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ABSTRACT Background Cancer is the second leading cause of human mortality worldwide. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from liquid biopsy samples are used in early cancer detection, characterization, and surveillance. Exosomes are a subset of EVs produced by all cells and present in all body fluids. They play an important role in the development of cancer because they are active transporters capable of carrying the contents of any type of cell. The objective of this review was to provide a brief overview of the clinical implication of exosomes or exosomal components in cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Methods An extensive review of the current literature of exosomes and their components in cancer diagnosis and prognosis were carried out in the current study. Results Tumor cells release exosomes that contribute to the formation of the pre‐metastatic microenvironment, angiogenesis, invasion, and treatment resistance. On the contrary, tumor cells release more exosomes than normal cells, and these tumor‐specific exosomes can carry the genomic and proteomic signature contents of the tumor cells, which can act as tools for the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with cancers. Conclusion This information may help clinicians to improve the management of cancer patients in clinical settings in the future.

ABSTRACT Aim This study aimed to evaluate the food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Bangladeshi consumers and investigate their associations with various demographic factors. Methods This national cross‐sectional study utilized a face‐to‐face survey using a structured questionnaire to recruit 1400 adult consumers between September 2022 and November 2022. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to determine the factors associated with the food safety KAP. Results The current findings revealed that consumers had moderate knowledge (overall correct response rate of 65.3% with a mean score of 13.06 ± 2.88 on a scale of 0 to 20), excellent attitudes (overall correct response rate for food safety knowledge was 81.8% with a mean score of 14.72 ± 2.72 on a scale of 0 to 18), and relatively poor practices (overall correct response rate was 51.7% with a mean score of 35.17 ± 11.2 on a scale of 0 to 68). Participants who were male, had higher education, were employed, were familiar with the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, and residing outside the Mymensingh division, demonstrated greater food safety knowledge. However, participants from Barisal, Rangpur, and Dhaka, who were less educated, had fewer children, and only occasionally cooked, had negative attitudes about food safety. Additionally, individuals from all administrative divisions except Mymensingh and Chittagong, who were employed, had fewer children, had experienced food poisoning, and had inadequate food safety practices. Conclusion These findings suggest that the Bangladeshi government should intensify efforts to enhance consumer awareness regarding food safety.

Abstract Background The surge in digital media consumption, coupled with the ensuing consequences of digital addiction, has witnessed a rapid increase, particularly after the initiation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite some studies exploring specific technological addictions, such as internet or social media addiction, in Bangladesh, there is a noticeable gap in research focusing on digital addiction in a broader context. Thus, this study aims to investigate digital addiction among students taking the university entrance test, examining its prevalence, contributing factors, and geographical distribution using GIS techniques. Methods Data from a cross-sectional survey were collected from a total of 2,157 students who were taking the university entrance test at Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh. A convenience sampling method was applied for data collection using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 25 Version and AMOS 23 Version, whereas ArcGIS 10.8 Version was used for the geographical distribution of digital addiction. Results The prevalence of digital addiction was 33.1% (mean score: 16.05 ± 5.58). Those students who are attempting the test for a second time were more likely to be addicted (42.7% vs. 39.1%), but the difference was not statistically significant. Besides, the potential factors predicted for digital addiction were student status, satisfaction with previous mock tests, average monthly expenditure during the admission test preparation, and depression. No significant difference was found between digital addiction and districts. However, digital addiction was higher in the districts of Manikganj, Rajbari, Shariatpur, and Chittagong Hill Tract areas, including Rangamati, and Bandarban. Conclusions The study emphasizes the pressing need for collaborative efforts involving educational policymakers, institutions, and parents to address the growing digital addiction among university-bound students. The recommendations focus on promoting alternative activities, enhancing digital literacy, and imposing restrictions on digital device use, which are crucial steps toward fostering a healthier digital environment and balanced relationship with technology for students.

Background: The practice of self-medication (SM) is common worldwide and is an important component of medical self-care. However, improper practice can be dangerous. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of SM and the factors associated with it among Bangladeshi adults. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between April and June 2021 among Bangladeshi adults (aged > 19 years) using convenient sampling. A total of 1320 subjects were collected through face-to-face interviews using a standardized questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the practice of SM. Results: Overall, 41% of adults in our survey reported SMP. The most common illnesses that prompted SM were common cold/flu (66.4%), gastric problems (65%), and headache (64.4%). The most frequent reasons for SM were to get better-perceived quality of care (30.6%), perceiving SM without side effects (23.3%), and saving time with effectiveness (14.56%). Potential risk factors included 10 years (AOR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.04–3.50) and >12 years of schooling (AOR = 5.03; 95% CI: 2.27–11.15), being a businessman (AOR = 4.64; 95% CI: 1.74–12.37), having ≤6 family members (AOR = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.40–3.24), being a member of a social group (AOR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.10–2.12), a health status check after every six months (AOR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.08–2.13), and current ill-health (AOR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.06–1.87). Protective factors identified included ≤30 years of age (AOR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.17–0.93), and practice of modern (AOR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.22–0.69) and herbal (AOR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.21–0.97) treatment modality. Conclusion: More than one-third of the study participants reported practicing SM. Increasing the community’s awareness of the adverse outcomes of SM and not just the average experience might sway individuals away from SM, and implementing strict jurisdiction could be a way to minimize inappropriate SM.

Abstract Background and Aims Postpartum depression (PPD) is a globally recognized public health concern, yet research focusing on women in urban areas of Bangladesh remains unexplored. This study aimed to address this research gap by investigating the prevalence and associated factors of PPD within the first 2 years after childbirth. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted, enrolling 259 women (26.66 ± 4.57 years) residing in urban areas who were attending healthcare delivery centers. Sociodemographic factors, child‐related issues, pregnancy‐related complications, and PPD using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were used for data collection. Data analysis involved the application of χ2 tests and logistic regression analysis using SPSS software. Results This study found a 60.6% prevalence of PPD using a cutoff of 10 (out of 30) on the EPDS scale. Logistic regression analysis identified several significant factors associated with PPD, including high monthly family income (odds ratio [OR] = 47.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.34–270.54, p

The engagement of a large number of people in big-scale cooking raises the danger of food contamination due to incorrect handling, whether deliberate or unintentional. Contamination during large-scale production poses a serious hazard to consumer health and has significant financial implications for a nation. This study aimed to investigate the food safety knowledge and practices of institutional food handlers in Bangladesh, considering the growing concern surrounding this issue and the lack of available information on foodborne illnesses related to institutions. In addition, the study aimed to determine the factors influencing both knowledge and practices. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to September 2022, involving 408 institutional food handlers. The sample size was determined using Cochran's formula, and data was collected through purposive sampling. The participants were interviewed in person and completed a pilot-tested questionnaire. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors related to food safety knowledge and practices. The majority of participants were female (71.3%) and aged between 26 and 35 (mean age 34.53 ± 9.06 years). They were most knowledgeable about hand hygiene and food separation but lacked knowledge about foodborne pathogens and food storage. Thawing food at room temperature was the most inappropriate practice (86%). The mean scores for knowledge and practice were found to be 16.11 ± 2.76 on a 26-point scale (61%), and 9.59 ± 2.07 on a 15-point scale (64%), respectively. Rural food handlers, those with higher education, working more than 10 h per day, and being familiar with HACCP, had higher knowledge. Food handlers aged 18 to 25, with higher income, working in private institutions, having food safety authority knowledge, actively engaging in food safety training, working more than 10 h per day, and having a positive health perception, had better food safety practices.The results of this study reinforce the notion that institutional food handlers would benefit from enhanced exposure to food safety interventions, active participation in training sessions, and strict adherence to food hygiene regulations in their food handling knowledge and practices.

Abstract Objective: There is a broad spectrum of dietary supplements (DS) and their accessibility worldwide. However, little is known about the prevalence of DS use among Bangladeshi adolescents. This study estimates the prevalence, correlates and common conditions related to DS use. Design: A cross-sectional, convenient sampling strategy was adopted using an interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire. Setting: Kurigram and Patuakhali districts of Bangladesh. Participants: 702 adolescents aged 10–19 years. Results: The overall prevalence of DS use was 83 %. The majority of participants (93·4 %) agreed that DS were good for health, and 28·3 % reported general health and well-being as the reason for using DS. The most frequently used supplements were multivitamins (38·6 %) and Ca (37 %). DS use was more common among adolescents who had ≤5 siblings, good health status, no chronic diseases, a positive impression that DS are good for health and who had the tendency to encourage DS to others. DS use was also higher among those who received DS information from healthcare providers, professional literature, friends, family and relatives. Conclusions: The prevalence of DS use is relatively higher among Bangladeshi adolescents compared to Bangladeshi adults and adolescents from other countries, highlighting the inclination towards DS use. Guidelines for safe DS use for adolescents are warranted to control DS use and prevent adverse effects.

Abstract Objective: Suicidal behaviours among students pose a significant public health concern, with mental health problems being well-established risk factors. However, the association between food insecurity (FIS) and suicidal behaviours remains understudied, particularly in Bangladesh. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between FIS and suicidal behaviours among Bangladeshi university students. Design: A cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling was conducted between August 2022 and September 2022. Information related to socio-demographics, mental health problems, FIS and related events and suicidal behaviours were collected. Chi-squared tests and multivariable logistic regression models, both unadjusted and adjusted, were employed to examine the relationship between FIS and suicidal behaviour. Setting: Six public universities in Bangladesh. Participants: This study included 1480 students from diverse academic disciplines. Results: A substantial proportion of respondents experienced FIS, with 75·5 % reporting low or very low food security. Students experiencing FIS had a significantly higher prevalence of suicidal ideation, plans and attempts compared with food-secure students (18·6 % v. 2·8 %, 8·7 % v. 0·8 % and 5·4 % v. 0·3 %, respectively; all P

Prospective university students experience substantial academic stressors and psychological vulnerabilities, yet their mental health literacy (MHL) remains inadequately explored. This study investigates four dimensions of MHL – help-seeking behaviors, stigma, knowledge about mental health and understanding of mental illnesses. Besides, Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques are employed to analyze spatial disparities in MHL, which is the first in the context of MHL research. A total of 1,485 students were assessed for sociodemographic characteristics, admission-related variables, health behaviors and family histories of mental health issues. Data were analyzed using SPSS and ArcGIS software. Multivariable linear regression analyses unveiled predictors of the MHL dimensions, with gender, family income, admission test performance, smoking, alcohol and drug use, physical and mental health history, current depression or anxiety and family history of mental health and suicide incidents emerging as common predictors. GIS analysis unraveled notable regional disparities in MHL, particularly in knowledge of mental health and mental illness, with northern and some southern districts displaying higher literacy levels. In conclusion, these findings accentuate significant gender and sociodemographic inequalities in MHL among prospective university students, highlighting the imperative for targeted interventions to enhance MHL and foster mental well-being in this cohort.

Food pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites are agents present in food or water that can cause foodborne illness. Some of these pathogens have been identified in Ghanaian foods and were responsible for the major foodborne disease outbreaks in Ghana. Thus, the current study assessed the awareness of foodborne pathogens and food safety knowledge of students in Ghana. The study employed non-probability techniques, as well as purposive and convenient techniques, to recruit institutions and students for the study. Out of 803 students, the majority (52.3%) were male, between the ages of 20 and 25 (52.8%), attended Ho Technical University (49.8%), and offered non-science-related courses (45.1%). The majority of the respondents were aware of foodborne pathogens, particularly Staphylococcus aureus (53.4%) and Salmonella typhimurium (53.5%). The mean overall score of foodborne pathogen awareness was 14.36 ± 4.57; the passing rate was 73.6%; tribe, institution, field of study, and level of study all had a significant (p

Background Evidence from pandemic and pre-pandemic studies conducted globally indicates that people with disabilities (PWDs) have a higher risk for suicidality. However, none of these studies has assessed suicidality among PWDs in Bangladesh. Aims The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with suicidal ideation among PWDs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. Method Using a snowball sampling technique, a cross-sectional survey was conducted from February to April 2021 among PWDs from six districts in the northern region of Bangladesh. Information related to sociodemographic factors, clinical characteristics, behavioural factors and suicidal ideation was collected. Chi-squared test and logistic regression were used to describe the data and explain the relationship of factors associated with suicidal ideation. Results The prevalence of COVID-19-related past-year suicidal ideation was 23.9%. The factors associated with suicidal ideation included: age above 35 years, being female, acquiring a disability later in life, lack of sleep and current substance use. In addition, higher education appeared to be a protective factor against suicidal ideation. Conclusions This study highlighted that PWDs had an increased risk of suicide; that is, one-fourth of them had past-year suicidal ideation. This may have been because of COVID-19-related restrictions and stressors. Thus, the government and policy makers need to pay more attention to developing effective suicide assessment, treatment and management strategies, especially for at-risk groups, to minimise the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The postharvest processes of groundnuts often become sources of microbial contamination leading to infections and intoxication. Hence, this study examined the microbial pathogens contaminating groundnuts after harvesting. About 50 samples were randomly collected from four major groundnut-producing towns: Bolgatanga, Chiana, Navrongo, and Bongo, all in the Upper East Region of Northern Ghana, and microbiologically examined using Analytical Profile Index (API® 20E). The results revealed that samples from Bolgatanga were the most contaminated, while Chiana has the least contaminated samples. Several species of bacterial genera such as Staphylococcus, Proteus, Escherichia, Bacillus, and Micrococcus, and fungal genera including Aspergillus, Fusarium, Rhizopus, Mucor, Saccharomyces, and Eurotium were isolated as the main microbial pathogens contaminating the produce. Navrongo and Bolgatanga recorded the highest rate of bacterial species for unshelled (29.5%) and shelled (30.4%) groundnuts, respectively, while Bongo and Bolgatanga registered the highest rate of fungal species under unshelled (32.8%) and shelled (32.6%) groundnuts, respectively. Due to the high levels of microbial contamination of most of the samples and the kind of microbial species involved, proper hygiene standards must be adopted during the postharvest handling of the shelled and unshelled groundnuts.

Our study aimed to examine the practices and knowledge of food handling and safety among 1534 university students in Bangladesh (mean age 22.09 ± 1.78), as well as the relationship between these factors and their academic and demographic backgrounds. Participants in this study were undergraduate and graduate students from four public universities in Bangladesh from different religions, income levels, years and majors of study, residential areas, living alone or not, and whose mothers are working or non-working. The questionnaire included 14 questions on food handling practices and 16 on knowledge. Questions were related to food preparation, hygiene, cross-contamination, and storage. The overall mean score for food handling practices was 34.9% (SD = 13.7), while that of knowledge was 41.8% (SD = 16.5). Female students, those from food-related majors, and those engaged in cooking activities scored significantly higher in the knowledge and practice sections (p < 0.05). Students who lived with their families performed significantly better on the knowledge parts, while those who shared a home with roommates in mess performed significantly better on the practice part (p < 0.05). Students having housewife mothers, personal poisoning experience, and continuous involvement in food purchasing scored significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the practices section but not in the knowledge one. On the other hand, students living in urban areas scored significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the knowledge section but not in the practices one. Our results highlight the importance of educational interventions and initiatives to enhance food safety awareness among Bangladeshi university students.

The Payra river is one of the large coastal rivers in Bangladesh which supports incredible fish species and has been affected by extensive human disturbance due to huge fishing pressure. The present study provides information about the temporal diversity of finfish and shellfish concerning climatological variables and ecological pollution along with threat assessment in the Payra river, Bangladesh. During the entire study, a total of 61 species including 56 finfish and 5 shellfish species were recorded under 22 families belonging to 11 orders. The order-wise fish species availability showed that the Perciformes (29.49%) was the dominant order based on species richness. Among them, 4 endangered, 6 vulnerable, 4 near threatened, 42 least concern, and 5 data deficient species were found. During the study period, the average Shannon-Weaver diversity index value was (3.33 ± 0.12) indicating a good spread of fish population in the Payra river. Average Margalef richness index value was found (7.60 ± 0.32), Pielou's evenness index (0.48 ± 0.05), and Simpson dominance index (0.93 ± 0.02) in the Payra river. The dominance and Richness index value indicates a clear water environment with slight pollution in the Payra river. Ten different kinds of fishing gears were identified under 3 major groups including 5 nets, 3 hooks and lines, and 2 traps. Canonical correspondence analysis ordination plot showed that rainfall was the most influencing driving force among the meteorological parameters. The cluster analysis based on the Bray-Curtis similarity matrix showed that the winter season formed a separate cluster. In the recapitulation, the Payra river is a highly productive system that provides a favorable environment for a large variety of finfish and shellfish species assemblages. The findings of the conducted study are expected to be helpful for the respective researchers, policymakers, managers, and conservationists for the sustainable management of this water body and the interconnected surrounding neighboring countries.

Background Tetanus occurring during pregnancy is still an important cause of maternal and neonatal mortality in developing countries. This study estimated the trend of tetanus toxoid (TT) immunization coverage from 2006 to 2019 in Bangladesh, considering socio-demographic, socio-economic, and geospatial characteristics. Methods The dataset used in this study was extracted from Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (2006, 2012–13, and 2019) including 28,734 women aged between 15–49 years. Data analysis was performed using cross-tabulation and logistic regression methods. Further, the spatial distribution of TT immunization coverage was also depicted. Results The trend of TT immunization (81.8% in 2006 to 49.3% in 2019) and that of taking adequate doses of TT (67.1% in 2006 to 49.9% in 2019) has gradually decreased throughout the study period. Among the administrative districts, North and South-West regions had lower coverage, and South and West regions had relatively higher coverage of both TT immunization and that of adequate doses. Antenatal TT immunization (any dosage, inadequate or adequate) was significantly associated with lower age (AOR = 3.13, 1.55–6.34), higher education (AOR = 1.20, 1.03–1.40), living in urban areas (AOR = 1.17, 1.03–1.34), having immunization card (AOR = 5.19, 4.50–5.98), using government facilities for birth (AOR = 1.41, 1.06–1.88), and receiving antenatal care (ANC) (AOR = 1.51, 1.35–1.69). In addition, living in urban areas (AOR = 1.31, 1.10–1.55), having immunization cards (AOR = 1.62, 1.36–1.92), and choosing others’ homes for birth (AOR = 1.37, 1.07–1.74) were significantly associated with adequate TT immunization. However, higher education (AOR = 0.57, 0.44–0.74), having poor wealth index (AOR = 0.65, 0.50–0.83), and receiving ANC (AOR = 0.76, 0.63–0.92) had lower likelihood of taking adequate TT immunization. Conclusions The gradual decline in the TT immunization rate in the present study suggests the presence of variable rates and unequal access to TT immunization, demanding more effective public health programs focusing on high-risk groups to ensure adequate TT immunization.

Background: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, remains a global public health concern despite the availability of effective antiviral treatment against multiple strains. Studies have shown that pregnant women are more susceptible to COVID-19 due to altered physiology and immunological features. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate pregnant women’s knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) to prevent COVID-19 and determine the factors associated with KAP. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 425 pregnant women in Northern Bangladesh. The samples were obtained using a simple random sampling technique from 5 April to 15 June 2020. The data were collected by face-to-face survey with a structured and pre-tested questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed, and p-values < 0.05 at 95% CI were considered statistically significant. Results: Overall, the score of KAP among the respondents was 47.76%, 49.41%, and 56.24%, respectively. Participants’ area of residence, educational status of the husband, and antenatal care (ANC) visit were significantly associated with the level of knowledge, whereas age, educational status of the husband, number of living children, and knowledge were significant predictors of attitude. The knowledge of COVID-19 was the only predictor associated with the practice. Conclusion: Our study shows that almost half of the participants had poor knowledge, a negative attitude, and poor practices regarding COVID-19. Additional health education programs by healthcare professionals and different media, coordinated and combined efforts of government and individuals’ participation will be required to fight the spread of the infection.

Background and objectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted health systems worldwide, including in Bangladesh, limiting access to family planning information (FP) and services. Unfortunately, the evidence on the factors linked to such disruption is limited, and no study has addressed the link among Bangladeshis. This study aimed to examine the socioeconomic, demographic, and other critical factors linked to the use of FP in the studied areas during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThe characteristics of the respondents were assessed using a cross-sectional questionnaire survey and descriptive statistics. The variables that were substantially linked with FP usage were identified using a Chi-square test. In addition, a multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the parameters linked to FP in the study areas during the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsThe prevalence of FP use among currently married 15-49 years aged women was 36.03% suggesting a 23% (approximately) decrease compared to before pandemic data. Results also showed that 24.42% of the respondents were using oral contraceptive pills (OCP) which is lower than before pandemic data (61.7%). Multivariate regression analysis provided broader insight into the factors affecting FP use. Results showed that woman's age, education level of the respondents, working status of the household head, locality, reading a newspaper, FP workers' advice, currently using OCP, ever used OCP, husbands' supportive attitude towards OCP use, duration of the marriage, ever pregnant, the number of children and dead child were significantly associated with FP use in the study areas during COVID-19 pandemic.ConclusionsThis study discusses unobserved factors that contributed to a reduction in FP use and identifies impediments to FP use in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 epidemic. This research further adds to our understanding of FP usage by revealing the scope of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on FP use in Bangladesh's rural and urban areas.