. Current fall prevention education is ineffective for people with cognitive impairment. We aimed to investigate whether an educational video is a better mode of delivery than verbal education for individuals with cognitive impairment in terms of recall and fall prevention. Methods: In a randomised controlled trial, patients were assigned at random to receive fall prevention education either verbally or through an educational video. The co-primary outcomes were recall at 1 day and number of falls. Results: Of 21 and 31 participants assigned to receive video education (intervention) and verbal education (active comparator), respectively, 19 and 31 completed the study, respectively. The percentage of participants who recalled the fall prevention message was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the active comparator group (31.5% [6/19] vs 9.7% [3/31], p=0.03). There was no significant difference in the fall rate between groups. Conclusion: Fall prevention education delivered using a video may be better retained by individuals with cognitive impairment when compared with the standard practice of verbal fall prevention education. Larger studies are needed to confirm our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection in children causing permanent renal damage. Differentiation between Acute Pyelonephritis (APN) and lower UTI is vital due to the involvement of renal parenchyma in APN. This study aimed to assess the efficiency of Procalcitonin (PCT) with C-Reactive Protein (CRP) to predict APN in children with UTI in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital between March 2013 and July 2014. Children aged 1 month to 16 years with febrile UTI were included in the study. Routine and microscopic examination and urine culture and sensitivity, serum PCT, CRP, and White Blood Cell count (WBC) were measured. All the patients underwent 99mTc-Dimercaptosuccinic Acid (DMSA) scan. Their findings were categorized as APN and lower UTI according to the decreased uptake without evidence of cortical loss in the 99mTc-Dimercaptosuccinic Acid (DMSA) scan. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to assess quantitative variables for diagnosing APN. Results: The Mean±SD age values in the APN group were 73.11±52.29 months, while it was 76.25±47.23 months in the lower UTI group. The median (min-max) of PCT was 1596 (103-2158) pg/mL and 109 (43-426) pg/mL in APN and lower UTI groups, respectively. The median (min-max) of CRP was 22.0 (5.0-57.0) mg/L and 5.0 (3.14-24.0) mg/L in APN and lower UTI groups, respectively. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) for fever, White Blood Cell (WBC), CRP, and PCT of the respondent showed that CRP was at the cut-off point of 5.0 mg/L, resulting in a sensitivity of 82.4% and a specificity of 80.0%, respectively. PCT was at the cut-off point of 1300 pg/mL, resulting in a sensitivity of 76.5% and a specificity of 100.0%, respectively. By comparing the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, PCT had a significantly higher Area Under the Curve (AUC) than CRP for differentiating APN and lower UTI. Conclusion: Serum CRP and PCT are good markers for diagnosing APN in febrile UTI in children. However, the study showed that PCT is a better marker to differentiate APN and lower UTI compare to CRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bangladesh is rich in biodiversity. However, the biological diversity of Bangladesh is declining day by day. Without the active participation of local people, biodiversity conservation initiatives may fail. Public involvement is vital for biodiversity conservation in the context of the biodiversity of Bangladesh. Public participation is necessary because it promotes the legitimacy of decisions concerning environmental matters, gives the public a chance to express its concerns, can reduce conflict among competing interests and can raise public awareness, educate people and strengthen the local community and indigenous people. The existing legal frameworks of Bangladesh on biodiversity provide some scope for public participation in biodiversity conservation. The current legal frameworks could be improved to ensure effective public participation in biodiversity conservation. Existing laws should be amended to include provisions like mandatory provision for co-management systems for the management of sanctuary, parks and other protected areas, provision for the development of skills and capacity of local people and provision to protect the traditional and the right of livelihood of the indigenous community The government of Bangladesh needs to take initiatives to revise the existing laws to broaden the scope of public involvement to ensure adequate and effective participation in biodiversity conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the neurodegenerative diseases, one of the most common dementia is Alzheimer's disease (AD). The characteristic symptom of AD is the deposition and aggregation of amyloid-β-peptides in the neural tissue. A number of drug molecules have been suggested for dissolving and destabilizing the amyloid-β (Aβ) fibril. Antiviral drug acyclovir, antineoplastic drug carmustine, antibacterial drug curcumin, and antibiotic tetracycline are supposed to be potential drug molecules for treating AD. Many experimental studies suggest that these drugs can effectively be used as aggregation inhibitors but the underlying mechanism of inhibition of aggregates is currently unknown. In this study, a series of molecular dynamics simulations have been carried out in order to explain the underlying molecular mechanism of the destabilization of Aβ protofibrils by acyclovir, carmustine, curcumin, and tetracycline. It was found from our results that all these drugs bind to the interior of the hydrophobic grooves of Aβ protofibrils and caused destabilization of the β-strand of Aβ protofibrils. All these four drugs bind to the hydrophobic residues of Aβ protofibrils, which leads to the destruction of salt bridges between D23–K28 and causes the opening of two β-strands. These drugs are found to be effective in diminishing Aβ aggregations, and among these four drugs, tetracycline is found to be more effective in diminishing Aβ aggregations. The underlying molecular interactions of these drugs to inhibit Aβ aggregations may give some vision towards the approach of designing the structure-based drugs for AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental degradation is continuing globally despite various international environmental treaties. If the right to a healthy environment is recognised by a global instrument, this international recognition of this right could enhance the implementation and enforcement of various multilateral environmental agreements. Moreover, the international recognition of this right to a healthy environment could create a level playing field at the international level to ensure better balancing of competing interests. Furthermore, an international instrument for the recognition of this right is necessary to address many environmental challenges including climate change, the loss of biodiversity, marine pollution, long-range air pollution and plastic pollution which have global or trans-boundary dimensions. A second optional protocol to the ICESCR as an international instrument for the recognition of the right to a healthy environment could be adopted. It would be the best option for the adoption of an international instrument to recognise the right to a healthy environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Red cell distribution width is a simple measure of red cell size heterogeneity (i.e., anisocytosis) in peripheral blood measured by hematology auto analyzer and has been shown to be a predictor of poor outcomes in various cardiovascular conditions including coronary artery disease (CAD). The present study was intended to find the association between RDW-CV and severity of CAD in NSTEMI patients. Methods: The present cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in the Department of Cardiology, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from June 2018 to July 2019. A total of 70 NSTEMI patients undergoing coronary angiogram during the index hospitalization were included in the study. They were divided into two groups on the basis of RDW-CV (Group-I RDW-CV <14.3%; Group-II RDW-CV ≥14.3%). Severity of coronary artery disease was determined by SYNTAX score and correlation between RDW-CV and SYNTAX score was assessed. Results: SYNTAX score was significantly higher in patients with RDW-CV ≥14.3% than that in patients with RDW-CV <14.3% (24.51±9.76 vs. 13.5±7.71, p<0.0001). The risk of having severe CAD in patients with RDW-CV ≥14.3%was 3.844(95% CI = 1.429-10.340) (p <0.008) times higher in terms of SYNTAX score. A significant positive correlation between RDW-CV and SYNTAX score was noted (r = 0.681, p value < 0.0001). Conclusion: It may be concluded that RDW-CV was significantly associated with the severity of coronary artery disease in NSTEMI patients and it may be considered as an independent predictor of severity of CAD. It is easy to assess and inexpensive. So, before performing coronary angiography, it appears to be additive to conventional risk factors and commonly used biomarkers for risk stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the endocrine pancreas, growth hormone (GH) is known to promote pancreatic islet growth and insulin secretion. In this study, we show that GH receptor (GHR) loss in the germline and in adulthood impacts islet mass in general but more profoundly in male mice. GHR knockout (GHRKO) mice have enhanced insulin sensitivity and low circulating insulin. We show that the total cross-sectional area of isolated islets (estimated islet mass) was reduced by 72% in male but by only 29% in female GHRKO mice compared with wild-type controls. Also, islets from GHRKO mice secreted ∼50% less glucose-stimulated insulin compared with size-matched islets from wild-type mice. We next used mice with a floxed Ghr gene to knock down the GHR in adult mice at 6 mo of age (6mGHRKO) and examined the impact on glucose and islet metabolism. By 12 mo of age, female 6mGHRKO mice had increased body fat and reduced islet mass but had no change in glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity. However, male 6mGHRKO mice had nearly twice as much body fat, substantially reduced islet mass, and enhanced insulin sensitivity, but no change in glucose tolerance. Despite large losses in islet mass, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from isolated islets was not significantly different between male 6mGHRKO and controls, whereas isolated islets from female 6mGHRKO mice showed increased glucose-stimulated insulin release. Our findings demonstrate the importance of GH to islet mass throughout life and that unique sex-specific adaptations to the loss of GH signaling allow mice to maintain normal glucose metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dietary supplements (DS) are products that improve the overall health and well-being of individuals and reduce the risk of disease. Evidence indicates a rising prevalence of the use of these products worldwide especially among the age group 18–23 years. Aim: The study investigates the tendencies and attitudes of Bangladeshi undergraduate female students towards dietary supplements (DS). Methods: A three-month (March 2018-May 2018) cross-sectional face-to-face survey was conducted in undergraduate female students in Chittagong, Bangladesh using a pre-validated dietary supplement questionnaire. The study was carried among the four private and three public university students of different disciplines in Chittagong to record their prevalent opinions and attitudes toward using DS. The results were documented and analyzed by SPSS version 22.0. Results: Ninety two percent (N = 925, 92.0%) of the respondents answered the survey questions. The prevalence of DS use was high in undergraduate female students. The respondents cited general health and well-being (n = 102, 11.0%) and physician recommendation (n = 101, 10.9%) as a reason for DS use. Majority of the students (n = 817, 88.3%) used DS cost monthly between USD 0.12 and USD 5.90. Most of the students (n = 749, 81.0%) agreed on the beneficial effect of DS and a significant portion (n = 493, 53.3%) recommended for a regular use of DS. Highly prevalent use of dietary supplements appeared in Chittagonian undergraduate female students. They were tremendously positive in using DS. The results demonstrate an increasing trend of using DS by the undergraduate females for both nutritional improvement and amelioration from diseases. Conclusion: Dietary supplements prevalence was so much higher in students of private universities as compared to students of public universities. Likewise, maximal prevalence is indicated in pharmacy department compared to other departments. Students preferred brand products, had positive opinions and attitudes towards dietary supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The study aimed to determine the associated factors of household food security (HFS) and household dietary diversity (HDD) during the COVID−19 pandemic in Bangladesh. Design: Both online survey and face-to-face interviews were employed in this cross-sectional study. The Household Food Security Scale and Household Dietary Diversity Score were used to access HFS and HDD, respectively. The HDD scores were derived from a 24-h recall of food intake from 12 groups. Setting: Bangladesh. Participants: A total sample of 1876 households were recruited. Results: The overall mean scores of HFS and HDD were 31·86 (sd 2·52) and 6·22 (sd 5·49), respectively. Being a rural resident, having no formal education, occupation of household head other than government job and low monthly income were potential determinants of lower HFS and HDD. Approximately 45 % and 61 % of Bangladeshi households did not get the same quantity and same type of food, respectively, as they got before the pandemic. Over 10 % of respondents reported that they lost their job or had to close their businesses, and income reduction was reported by over 70 % of household income earners during the COVID-19 pandemic, which in turn was negatively associated with HFS and HDD. Conclusion: Household socio-economic variables and COVID-19 effects on occupation and income are potential predictors of lower HFS and HDD scores. HFS and HDD deserve more attention during this pandemic particularly with reference to low-earning households and the households whose earning persons' occupation has been negatively impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a global threat to human health, and inappropriate use of antibiotics in humans and animals is widely considered to be a key driver of antibiotic resistant infections. Antibiotic use in humans and animals is growing rapidly in low- and, particularly, middle-income countries. However, there is little detailed understanding about practices related to the use of antibiotics in humans and animals within community settings in such countries. Here we aimed to understand the antibiotic practices of rural households across Cumilla district, Bangladesh, in relation to household members and their domestic animals.Methods: In 2018 we conducted a cross-sectional survey using representative cluster sampling methods. We collected self-reported information from 682 female and 620 male household heads, with women also asked about their children's antibiotic practices.Results: Only 48% (95% CI: 40, 56%) of women and men had heard of antibiotics, and among those women and men who were aware of antibiotics and the children of those women 70% (95% CI: 64, 76%) reported having previously taken antibiotics, while among these individuals who reported previously taking antibiotics 21% (95% CI: 18, 25%) said they had done so most recently within the last month. Risky/inappropriate antibiotic practices in humans and animals were often reported. For example, among women and men who were aware of antibiotics and the children of those women 52% (95% CI: 40, 63%) reported previously taking antibiotics for a "cough/cold", despite antibiotics being typically inappropriate for use against viral upper respiratory tract infections. Among poultry-owning respondents who were aware of antibiotics 11% (95% CI: 8, 15%) reported previously giving healthy poultry antibiotics, mainly for growth/prophylaxis, while among cattle-owning respondents who were aware of antibiotics and reported previously giving their cattle feed 20% (95% CI: 9, 37%) said the feed had contained antibiotics at least sometimes.Conclusions: Our results highlight the need for context-adapted interventions at both the community level and the health systems level to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use among humans and domestic animals in rural Bangladesh. Successfully reducing inappropriate use of antibiotics among humans and animals is a required and critical step in tackling antimicrobial resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previously we showed that natural compound α-penta-galloyl-glucose (α-PGG) and its synthetic derivative 6-chloro-6-deoxy-1,2,3,4-tetra-O-galloyl-α-D-glucopyranose (6Cl-TGQ) act to improve insulin signaling in adipocytes by increasing glucose transport. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of actions of α-PGG and 6Cl-TGQ on insulin secretion. Methods: Mouse islets and/or INS-1832/13 beta-cells were used to test the effects of our compounds on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i using fura-2AM, glucose transport activity via a radioactive glucose uptake assay, intracellular ATP/ADP, and extracellular acidification (ECAR) and mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates (OCAR) using Seahorse metabolic analysis. Results: Both compounds reduced GSIS in beta-cells without negatively affecting cell viability. The compounds primarily diminished glucose uptake into islets and beta-cells. Despite insulin-like effects in the peripheral tissues, these compounds do not act through the insulin receptor in islets. Further interrogation of the stimulus-secretion pathway showed that all the key metabolic factors involved in GSIS including ECAR, OCAR, ATP/ADP ratios, and [Ca2+]i of INS-1832/13 cells were diminished after the compound treatment. Conclusion: The compounds suppress glucose uptake of the beta-cells, which consequently slows down the rates of glycolysis and ATP synthesis, leading to decrease in [Ca2+]i and GSIS. The difference between adipocytes and beta-cells in effects on glucose uptake is of great interest. Further structural and functional modifications could produce new compounds with optimized therapeutic potentials for different target cells. The higher potency of synthetic 6Cl-TGQ in enhancing insulin signaling in adipocytes but lower potency in reducing glucose uptake in beta-cells compared to α-PGG suggests the feasibility of such an approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The study aimed to determine the associated factors of household food security (HFS) and household dietary diversity (HDD) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh.Design: Both online survey and face-to-face interviews were employed in this cross-sectional study. The Household Food Security Scale and Household Dietary Diversity Score were used to access HFS and HDD, respectively. The HDD scores were derived from a 24-h recall of food intake from 12 groups.Setting: Bangladesh.Participants: A total sample of 1876 households were recruited.Results: The overall mean scores of HFS and HDD were 31·86 (sd 2·52) and 6·22 (sd 5·49), respectively. Being a rural resident, having no formal education, occupation of household head other than government job and low monthly income were potential determinants of lower HFS and HDD. Approximately 45 % and 61 % of Bangladeshi households did not get the same quantity and same type of food, respectively, as they got before the pandemic. Over 10 % of respondents reported that they lost their job or had to close their businesses, and income reduction was reported by over 70 % of household income earners during the COVID-19 pandemic, which in turn was negatively associated with HFS and HDD.Conclusion: Household socio-economic variables and COVID-19 effects on occupation and income are potential predictors of lower HFS and HDD scores. HFS and HDD deserve more attention during this pandemic particularly with reference to low-earning households and the households whose earning persons' occupation has been negatively impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a rare, severe form of necrotising infection of the kidneys and peri-nephric tissues with gas accumulation, occurring predominantly among patients with diabetes mellitus. Computed tomography scan can identify the distribution of gas in the affected reno-ureteral units and so establish and classify the diagnosis. We report a case of class 4 emphysematous pyelonephritis with emphysematous cystitis, occurring in a young Bangladeshi male, who presented with features of upper urinary tract infection. He had a background history of fibro-calculous pancreatic diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Imaging also revealed renal stones. He responded to conservative treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children in low and middle‐income countries. Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is one of the most common viral etiological agents for ARIs in children. Objectives: In this study, we explored the genotypic diversity and the epidemiology of hMPV among infants in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Study Design: Between December 2014 and August 2016, a total of 3810 mid‐turbinate nasal swab samples were collected from infants (0 to 6 months of age) who met clinical ARI criteria, as a part of a prospective ARI cohort study. hMPV was detected using polymerase chain reaction, and genotyped by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Results: hMPV was identified in 206 (5.4%) nasal swab specimens. One‐tenth of the hMPV‐positive swabs (n = 19) were also positive for other respiratory viruses. hMPV activity peaked in January and September in 2015; however, no seasonal pattern of hMPV infection was detected. Phylogenetic analyses of the N and F gene‐fragments revealed that the hMPV strains circulating in Dhaka, Bangladesh, belonged to three genotypes: A2b, A2c, and B1. Genotype A (57%) was the predominant hMPV genotype circulating in Bangladesh during the study period. Conclusion: This study describes both the epidemiology of hMPV infection and its genotypic strain diversity in Dhaka, Bangladesh. 1.We describe the molecular epidemiology of hMPV infection among infants in Bangladesh.2.hMPV contributes 5.4% of the studied ARI infections and there were three hMPV genotypes; A2b, A2c and B1 circulating in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biomolecular interaction of triamcinolone with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was studied using various multi-spectroscopic techniques in combination with in silico studies. UV-visible absorption, fluorescence spectroscopy and resonance Rayleigh scattering studies confirmed the formation of a BSA–triamcinolone complex. The binding constant was found to be in the order of 103 M−1. Conformational and microenvironmental changes in BSA after addition of triamcinolone were confirmed by circular dichroism and 3D fluorescence spectroscopy, respectively. The negative values of ΔG and ΔH confirmed spontaneous and exothermic binding. The average binding distance between BSA and triamcinolone was also calculated through FRET. Additionally, the effect of metal ions and β-cyclodextrin on the binding of triamcinolone with BSA was also investigated. Molecular docking and site marker displacement experiments unveiled the binding of triamcinolone to BSA at site III located in subdomain IB of BSA. Molecular dynamics simulation showed lower RMSD values and negative total energy, suggesting favourable binding between BSA and triamcinolone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metformin is considered the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. While metformin primarily increases insulin sensitivity, evidence also suggests that metformin affects the activity of insulin-secreting pancreatic islets. This study was designed to systematically examine the direct effects of metformin by measuring insulin secretion and the kinetics of the calcium response to glucose stimulation in isolated mouse islets using varying concentrations (20 μM, 200 μM, and 1 mM) and durations (~1, 2, and 3 days) of metformin exposure. We observed both concentration- and duration-dependent inhibitory effects of metformin. Concentrations as little as 20 μM (nearing circulating therapeutic levels) were sufficient to reduce insulin secretion following 3-day treatment. Concentrations of 200 μM and 1 mM produced more pronounced effects more rapidly. With 1 mM metformin, islets showed severe impairments in calcium handling, inhibition of insulin secretion, and increased cell death. No stimulatory effects of metformin were observed for any experimental endpoint. We conclude that the direct effects of metformin on islets are inhibitory at near-physiological concentrations. Beneficial effects of metformin observed on islets under various stressors may occur by “resting” fatigued cellular processes. However, metformin may have unintended consequences on normally functioning islets within the circulating range that require further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: While local bias in visual processing in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has been reported to result in difficulties in recognizing faces and facially expressed emotions, but superior ability in disembedding figures, associations between these abilities within a group of children with and without ASD have not been explored. Methods: Possible associations in performance on the Visual Perception Skills Figure–Ground test, a face recognition test and an emotion recognition test were investigated within 25 8–12-years-old children with high-functioning autism/Asperger syndrome, and in comparison to 33 typically developing children. Results: Analyses indicated a weak positive correlation between accuracy in Figure–Ground recognition and emotion recognition. No other correlation estimates were significant. Conclusion: These findings challenge both the enhanced perceptual function hypothesis and the weak central coherence hypothesis, and accentuate the importance of further scrutinizing the existence and nature of local visual bias in ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To analyse the mode of delivery in trial of labour (TOL), incidence of successful vaginal deliveries and indications of repeat caesarean section (CS). Materials and Methods: Prospective selective study. Study population consisted of 367 pregnant women with previous one lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) in reproductive age group. These were grouped in to three groups, Group 1 (n = 239): Women, who were elected for repeat CS without a TOL. Group 2 (n = 76): Women, who were given TOL and delivered vaginally. Group 3 (n = 52): Women, who were given a TOL but due to failed trial, had to be taken for emergency repeat section. The maternal and foetal outcome was studied in all the groups. Statistical Method Used: The data was entered in the Microsoft excel worksheet, values expressed as mean ± SD. Chi-square test was done to compare the categorical variables among the groups. ANOVA (one-way analysis of variance) was done to compare the baseline characteristics of patients and time to delivery among the groups. Results: Out of 128 women who were given TOL, 76 (59.37%) vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) occurred, out of which 40 (52.63%) had spontaneous vaginal deliveries without augmentation of labour and 36 (47.36%) subjects had augmentation of labour with artificial rupture of membranes (ARMs) and oxytocin. A total of 52 women (40.62%) underwent emergency LSCS. Conclusion: Proper selection and counselling about clinically significant risks, women can be given TOL with careful monitoring and taken for emergency LSCS on minimal indication is the best answer to management of previous one CS in labour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A gas free analogue of the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction catalysed by ferroin and encapsulated in phospholipid stabilised vesicles is reported. A reaction mixture which exhibits spontaneous oscillation and excitation transfer between vesicles was formulated. By adjusting the reagent con-centrations a quiescent state with fewer spontaneous oscillations was achieved. Using relatively low power laser sources of specific wave-lengths (green 532nm and blue 405nm) it was shown that waves could be reproducibly initiated within the BZ vesicles. Furthermore, despite the reduced excitability of the system overall the initiated waves exhibited vesicle to vesicle transfer. It was possible to manipulate single vesicles and design simple circuits based on a 2D validation of collision based circuits. Therefore, we conclude that this BZ system exhibits promise for computing applications based on 3D networks of vesicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Speech perception in an adverse background/noisy environment is a complex and challenging human process, which is made even more complicated in foreign-accented language for bilingual and monolingual individuals. Listeners who have difficulties in hearing are affected most by such a situation. Despite considerable efforts, the increase in speech intelligibility in noise remains elusive. Considering this opportunity, this study investigates Bengali–English bilinguals and native American English monolinguals' behavioral patterns on foreign-accented English language considering bubble noise, gaussian or white noise, and quiet sound level. Twelve regular hearing participants (Six Bengali–English bilinguals and Six Native American English monolinguals) joined in this study. Statistical computation shows that speech with different noise has a significant effect (p = 0.009) on listening for both bilingual and monolingual under different sound levels (e.g., 55 dB, 65 dB, and 75 dB). Here, six different machine learning approaches (Logistic Regression (LR), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), K-nearest neighbors (KNN), Naïve Bayes (NB), Classification and regression trees (CART), and Support vector machine (SVM)) are tested and evaluated to differentiate between bilingual and monolingual individuals from their behavioral patterns in both noisy and quiet environments. Results show that most optimal performances were observed using LDA by successfully differentiating between bilingual and monolingual 60% of the time. A deep neural network-based model is proposed to improve this measure further and achieved an accuracy of nearly 100% in successfully differentiating between bilingual and monolingual individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent literature, the impact of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on macro aspects have been investigated, but the aspect of energy, precisely renewable energy still to explore. The motivation of the study is to produce fresh evidence regarding the nexus between EPU and renewable energy consumption (REC) with the mediating role of forcing direct investment (FDI) and financial development (FD) in BRIC nations for the period 1997q1–2018q4. The study applied unit root tests following Ng-Perron and Zivot and Andrews for detecting variable's stationary properties. The long-run cointegration was evaluated by implementing Bayer, Hanck combined the cointegration test, Bound testing approach, and tBDM test. Both linear and non-linear ARDL were implemented to evaluate long-run and short-run shocks, and directional causality was assessed through a non-granger causality test. Furthermore, the study implemented robustness by implementing fully-modified OLS, dynamic OLS, and canonical cointegrating regression (CCR). Unit root test established the variables are stationary after the first difference; moreover, the Bayer and Hanck cointegration test confirmed the long-run association between EPU, FD, FD, and REC in BRIC nations. Accruing to ARDL estimation, adverse effects running from EPU to REC both in the long run and short run. Furthermore, the positive statistically significant linkage revealed for FDI and FD to REC implies that clean energy integration could be augmented with continual inflows of FDI and development of the financial sector. Model estimation with asymmetric assumption, the study documented asymmetric effects running from EPU, FDI, and FD to renewable energy consumption, especially in the long run. Finally, the directional causality revealed unidirectional causality between REC and EPU, whereas the feedback hypothesis was disclosed for FDI and REC] and FD and REC. Study findings postulated that the role of foreign direct investment and financial development is critically significant because technological advancement and capital investment augment clean energy integration through the application of renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper scrutinized hydraulic fracturing applications mainly in the United States with regard to both groundwater and surface water contamination with the purpose of bringing forth objective analysis of research findings. Results from previous studies are often unconvincing due to the incomplete database of chemical additives; after and before well-founded water samples to define the change in parameters; and specific sources of water pollution in a particular region. Nonetheless, there is a superior chance of both surface and groundwater contamination induced by improper and less monitored wastewater disposal and management practices. This report has documented systematic evidence for total dissolved solids, salinity, and methane contamination regarding drinking water correlated with hydraulic fracturing. Methane concentrations were found on an average rate of 19.2 mg/L, which is 17 times higher than the acceptance rate and the maximum value was recorded as 64.2 mg/L near the active hydraulic fracturing drilling and extraction zones than that of the nonactive sites (1.1 mg/L). The concentration of total dissolved solids (350 g/L) was characterized as a voluminous amount of saline wastewater, which was quite unexpectedly high. The paper concludes with plausible solutions that should be implemented to avoid further contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To assess the maternal characteristics and nutritional status according to body mass index (BMI) at 6-14 weeks of gestation and to examine the relationship between maternal nutritional status in early pregnancy and its impact on neonatal birth weight.Methods: The investigation was conducted from April 2011 to June 2012 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 498 primigravida pregnant women participated in the study; women with known diabetes or previous gestational diabetes (GDM) were excluded. Maternal demographic details, pregnancy history and anthropometric measurements were obtained from the mother at the recruitment (6-14 weeks), 2nd visit between 24 and 28 week of gestation and 3rd visit at delivery. Cord venous blood samples of newborns (n = 138) were collected immediately after delivery for blood glucose, insulin, lipid profile, leptin and micronutrients including serum folate, ferritin, homocysteine, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.Results: The prevalence at 6-14 weeks of pregnancy of anemia (Hb, < 11 g/dl), vitamin D deficiency (< 30 nmol/l), vitamin B12 deficiency (< 200 pg/ml), high homocysteine level (> 15 μmol/l), folate deficiency (< 3 ng/ml) and iron deficiency (ferritin < 13 ng/ml) were 19.5, 46.4, 15.1, 1.2, 0.4, and 12.7% respectively. GDM was found in 18.4% women. The prevalence of GDM was higher in overweight women (28.1%) than underweight (16.7%) and normal weight women (16.0%: p <  0.05). The incidence of low birth weight (LBW) and preterm delivery were 11.6 and 5.8% respectively and was not related to maternal BMI at 6-14 weeks of pregnancy. Maternal height was positively (p = 0.02), and homocysteine was negatively associated with neonatal birth weight (p = 0.02). In addition, the newborn's cord serum folate was positively (p = 0.03) and cord triglyceride was negatively (p = 0.03) associated with neonatal birth weight.Conclusion: Multiple maternal micronutrient deficiencies were present in early pregnancy. Maternal BMI in early pregnancy was not related to preterm deliveries or LBW. LBW was associated with lower folate, elevated cord triglyceride concentrations of the neonates and mother's height and increase in maternal homocysteine levels. The data has important implications for pregnancy care in Bangladesh and other similar communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]