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Introduction: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to the poor growth of a baby while in the mother’s womb during pregnancy. More than 9% of women smoke tobacco and one-third of women consume smokeless tobacco in developing countries. The intent of the study was to examine the effect on fetal intrauterine growth retardation using maternal tobacco. Methods: This convenient case-control study was conducted with 75 cases and 150 suitably matched controls enrolled in the Department of Pediatrics at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital for about 12 months. Ethical considerations were undertaken before the enrollment of patients. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Result: ST user mothers of IUGR infants used jarda or gul as smokeless tobacco about 5 times a day and smoker mothers smoked about 5 sticks a day. Maternal tobacco use had a higher (6.9 times) risk of having IUGR babies compared to the non-tobacco user. Conclusion: This study observed that maternal total tobacco use showed a risk of having IUGR infants more than 6.9 times in contrast to non-tobacco user.

Background: In healthcare facilities, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has long been a common pathogen. Indiscriminate and incomplete uses of antibiotics are creating MRSA more alarming day by day.This study aims to determine the antimicrobial activity of Lannea coromandelica (Jhika or Indian ash tree) bark extract against MRSA. Methods: This experimental study was carried out in Department of Microbiology and Department of Pharmacology, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, from January to July, 2021. In this study, a bark extract of Lannea coromandelica was prepared by macerating dried powder of the bark of the Jhika or Indian ash tree. Then bark extract was immersed in methanol, ethanol, and water for 48-72 hours, followed by solvent filtering and evaporation. MRSA were identified by biochemical test and then Kibry-Bauer disc diffusion method employed against MRSA isolates using commonly used antibiotics.Then the antibacterial activity of Lannea coromandelica extracts against MRSA was monitored. The microdilution method was used to assess the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of bark extracts. Finally, phytochemical screening was carried out only for methanolic extract. Results: All MRSA isolates were completely resistant to cefoxitin, oxacillin, gentamicin followed by tetracycline. Methanol, ethanol and aqueous extracts of Lannea coromandelica produce maximum zones of inhibition of 14 mm, 13 mm, and 12 mm, respectively, with MIC and MBC values ranging from 3.125 mg/ml to 12.5 mg/ml against MRSA. Phytochemical screening of methanolic extract determined the presence of tannin, saponin, flavonoid, phenol which may be the cause of the highest zone of inhibition against MRSA. Conclusion: It can be concluded that methanol, ethanol and aqueous bark extract of Lannea coromandelica exhibited in vitro antibacterial activity against MRSA by disc diffusion method and detailed pharmacological screening should be carried out for the exploration of effective and natural drugs. BIRDEM Med J 2022; 12(3): 201-206

Qualitative assessment of herbal formulations is used in pre-health care of many diseases. The potency, composition and safety of herbal formulation are serious concerns in Bangladesh. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the qualitative assessment of a customized anti-hepatic herbal formulation in Bangladesh. Isolation of compounds, toxic metals analysis, phytochemical screening, microbial test and determination of SGPT and SGOT level of hepatic model rats were focused in this study. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenol, saponins and tannins. In chemical study, four known compounds were isolated from the formulation (Sodium benzoate, methyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, 4-hyroxybenzaldehyde and 4-hydroxy- 3-methoxybenzaldehyde). The results of microbial purity and toxic metals analysis were in favorable limit although the levels of SGOT and SGPT were raised non-significantly. So, based on the study it has been concluded that quality assessment is urgently required for this type of customized herbal formulations. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 21(1): 59-67, 2022 (June)

Introduction: Bangladesh army has a continuous process of recruit training throughout the year in its different training centers. While training, recruits suffer from a lot of health problems which hinders their physical training as well as academic activities. In this regard “Injury” is the main problem as identified. In Bangladesh, there is little data obtained as regard to the common injuries among recruits. Objectives: To ascertain common injuries of recruits in selected military training centers of Bangladesh Army. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted from 01 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 at Chattogram Cantonment, Chattogram in two selected training centers of Bangladesh Army for the initial 06 months of the training period. The samples were selected purposively. Among 2702 study population the number of injured recruits (Respondents) was 152. A semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire and checklist were used as the research instrument. Results: Among the 152 respondents 65(42.8%) suffered from sprain, 43(28.3%) from shin pain, 20(13.2%) from fracture, 9(5.9%) from muscle strain, 6(3.9%) from low back-pain, and 9(6%) suffered from other different types of injuries. Conclusion: Further study is needed to conduct through out the full duration of the recruit training to ascertain more specifically the common injuries among the recruits in BD Army. JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 17, No 2 (December) 2021: 3-6

Background: Overweight and obese individuals may have no cardiometabolic risk whereas normal weight individuals may present with cardiometabolic risk. The term‘Metabolic obesity’ has been floated to identify hidden metabolic risks irrespective of BMI. The pathophysiology of metabolic obesity can be explained by microvascular dysfunction and microalbuminuria is a wellknown marker of microvascular dysfunction. Objective: The objective of this study was to find out the association of microalbuminuria with metabolic obesity in Bangladeshi adult subjects. Materials and Methods: This cross- sectional analytical study included 200 individuals who attended outpatient department in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka from March 2018 to February 2019. The study subjects were divided into metabolically obese (metabolically unhealthy) group and metabolically non-obese (metabolically healthy) group by metabolic syndrome (MetS) criteria. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the South Asian Modified-National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP). Microalbuminuria was defined as a urinary albumin to creatinine of 30 to 300 mg/gm. Demographic profile, BP, height, weight, waist circumference etc. were measured and fasting blood glucose, serum triglyceride, serum HDL-C were estimated and albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) was calculated. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22.0. Results: The frequencies of metabolically obese (metabolically unhealthy) group and metabolically non-obese (metabolically healthy) group were 128 (64%) and 72 (36%) respectively. Mean values for age (p value 0.001), body mass index (p value 0.027), waist circumference (p

Background: IPC knowledge and practice can shield HCWs from being infected or even worse. Objective: The study assessed the knowledge and practice of COVID-19 prevention among doctors in Bangladesh. Methodology: This cross-sectional study conducted from July to September 2020 recruited 210 medical doctors assigned to COVID-19 unit of BSMMU. Data were collected in two phases where 133 doctors completed both phases. Descriptive analysis and binary logistic regression were performed for statistical analysis. Results: About 1.5% of the doctors were infected with COVID-19 following their duty. 90% of doctors correctly identified indications for performing hand hygiene. Knowledge and compliance to PPE was high. The doctors having formal training on IPC were more likely to have an adequate practice of infection prevention measures. Conclusion: Knowledge and practice of IPC measures were better among doctors having prior training before entering their duty that led to less infection rate. Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases December 2021;8(2):57-63

The BAEC TRIGA research reactor's (BTRR) core lifetime measurement and burn-up calculation were both carried out using the deterministic computation analysis tool TRIGLAV. Since it reached its first criticality in 1986, the BTRR has been used for nuclear research, instruction, training, and the manufacture of radionuclides for around 815 megawatt days without any core reloading or fuel reshuffling. The individual and ring-by-ring fuel burn-up and the core excess reactivity of BTRR have been studied utilizing the TRIGLAV code. The calculated outcomes of the TRIGLAV code and the outcomes of the MVP-BURN code are contrasted. To validate the TRIGLAV code for BTRR core analysis, the initial criticality and operational core analysis metrics like effective multiplication factor and excess reactivity were calculated using the TRIGLAV code. The results from TRIGLAV were compared with experimental data and other codes' output data and showed excellent agreement between them. Actual operational data is contrasted with core excess reactivity data. While the core excess reactivity data will forecast the core life, the collected fuel burn-up information can be used to forecast the core life. The collected fuel burn-up data can be utilized to reload or reorder the fuel. The BTRR may be used safely for an additional 500 MWD by the burn-up and excess reactivity requirements, according to the calculated fuel burn-up, identification of the hottest fuel rod, and excess reactivity value.

Jellies are usually preserved by artificial preservatives where they have harmful side effects and health hazards especially to infants. Honey and fresh lemon extract juice is a natural preservative and is considered a good substitute for artificial preservative. Due to increasing level of demand regarding health concern issue safe food, an attempt has undertaken to formulate the artificial preservative free guava–pineapple jelly and their marketability, physicochemical, bioactive compounds, microbial and antioxidant properties analysis during storage. In this study, the jelly was formulated using artificial preservative potassium metabisulphite (KMS) (T1), natural preservative honey and fresh lemon extract juice (T2 and T3), without artificial and natural preservative (T4) using different proportion of guava–pineapple extracted juice. Results of different treated jelly showed that T2 and T3 jelly was nutritionally superior. Bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties was highly present in T2 and T3 jelly. The brightest color (L* and C*) and highest hue angle (H*) value was noted in honey and fresh lemon extract juice treated jelly T2 and T3 upto 8 months of storage but after 9 months, darkest color was noted gradually. The consumer acceptance was extended to honey and lemon extract juice treated jelly (T2 and T3) for their impressive color and flavor. High incidence of microbial load was recorded in preservative free (both natural and artificial) jelly (T4). Low incidence of microbial load obtained from this study gives an indication that T2 and T3 jelly is microbiologically safe as natural jelly. Shelf life of natural preservative treated jelly (T2 and T3) could be extended upto 8 months and artificial preservative treated jelly could be upto 9 months (T1) at ambient condition without any quality deterioration. Overall, honey and fresh lemon extract juice are valuable source of natural preservative for formulation of fruit jelly. The processors could process and preserve the fruit jelly with decent aroma by applying this technology as an alternative to artificial food additives.

Background Jellies are usually preserved by artificial preservatives where they have harmful side effects and health hazards especially to infants. Honey and fresh lemon juice work as natural preservative due to their hygroscopic, high sugar, low pH and antibacterial properties. Hence, the honey and fresh lemon juice were undertaken to formulate the synthetic preservative free guava-pineapple jelly for extended shelf life with higher retention of nutrients and antioxidants. Results Best formulation found using honey and fresh lemon juice treated jelly (T2 and T3) by the sensory evaluation, nutrients, bioactive compounds, phenolics, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Storage study was conducted at ambient condition and the shelf life of the jelly was remained upto 8 months without any quality deterioration. All the physicochemical, nutritional, minerals, bioactive compounds, antioxidants activities and phenolic acids were decreased with progression of storage periods. The highest vitamin-C, energy, total phenolic, flavonoid, carotenoid, ß-carotene, and anthocyanin, were recorded by the combination of guava-pineapple jelly formulated using honey and fresh lemon (T3) juice; values were 42.94-41.00 mg/100 g, 406.35-406.94 cal/g, 4.15–4.01 mg GAE/100g, 0.91 − 0.84 mg QE/g, 0.94 − 0.84 mg/100g, 12.44–12.20 mg/100g, and 4.06–4.01 mg/100g, respectively. Phenolic acids, i.e. gallic acid, vanilic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, catechin acid and syringic acids were identified and quantified higher in sample T3; values ranged 5.41–5.30 mg/100 g, 4.66–4.54 mg/100 g, 9.07–8.93 mg/100 g, 0.46 − 0.35 mg/100 g, 81.70-81.43 mg/100g, 3.23–3.10 mg/100 respectively. Microbial study confirmed that the jelly was free from microbes upto 6 months of storage. After 8 months, the Aspergillus, Shigella and E-coli were detected but they were within acceptable limit. Initial color was retained upto 8 months of storage but after 8 months, the color faded out and turned into dark. Conclusion Honey and fresh lemon juice are valuable source of natural preservative for formulation of fruit jelly with extended shelf life upto 8 months by preventing microbial activities. The processors could process and preserve the fruit jelly with decent aroma by applying this technology as an alternative to artificial food additives.

The study was conducted to maximally utilize the pineapple pomace for the formulation of peanut bar using jaggery (cane sugar). The study was laid out in complete randomized design (CRD) with 3 replications. Developed pineapple pomace peanut bars were stored in PET boxes for 2 months for observation. The market sample was collected from the local market of Gazipur city to compare with our nut bar. Then the collected sample was stored and analyzed for its color, texture, sensory attributes, nutritional and physicochemical properties. Results revealed that the developed nut bar is a rich source of crude fiber (6.48±0.48 %), crude protein (13.06±0.05 %), vitamin-C (23.28±0.21 mg/100 g) and ß-carotene (16.32±0.03 µg/100 g) than market sample. Nutritional and physicochemical properties of the developed nut bar and the market sample (Badam topi) gradually decreased with the increase of storage periods. An increasing trend of water activity (aw) is found in the developed and market samples with increasing storage periods. The maximum hardness was found in the market sample as compared to the developed nut bar. A statistically insignificant sensory score was obtained for all the formulated and market samples. The storage studies confirmed that the marketability of the developed nut bar T3 could be extended 2 months more without any excessive-quality deterioration. These findings may be applied for the manufacturing of pineapple pomace peanut bars with health benefits. These peanut bars can be practically used for the school nutrition programs to uplift the nutritional status of the school-going children. Crude fiber, crude protein, vitamin-C, color, texture, sensory attributes

Background: Overweight and obesity are recognized as “escalating epidemics” affecting both developed and developing countries. Of the factors contributing to obesity, stress seems to be particularly important as stressful condition leads to irregularity in diet, lack of exercise and addiction. Medical students are exposed to a lot of stress throughout their education. Hence, this study was undertaken to find out the prevalence of overweight and obesity among undergraduate medical students. Objectives: The present cross-sectional study was intended to find out the prevalence of overweight/obesity among medical students of Enam Medical College and its association with their sociodemographic and life-style pattern. Materials and Methods: This cross- sectional study was conducted among medical students in Enam Medical College, Savar, Dhaka from March to July 2017. A total of 283 1st and 2nd year MBBS students were included in the study. After getting permission from college authority and concerned Ethical Committee data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire containing the variables of interest. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements (weight and height) were noted. Data were analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 16.0. Results: In the present study, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 21.2% and 6.0% respectively. Males were found more overweight or obese (70.1%) compared to females (29.9%) (p=0.041). No other sociodemographic variables were found associated with overweight or obesity. Family history of obesity was observed for evaluation of overweight/obesity among the respondents (p=0.018) although family history of hypertension and/or diabetes did not influence the overweight/ obesity. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the overweight/obese group were higher than their normal counterparts (p=0.003 and p=0.002). There was no association between BMI and behavioral variables such as exercise, sleep, entertainment and food behavior. Conclusion: More than one-quarter of the undergraduate medical students are overweight or obese and overweight or obesity are more predominant in males. Overweight and obese students generally have family history of overweight or obesity. Behavioural factors such as taking exercise, time spent on sleep and entertainment and food habit are not associated with BMI. J Enam Med Col 2020; 10(2): 86-92

Background: SARS-CoV-2 a highly contagious virus causing the current global pandemic of COVID -19 is transmitted mainly through close physical contact and airborne transmission of respiratory droplets, and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Objective: The study was carried out aiming to assess knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of university level (medical and nonmedical) students towards COVID-19. Methods: This online cross-sectional KAP study was carried out among university level students. The questionnaire used consisted of two main sections: demographic and knowledge, attitude and practic es (KAP) towards COVID-19 transmission and prevention. Demographic variables included gender, age, religion, marital status, type of education. KAP section consisted of 14 questions for assessment of knowledge regarding clinical symptoms, transmission route, vaccine, prevention and cont rol of COVID-19. The link of the online questionnaire was shared with students of three government and one private medical colleges and 8 universities of which 5 government and 3 private through their faculties with an invitation to participating in the study. Results: A total of 399 students participated in the study, 6 1.9% were non-medical and 38.1% were medical students; males accounted for 62.7% of the respondents. Knowledge and practice scores were significantly higher in females than in males (p< 0.05). KAP scores were significantly higher among medical students compared to non-medical students (p< 0.05). Though about 52.1% of total students had good knowledge, less than 25% had favourable attitude and 48.6% had good practices towards preventive m easures of COVID-19. Conclusion: There is need for more awareness campaign focusing the students to cover their knowledge gaps, motivation for appropriate practices and further improvement of attitude and practices towards preve ntion of COVID-19 transmission. Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2020; 46(3): 154-160

Background: This study aimed to assess the extent of socio-demographic factors that affect food insecurity among rural school going children. Methods: A school based cross-sectional study was conducted among 460 rural school going children (class 4 to class I 0) in Saltha upaziila of Faridpur district, Bangladesh from January-December, 2019. Children providing assent after getting consent from their parents were inducted as study participants. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the food insecurity and socio-demographic variables. The study was conducted in Saltha upaziila of Faridpur district, Bangladesh from January-December, 2019 Results: Among the participants about 59.3% were moderately food insecure which means they were deprived of psychological and physical access to food. 53.7% were female and 88.3% of them were Muslims , 30.7% were from class 8, 70.7% were from nuclear family, 93% had siblings , 92% resided into house on their own land , 78.5% had own agricultural land and in 52.7% cases participant's father were farmer and their mean income was 98208.18 ± 13618.196 Taka per. 35.2% lived in both Semi Pucca house and Tin Shade house and 7 I% had domestic animal in their hou se, such as goat, sheep, cow, duck, hen etc., 41.5% had television in their house but 52% didn't have refrigerator in their house. There was a statistically significant relationship between food insecurity and age of participants (p- 0.000),educational status (p- 0.000),head of family (p- 0.008),occupation of father (p- 0.0IO). yearly ineome of family member (p-0.000), house type (p-0.000). Conclusion: National policies and programs need to stress on how to improve family income earning capacity and socioeconomic status to handle food insecurity. JOPSOM 2020; 39(1): 67-72

Background: High dietary salt intake from food is a major risk factor for raised blood pressure (BP) worldwide. In the context of Bang ladesh , information regarding salinity in water and blood pressure especially in the adolescent population is very scarce. This study was conducted to assess the blood pressure status of adolescent school children in coastal area of Bangladesh. Methods: A one-year school based cross-sectional study was carried out among 528 students of class 8-10 at schools of Bajua Union, Dacope Upazilla, saline prone zone of Khulna district. Relevant data were collected by using pre tested semi-structured questionnaire with face to face interview & checklist. Blood pressure was mea sured in a controlled environment and Collected water sources were analyzed by DPHE, Water Testing Laboratory. The study was conducted in the schools of Bajua Uni on, Dacope Upa zilla of the saline prone zone of Khulna district in between a one-year time frame. Results: Among 528 participants most of them were male (353, 66.9%) with an age of 14 years (185 , 35.0%). Most of them were read in class 8 (185 , 35.0%). Prevalence of paternal, maternal, paternal grandparents' and maternal grandparents' history of hypertension were found significant. About 72.3% regularly took extra salt during meal and 43.9% took salt preserved fish with meal. Mean of systolic blood pressure of respondents were 114.2197 ± 7.61448 mm of Hg. Mean of diastolic blood pressure of respondents were 75.1 780 ± 5.45959 mm of Hg. Mean of pulse pressure of respondents were 39.0417 ± 6.56430. Mean of mean arterial pressure of respondents were 88. I 9 I 9 ± 5.44267 mm of Hg. Sodium concentration of pond were approximately in between 500-600 mg/I, whereas in tube wells approximately in between 700-1 I 00 mg/I. Conclusion: Drinking water sodium is an important source of daily sodium intake , and therefore a risk factor for increased BP in salinity prone coastal areas. This adds to the cardiovascular health risks associated with food sodium intake in Southeast Asian populations. Low- saline alternative drinking water sources could effectively help to prevent high BP and hypertension-related morbidity and mortality in these coastal populations. New technologies for the supply of such alternative sources, including safeguarding the microbial quality , should be further studied. JOPSOM 2020; 39(1): 60-66

Background: Aging is universal and it is inescapable. Health problems of elderly people are a global emerging issue. Body mass index (BMI) is a test often used to help medical professiona ls to assess nutritional status along with overall fitness and risk for disease in elderly. This study was conducted to assess the BMI and common geriatric health problems among elderly retired armed forces personnel. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among purposively selected 226 elderly retired armed forces personnel in both outpatient and inpatient departments of the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka Cantonment from July 2018 to Jun e 2019. The study aimed to assess the association between BMI and common geriatric health problems. A questionnaire comprising of all the variables of interest were developed and used for data collection by face to face interview. Data were also collected by physical measurement and reviewing medical documents of the participants. Results: Among the participants, majority (32.3%) had BMI c:25, 31 .9 % had 23-24.9, 30. 1 % had 18.5-22.9 and 5.8% had

An estimated 300,000 new cases of leukemia are diagnosed each year which is 2.8 percent of all new cancer cases and the prevalence is rising day by day. The most dangerous and deadly type of leukemia is acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which affects people of all age groups, including children and adults. In this study, we propose an automated system to detect various-shaped ALL blast cells from microscopic blood smears images using Deep Neural Networks (DNN). The system can detect multiple subtypes of ALL cells with an accuracy of 98 percent. Moreover, we have developed a telediagnosis software to provide real-time support to diagnose ALL subtypes from microscopic blood smears images., 25 pages, 20 figures, A project report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering at City University, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh

Irrational and inappropriate use of antibiotics in aquaculture can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance.In this study, we aimed to assess antibiotic usage in inland and coastal fish farms in Bangladesh and identify factors associated with this practice.We conducted a cross-sectional study to collect antibiotic usage information from 672 fish farmers in Bangladesh. The frequency of use, the types of antibiotics, the purpose of usage, and antibiotic prescribing practices were estimated. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were calculated to measure the association between antibiotic usage and factors related to the characteristics of the farms and farmers using multivariable logistic regression models.Twenty-two farms reported using antibiotics in the last 24 h preceding the interview (3%, 95% CI: 2-5%); 36 farms (5%, 95% CI: 4-7%) in the last 72 h, 141 farms (21%, 95% CI: 18-24%) in the last 14 days, and 478 farms (71%, 68-75%) reported antibiotic usage at least once since the start of their production cycle. Antibiotics usage in the last 14 days preceding the interviews was higher in freshwater fish farms (98%) than in brackish water farms (2%). Oxytetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and amoxicillin were the most frequently used antibiotics. Most of the antibiotics were reported to be used for both therapeutic and prophylactic purposes (71%, 95% CI: 63-78%). Antibiotics used within the last 14 days were mainly advised by feed dealers or drug sellers (51%, 95% CI: 43-60%), followed by farmers themselves (31%, 95% CI: 23-38%) and local service providers (18%, 95% CI, 12-25%). Fish farms having history of antibiotic use within the last 14 days preceding interviews was significantly associated with illness in fish (aOR 1.98, 95% CI:1.21-3.29) compared to farms with healthy fish and fishes cultured in ponds (aOR 9.34, 95% CI: 3.69-23.62) compared to enclosure cultures.Improvement of fish health through better farming practices and changes in feed dealers' and farmers' attitudes towards self-prescription of antibiotic without veterinarian diagnostics may help to reduce the levels of antibiotic usage and thus contribute to mitigating antimicrobial resistance.

Background: Although hypertension was formerly thought to be a disease in affluent countries, recent data suggest that low- and middle-income countries account for three-quarters of the worldwide hypertension burden. Several studies have shown a high prevalence of HTN in Bangladesh, while data on urban slum areas are scarce. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence, risk factors, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in an urban slum area of Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 602 adults aged 18 years and above living in slum areas of Donia union at Kodomtali Thana, Dhaka, from September to October 2018 by simple random sampling. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to predict the risk factors for hypertension. Results: A quarter of the urban slum dwellers were suffering from hypertension. Higher aged groups, 31 to 45 years [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.56; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.54-4.27] and 46 and above years [AOR: 5.13; 95% CI: 2.68-9.82], family history of hypertension [AOR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.24-2.99], and obesity [AOR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.34-6.12] were found to be the significant risk factors of hypertension. Middle socio-economic status [AOR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.34-0.93] and underweight [AOR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.15-0.83] showed negative association with hypertension. Among the hypertensive participants, 20.6% were aware of their hypertension, 16.8% were on antihypertensive treatment, and 7.7% had their blood pressure controlled. Conclusion: A high prevalence of hypertension associated with poor awareness and control in an urban slum community needs government initiatives for prevention.

ObjectivesTo assess healthcare workers’ (HCWs) compliance with the infection prevention and control (IPC) practices and identify the factors influencing this compliance using the Health Belief Model as the theoretical framework.DesignQuantitative data from an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study were employed in this research.Participants and settingsFrom 17 May to 30 August 2020, 604 physicians and nurses working at six randomly selected tertiary care facilities in Dhaka City in Bangladesh took part in this study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresCompliance with the WHO’s guidance on IPC measures, as well as the associated factors, was the primary outcome.ResultsA mean compliance score of 0.49 (±0.25) was observed on a 0–1 scale. HCWs were most compliant with the medical mask wearing guidelines (81%) and were least compliant with the high-touch surface decontamination regulations (23%). Compliance with the IPC guidance was significantly associated with increasing age, female sex, working as a nurse, having non-communicable diseases and history of exposure to patients with COVID-19. Perceived benefits (B=0.039, 95% CI 0.001 to 0.076), self-efficacy (B=0.101, 95% CI 0.060 to 0.142) and cues to action (B=0.045, 95% CI 0.002 to 0.088) were positively associated with compliance. Compliance with IPC guidance was 0.061 times greater among participants who reported low perceived barriers compared with those with high perceived barriers.ConclusionOverall, compliance with IPC guidance among HCWs was unsatisfactory. As self-efficacy exerted the greatest contribution to compliance, it should be emphasised in any endeavour to improve HCWs’ IPC adherence. Such interventions should also focus on perceived barriers, including unreliability of the information sources, unsafe working places and unavailability of protective equipment and cues to action, including trust in the administration and availability of adequate IPC guidance.

The Wuhan City of China evidenced unknown aetiology pneumonia cases at the end of December 2019. On 7 January 2020, the causative agent was identified as a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), currently referred to as SARS-CoV-2, and coronavirus disease as COVID-19. Older adults and people of any age who have underlying medical conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, have shown worse prognosis. The aim of this study to evaluate the risk of serious adverse outcomes in patients with COVID-19 by stratifying the comorbidity status. We conducted a retro-prospective study of 405 patients admitted into the Mugda Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka,Bangladesh. Among 405 cases, mean age was 46.33 years. About 216 (53.3%) patients were male. Almost 322 (79.5%) patients were managed inside Dhaka city. The most common symptom was fever on or after hospitalization (71.9%). Of the 405 cases the prevalence of specific comorbidities was: hypertension (n=141, 34.8%), other cardiovascular diseases (n=42, 10.4%) cerebrovascular diseases (n=7, 1.7%), diabetes (n=140, 34.6%), COPD (n=4, 1.0%), chronic kidney diseases (n=65, 16.0%), malignancy (n=4, 1.0%) and asthma (n=51,12.6%). Overall, 307 (75.8%) patients discharged alive during the time frame of this study. 98(24.2%) patients died, 63 (15.6%) were admitted to the ICU and 16 (4.0%) received invasive ventilation. Patients with comorbidities should take all necessary precautions to avoid getting infected with SARS CoV-2, as they usually have the worst prognosis. There is a need for a global public health campaign to raise awareness, on reducing the burden of these comorbidity illnesses causing deaths in COVID-19- infected patients. Bangladesh Med J. 2020 Jan; 49 (1): 19-25

Background: Zinc deficiency is evident in chronic diseases, but little is known about its association with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB). We aimed to measure serum zinc level in MDRTB patients and explore its association with MDRTB compared to drug-sensitive tuberculosis (DSTB). Methods: We recruited 107 MDRTB and 87 DSTB patients from a tuberculosis referral hospital in Bangladesh. After overnight fasting, 5 ml venous blood was collected from each patient to measure serum zinc level through graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. Multivariate logistic regression was done to measure its association with MDRTB. Results: The mean age of all patients was 36 years, where 70% were male. About 27% MDRTB patients and 2.3% DSTB patients had low serum zinc level (P < 0.0001). An inverse correlation was observed between serum zinc level and duration of anti-TB therapy (r-value: −0.252, P < 0.01). Reduced serum zinc level (odds ratio, 0.957; 95% confidence interval 0.923–0.992) was found as a significant associating factor for MDRTB after adjusted with age, sex, occupation, residence, tobacco consumption, Bacillus Calmette–Guérin-vaccination, and duration of anti-TB therapy. Conclusion: A lower serum zinc level is significantly associated with MDRTB. The tuberculosis control program should address this in the MDRTB control strategy.

Background: Arsenic contamination in groundwater of Bangladesh was first detected in 1993 and still a major public health problem in the country. In 1997, Samta was identified as a severely arsenic contaminated village and many villagers were found to suffering from arsenicosis. Methods: A series of surveys were carried out in Samta village in the years 1997, 2002, 2008 and 2017 to assess the situation of arsenic contamination and the status of arsenicosis in the village. The water sources and the entire population of the village were included in the study. Results: In 1997 about 87% of the shallow tubewells in Samta village were arsenic-contaminated and 10.1% villagers had arsenicosis. Twenty years later in 2017, about 90% shallow tubewells were arsenic contaminated, 39 deep tubewells and a pond sand filter were installed in the village and 2.3% of the villagers had arsenicosis. On an average 43.8% arsenicosis patients had recovered from the illness and condition of 21.2% patients had deteriorated or remained unchanged. During the 20-year period 37(6.1%) arsenicosis patients and 185(1.6%) non-arsenicosis villagers had died. The main cause of death among arsenicosis patients was cancer (40.5%) and among non-arsenicosis villagers the cause was geriatric problem (11.8%). The mean age at death was 57.6 years and 61.2 years respectively. Conclusion: In twenty years, measures were undertaken to make available arsenic-safe water options and people were motivated to stop the use of arsenic-contaminated water and to increase the intake of protein and vitamin AEC rich food. Recovery had occurred in a substantial proportion of patients.

Nickel-oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) using aqueous Rauvolfia serpentine leaf extract were tested against Callosobruchus maculatus. Synthesis of NiO NPs was confirmed by various physiochemical metho...

Background: Although hypertension was formerly thought to be a disease in affluent countries, recent data suggest that low- and middle-income countries account for three-quarters of the worldwide hypertension burden. Several studies have shown a high prevalence of HTN in Bangladesh, while data on urban slum areas are scarce. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence, risk factors, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in an urban slum area of Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 602 adults aged 18 years and above living in slum areas of Donia union at Kodomtali Thana, Dhaka, from September to October 2018 by simple random sampling. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to predict the risk factors for hypertension. Results: A quarter of the urban slum dwellers were suffering from hypertension. Higher aged groups, 31 to 45 years [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.56; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.54-4.27] and 46 and above years [AOR: 5.13; 95% CI: 2.68-9.82], family history of hypertension [AOR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.24-2.99], and obesity [AOR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.34-6.12] were found to be the significant risk factors of hypertension. Middle socio-economic status [AOR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.34-0.93] and underweight [AOR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.15-0.83] showed negative association with hypertension. Among the hypertensive participants, 20.6% were aware of their hypertension, 16.8% were on antihypertensive treatment, and 7.7% had their blood pressure controlled. Conclusion: A high prevalence of hypertension associated with poor awareness and control in an urban slum community needs government initiatives for prevention.

Background: Although hypertension was formerly thought to be a disease in affluent countries, recent data suggest that low- and middle-income countries account for three-quarters of the worldwide hypertension burden. Several studies have shown a high prevalence of HTN in Bangladesh, while data on urban slum areas are scarce. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence, risk factors, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in an urban slum area of Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 602 adults aged 18 years and above living in slum areas of Donia union at Kodomtali Thana, Dhaka, from September to October 2018 by simple random sampling. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to predict the risk factors for hypertension. Results: A quarter of the urban slum dwellers were suffering from hypertension. Higher aged groups, 31 to 45 years [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.56; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.54-4.27] and 46 and above years [AOR: 5.13; 95% CI: 2.68-9.82], family history of hypertension [AOR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.24-2.99], and obesity [AOR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.34-6.12] were found to be the significant risk factors of hypertension. Middle socio-economic status [AOR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.34-0.93] and underweight [AOR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.15-0.83] showed negative association with hypertension. Among the hypertensive participants, 20.6% were aware of their hypertension, 16.8% were on antihypertensive treatment, and 7.7% had their blood pressure controlled. Conclusion: A high prevalence of hypertension associated with poor awareness and control in an urban slum community needs government initiatives for prevention.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has infected almost 800 million people around the world. Around 1.7 million people die each year because of it. Detecting CKD in the initial stage is essential for saving millions of lives. Many researchers have applied distinct Machine Learning (ML) methods to detect CKD at an early stage, but detailed studies are still missing. We present a structured and thorough method for dealing with the complexities of medical data with optimal performance. Besides, this study will assist researchers in producing clear ideas on the medical data preparation pipeline. In this paper, we applied KNN Imputation to impute missing values, Local Outlier Factor to remove outliers, SMOTE to handle data imbalance, K-stratified K-fold Cross-validation to validate the ML models, and a novel hybrid feature selection method to remove redundant features. Applied algorithms in this study are Support Vector Machine, Gaussian Naive Bayes, Decision Tree, Random Forest, Logistic Regression, K-Nearest Neighbor, Gradient Boosting, Adaptive Boosting, and Extreme Gradient Boosting. Finally, the Random Forest can detect CKD with 100% accuracy without any data leakage., 8 pages, 4 figures, Accepted in the Proceeding of the International Conference on Computing and Informatics (ICCI), 09-10 March 2022

In this article, we discuss the relation-theoretic aspects of weakly contractive mappings to prove fixed point results in the setting of metric spaces endowed with a certain binary relation. We also provide an example and an application to validate of our results. The results proved herewith unify, generalize, improve, extend, sharpen, subsume and enrich some well-known fixed point theorems of the existing literature.

Eye-catching, aesthetic fashions often suppress its untold dark story of unsustainable processing including hazardous wet treatment. Considering the risks imposed by conventional cotton scouring and following the trend of scouring with enzymes, this study was undertaken to evaluate the bioscouring of cotton knit fabric involving saponin-enriched soapnut as a natural surfactant, applied from a bath requiring a few chemicals and gentle processing conditions, contributing to the eco-friendliness. The proposed application was compared to synthetic detergent engaged enzymatic scouring as well as the classic scouring with Sodium hydroxide. A cellulolytic pectate lyase enzyme (0.5%–0.8% o.w.f) was applied at 55 °C for 60 min at pH 5–5.5 with varying surfactant concentrations. A low concentration of soapnut extract (1 g/L to 2 g/L) was found sufficient to assist in the removal of non-cellulosic impurities from the cotton fabric after bioscouring with 0.5% o.w.f. enzyme, leading to good hydrophilicity indicated by an average wetting time of 4.86 s at the expense of 3.1%–3.8% weight loss. The scoured fabrics were further dyed with 1% o.w.f. reactive dye to observe the dyeing performance. The treated samples were characterized in terms of weight loss, wettability, bursting strength, whiteness index, and color value. The proposed application confronted level dyeing and the ratings for color fastness to washing and rubbing were 4–5 for all of the samples scoured enzymatically with soapnut. The study was also statistically analyzed and concluded.

This study investigates three types of foam core materials used in composite sandwich structures at various densities: H60, H100, F50, F90, PN115, PN200 and PN250. Three-point bending test is conducted to determine relationships between material and flexural properties at both room and low temperature Arctic conditions. X-ray micro-computed tomography is utilized to observe the microstructural relationships between foam density and mechanical properties of the core. This study evaluates Arctic temperature effects on mechanical properties for various types of foam core at varying densities with the intention for future Arctic applications. Although foam core materials become more brittle at a lower temperature, their flexural stiffness and flexural strength are further increased. However, due to the enhanced brittleness, the energy required for fracture is significantly reduced at low temperature conditions. This study utilizes statistical analysis to create contour plots and linear regression equations to predict flexural properties as a function of temperature and foam density. Molecular dynamics simulation is employed to verify experimental results to elucidate the effect of temperature on material behavior. This work provides a deeper understanding of how flexural strength relates to foam density, adding to existing data on foam strength properties under compressive, shear and tensile loads.

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It makes no difference whether a person is male or female when it comes to neurodegenerative disorders; both sexes are equally susceptible to their devastating effects. Sometimes, it is unclear why a person in their life got a condition that is well-known in the world, such as Parkinson’s disease. Other times, it is evident why the individual obtained the ailment (PD). In modern times, a variety of cutting-edge algorithms that are based on treatment protocols have been developed for the purpose of diagnosing Parkinson’s disease. The approach that is presented in this article is the most current one; it was created using deep learning, and it can predict how severely Parkinson’s disease would affect a patient. In order to diagnose this condition, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive medical history, a history of any past treatments, physical exams, and certain blood tests and brain films. Because they are less time-consuming and costly, diagnoses are becoming an increasingly important part of medical practice. The diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease by the physician is supported by the findings of the present research, which analyzed the voices of 253 participants. Preprocessing is done in order to get the most accurate results possible from the data. In order to carry out the technique of balancing, a methodical sampling approach was used to choose the data that would afterwards be evaluated. Using a feature selection approach that was determined by the magnitude of the label’s influence, many data groups were created and organized. DT, SVM, and kNN are three methods that are used in classification algorithms and performance assessment criteria. The model was developed as a result of selecting the classification method and data group that had the greatest performance value. This decision led to the creation of the model. During the process of building the model, the SVM technique was used, and data comprising 45% of the original data set were utilized. The information was arranged in descending order of significance, beginning with the most pertinent. In addition to achieving exceptional outcomes in every other aspect of the project, the performance accuracy target was successfully met at 86 percent. As a consequence of this, it has been decided that the physician will be provided with medical decision support with the assistance of the data set obtained from the speech recordings of the individual who may have Parkinson’s disease and the model that has been developed. This has led to the conclusion that medical decision support will be offered to the physician.

Electromyography is a diagnostic practice that examines the condition of the muscles and the nerves that regulate them. It allows neuromuscular disorders and lesions to be diagnosed, categorized based on their severity, and the most appropriate related treatment to be carried out based on the type of ailment detected. A neurologist or physical therapist is usually the one who performs this type of exam. The idea of carrying out this research arises from the need to work with a device that can perform the functions described so far to apply these medical studies to sports, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation to achieve full recovery after suffering a neuromuscular injury. This paper intends to work within the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) to connect professionals and patients through the Internet and speed up diagnoses and treatments. This article discusses the design of a wearable electromyography device capable of performing the functions of acquisition, processing, and transmission of the signal generated by the muscles to diagnose and treat neuromuscular diseases or injuries. Specifically, the paper focuses on the design of a device that is capable of acquiring the signal generated by the muscles and processing the signal.

As the World Bank and government of Bangladesh celebrate 50 years of development cooperation this year, a key highlight is the journey towards addressing climate change and improving the resilience of the coastal zone. From the outset, the World Bank has been a long-standing partner in the government’s efforts to reduce the risks from disasters and enhance coastal resilience, resulting in a number of noteworthy achievements. Bangladesh demonstrated how investments in the entire chain of disaster risk reduction saves lives, reduces economic losses, and protects development gains. Proactive policies and sound investments in strengthening resilience across multiple fronts over the last five decades have resulted in a drastic decline in the number of casualties from cyclones. Bangladesh’s approach has been an integrated one, from grassroots strengthening of community-level adaptation and community-based early warning systems, to investing in key protective infrastructure and promoting innovations, all founded on a strategic policy framework. With the success of these initiatives, Bangladesh has emerged as a global leader in climate resilience. Although there has been significant progress, with the coastal population and economy expected to grow, and the intensity and magnitude of extreme events projected to increase due to climate change, hazard impacts still pose a great threat to the development ambitions of the country. Thus, further actions are needed to improve the resilience of the coastal zone. This report provides new perspectives and insights into how to address the impacts of climate-related hazards in the coastal zone. The report provides evidence of the drivers of risks in Bangladesh’s coastal zone, analyzes what has been achieved so far in reducing these risks, and reviews the lessons learned from these achievements. Supported by in-depth analytical work, the report explores innovative solutions illustrated with artist impressions and puts forward seven key recommendations to enhance coastal resilience in Bangladesh and build shared prosperity for decades to come. What is clear from the report is that investing in coastal resilience will bring multiple benefits, and that the time to act is now.

Background: Although the government of Bangladesh made the use of masks mandatory in public settings during COVID-19, individuals have been reluctant to follow. We intended to know how many people used face masks in public settings during COVID-19. Methodology: This study was conducted in several public settings in Shahbag, an urban sub-district of Dhaka; and Sirajdikhan, a rural sub-district of Munshiganj in Bangladesh on November 2020. A total of 4011 people were identified from the video-graphic data captured from 20 public places for monitoring the use of masks. Finding: More than two-thirds of those observed had no face masks or did not utilize them properly. People in urban regions (43%) used mask more in an appropriate manner than those in rural areas (26%). Females wore masks comparatively more than males (53% vs. 35%, p-value

Being a key source of animal food, millet production has been sharply increasing over the last few years in order to cope with the dietary requirements of the ever-increasing world population. It is a splendid source of essential nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, fat, minerals, vitamins, and also some other bioactive compounds that eventually help through multiple biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-cholesterol, anti-hypertensive, anthropometric effects and regulation of gut microbiota composition. These bioactive compounds, nutrients, and functions of cereal grains can be affected by processing techniques such as decortication, soaking, malting, milling, fermentation, etc. This study discusses the nutritional and functional properties of millet-incorporated foods and their impact on health, based on around 150 articles between 2015 and 2022 from the Web of Science, Google Scholar, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Breeding Bid Survey (BBS), and FoodData Central (USDA) databases. Analyzing literature reviews, it is evident that the incorporation of millet and its constituents into foodstuffs could be useful against undernourishment and several other health diseases. Additionally, this review provides crucial information about the beneficial features of millet, which can serve as a benchmark of guidelines for industry, consumers, researchers, and nutritionists.

In this article, we introduce the idea of relation-theoretic Suzuki-generalized nonlinear contractions and utilized the same to prove some fixed point results in an ℜ-complete partial metric space. Our newly established results are sharpened versions of earlier existing results in the literature. Indeed, we give an application to construct multivalued fractals using a newly introduced contraction in the iterated function space.

Despite the enormous disruption of tuberculosis (TB) services reported globally, Bangladesh’s impact is not well documented. We aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the TB control program in Bangladesh from patients’ and service providers’ perspectives. We conducted a cross-sectional study from November–December 2021 at six conveniently selected Upazila Health Complexes (UHC) of the Dhaka division, Bangladesh. We conducted face-to-face interviews among 180 pulmonary TB service recipients and all TB service providers working in the selected UHC. We also reviewed TB registries from each UHC. All data were summarized using descriptive statistics tools. We found a 31% reduction in presumptive TB cases during 2021 compared to 2020. Other TB services, such as testing, were reduced by 16–36% during the same period. Service receivers reported a lack of transportation (95%), and a lack of adequate human resources (89%) as critical barriers to receiving and providing TB service, respectively. The findings of our study showed substantial interruption of TB service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic, threatening the recent progress and pushback from achieving the 2035 End TB targets. Early mitigation of TB service delivery through adopting remote follow-ups using digital health technology and integrating COVID-19 and TB screening is essential for the continuity of essential TB services and achieving global TB targets.