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Background and objectives: Melioidosis, caused by the gram-negative bacillus Burkholderia pseudomallei, is a major cause of fatal community acquired infection in diabetic patients. Protective immune response in human melioidosis is not clearly understood yet. In this study, serum IgM/IgG and bactericidal antibody response to B. pseudomallei were determined in diabetic patients with acute localized abscess and septicemia. Material and methods: Culture positive melioidosis cases with diabetes mellitus were included in the study. Blood samples were collected from the respective cases in active phase of the disease within 1 or 2 days of being culture positive. Anti- B. pseudomallei IgM and IgG and serum bactericidal antibody were measured by ELISA and microplate based bactericidal assay respectively. Results: A total of 10 culture positive acute melioidosis cases with diabetes mellitus were included in the study. Out of 10 cases, 5 had abscess in different organs and 5 had septicemia. The mean age of the patients was 48.5 ± 3.91 years and 7 (70%) were male and 3 (30%) were female. The mean anti- B. pseudomallei IgM titer of septicemic and abscess cases were not significantly different (14,080 ± 4,489.13 vs. 19,200 ± 3,620.39; p = 0.4) while the mean IgG titers of two groups were > 204,800. Out of 10 cases, 9 (90%) were positive for serum bactericidal antibody. Mean serum bactericidal antibody titer of septicemia cases (66 ± 26) was not significantly (p = 0.72) different than those of localized infection (80 ± 28.28). Conclusion: The results indicate that high anti- B. pseudomallei IgM/IgG and serum bactericidal antibodies are induced in diabetic patients with septicemia and suppurative infections. This immune response in diabetics might be important to contain the infection and help in recovery. January 2025; Vol. 19(1):009. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.19.009 *Correspondence: Sraboni Mazumder, Department of Microbiology, Ibrahim Medical College, 1/A Ibrahim Sarani, Segunbaghicha, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Email: mazumder.sraboni@gmail.com; © 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0).

Education being one of the cornerstones of the Philippines, teachers may experience pressure and burnout from carrying the workload and responsibilities of being second to parents being the steppingstone for the development of young children. This study used a moderation analysis research design to examine if resilience moderates the relationship between work-related burnout and psychological well-being. Using a non-probability purposive sampling technique, over 233 Filipino public elementary school teachers from Quezon City, Philippines, participated. Results revealed a substantial negative relationship between psychological well-being and work-related burnout, and a positive relationship exists between resilience and psychological well-being. Furthermore, linear regression analysis showed that work-related burnout negatively predicted psychological well-being. Moreover, this study found that resilience does not moderate the association between work-related burnout and psychological well-being among public elementary school teachers.

Using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling with WarpPLS, this study examines the indirect effect of the relationship between learners' social media addiction and academic achievement in distance learning as mediated by academic procrastination. The study participants were 223 Filipino students at a secondary school in Cagayan, Philippines, who were chosen using convenience sampling. Sample sizes were calculated using the inverse square root and gamma-exponential methods. The findings indicated a positive and significant relationship between social media addiction and academic procrastination. There is also a negative and significant relationship between academic procrastination and learners' academic achievement. In terms of the indirect effects of the mediation model, the relationship between social media addiction and academic achievement is fully mediated by academic procrastination. This indicates that academic procrastination substantially impacts the strength of the correlation between social media addiction and academic achievement. The findings of the undertaking were discussed regarding their implications for institutions and future research.

Purpose: To evaluate the design of undergraduate curricula, teaching and learning practices, assessments, admission criteria and quality assurance in dental schools across Middle Eastern and Arab-speaking African nations. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was sent to 40 dental colleges in the Middle East and African Arabic-speaking countries. A purposefully designed proforma consisting of 21 items divided into five sections based on admission criteria, curriculum delivery, teaching and learning practices, assessment methods, and quality assurance was used for data collection on Google forms. Participation in the survey was voluntary and all participants were consented before data collection. The data was analysed for descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 28 dental institutions participated in the study yielding a response rate of 70 %. The data showed variations in the admission criteria, curricula, and assessment methods. The reliability statistics were satisfactory (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.89). ANOVA showed significant differences were noted in the clinical experience of students by country and curriculum design (p ≤ 0.001). Gaps were also identified in the quality assurance processes at some of the participating institutions. Conclusion: This study provides a snapshot of undergraduate dental education in the Middle East and Arabic speaking African countries. Although a majority of the institutions follow a student-centered approach, some in institutions still follow the traditional teacher-centered approach which is not consistent with the contemporary strategies in healthcare education. The admission criteria are based on high school grades albeit with some variations. The duration of dental programs is five years at most institutions with or without an additional foundation year. Variations were also noted in the assessment weightings, clinical targets and quality assurance procedures. Further collaboration is required to facilitate harmonization of dental curricula in the region, solicit international recognition and to better support their graduates in pursuing postgraduate studies and employment options.

The longevity of an extraoral prosthesis depends on its physical and mechanical properties and user maintenance. Faced with multiple outcome measures, researchers find it difficult to determine the most appropriate extraoral prosthetic material. This comprehensive review evaluates the most used extraoral prosthesis materials and qualitatively assesses their longevity and function. The study aims to identify and interpret the results of current updates on the factors that affect longevity and functionality. This comprehensive review summarizes and evaluates differences in the properties of commonly used extraoral maxillofacial prosthetic materials. The review was planned to focus on all factors related to the longevity and function of the extraoral maxillofacial prosthetics. An electronic search covered English articles in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and grey literature. Manual searching was also performed. Six authors participated in the screening. Search engines extracted 1107 records, and 88 studies were included for qualitative and bias assessments. Silicones are the most frequently used extraoral maxillofacial prosthetic materials. Heat-cured silicones are more color-stable than those cured at room temperature. Additional ingredients and processing techniques affect prosthesis longevity.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder causing chronic inflammation primarily due to collagen regulation and transport imbalances. Collagen VII A1(COL7A1), a major component of anchoring fibrils, regulates inflammation via interacting with its transporter protein Transport and Golgi organization 2 homologs (TANGO1). The study revealed a significant increase in COL7A1 levels in both the plasma and PBMCs of RA patients. Additionally, a positive correlation between COL7A1 and ACCPA (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody) levels was observed among RA patients. TANGO1 mRNA expression was also found to be elevated in PBMCs. The knockdown of COL7A1 in RA synoviocytes using siRNA affected the expression of TANGO1 and inflammatory genes. Western blot analysis showed that COL7A1 si-RNA in TNF-α-induced SW982 cells reduced the expression of COL7A1, TANGO1, and NF-kBp65. The mRNA expression of inflammatory genes TNF-α, NF-kB p65, and IL-6 simultaneously decreased after the knockdown of COL7A1, as measured by qRT-PCR. An in silico analysis found 20 common interacting proteins of COL7A1 and TANGO1, with pathway enrichment analysis linking them to antigen presentation, class I and II MHC, and adaptive immunity pathways in RA. Among the common proteins, The DisGeNET database depicted that COL1A1, MIA3, SERPINH1, and GORASP1 are directly linked to RA. The molecular docking analysis of COL7A1 and TANGO1 revealed strong interaction with a −1013.4 energy-weighted score. Common RA-used drugs such as Adalimumab, Golimumab, and Infliximab were found to inhibit the interaction between COL7A1 and TANGO1, which can further impede the transport of COL7A1 from ER exit sites, indicating COL7A1 and TANGO1 as potential therapeutic targets to diminish RA progression.

Adopting technology in this new normal education improved students' engagement and motivation to learn. This paper aimed to investigate the impact of technical support on Technology Acceptance Model to examine Project PAIR (Portable and Accessible Instructional Resources) in the distance learning modality employing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. Applying a convenience sampling technique, the investigation involved 305 senior high school learners from a secondary school in Cagayan, Philippines. Sample sizes were calculated using the inverse square root and gamma-exponential methods. Results showed that technical support directly impacts the perceived ease of use, usefulness, and attitude toward using. The findings also revealed that the perceived ease of use of PAIR has a direct impact on its perceived usefulness and attitude toward use. In contrast, perceived usefulness directly influences the attitude toward using and behavioral intention to use. Likewise, attitude towards using directly impacts the behavioral intention and actual use, while behavioral intention directly influences actual use. This paper concluded that technical support is a reliable external variable of the technology acceptance model. Hence, the application of PAIR for remote learning is strongly recommended for the school and the public. It is also recommended that the schools must ensure that they have provided technical support to ensure the PAIR functioning runs appropriately. Further implications for institutions and future studies are also discussed in this paper.

In modern agriculture, nano-priming represents an innovative approach, harnessing the power of nanotechnology to enhance crop yields and nutrition. However, to effectively harness the potential of nanoparticles (NPs) for agriculture applications, understanding their mode of action and optimal application rates for positive effects on microgreen growth and physiology is critical. In this interdisciplinary study, we investigated the priming of sunflower seeds with a range of concentrations (25, 50, and 100 mg/L) of ferric oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles (FeNPs) and compared them with control samples. Our findings revealed a significant increase in plant biomass, leaf size, and photosynthetic activity in treated samples. The activities of photosystems I and II increased with higher FeNPs concentration. The treated samples exhibited elevated levels of total phenolics, anthocyanin, and antioxidant enzyme activity, along with increased macronutrients and micronutrients. These findings highlight the potential of FeNPs as a promising tool for enhancing plant growth and physiology in sunflower microgreens.

Elevated levels of Inter-alpha-trypsin-inhibitor heavy chain 4 (ITIH4) have grabbed attention in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis, though its precise mechanisms remain unexplored. To elucidate these mechanisms, a comprehensive strategy employing network pharmacology and molecular docking was utilized. RA targets were sourced from the DisGeNET Database while interacting targets of ITIH4 were retrieved from the STRING and Literature databases. Venny 2.1 was used to identify overlapping genes, followed by Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) through Cytoscape 3.10.2 software, and molecular docking was performed in the ClusPro server. The study identified 18 interacting proteins of ITIH4 associated with RA, demonstrating their major involvement in the chemokine signaling pathway by enrichment analysis. Molecular docking of ITIH4 with the 18 proteins revealed that C-X-C chemokine-receptor type 4 (CXCR4), a major protein associated with chemokine signaling, has the highest binding affinity with ITIH4 with energy −1705.7 kcal/mol forming 3 Hydrogen bonds in the active site pocket of ITIH4 with His441, Arg288, Asp443 amino acids. The effect of ITIH4 on CXCR4 was analyzed via knockdown studies in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS), demonstrating the significant downregulation of CXCR4 protein expression validated by Western blot in RA-FLS. In conclusion, it was speculated that CXCR4 might serve as a potential receptor for ITIH4 to activate the chemokine signaling, exacerbating RA pathogenesis.

Rapid development of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines and antiviral drugs have significantly reduced morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although most of the vaccines were developed initially with the ancestral Wuhan antigen, here, we report the development and immunological efficacy of a whole-virion–inactivated vaccine candidate (CoviWall) to combat the deadly B.1.617.2 (Delta strain) infection. In the current study, we demonstrate a consistent manufacturing process under Good Manufacturing Practice for the development of CoviWall and its characterization using various analytical methods as per regulatory compliance. In addition, we provide pre-clinical immunogenicity and protective efficacy data of the CoviWall vaccine. All the three test doses (i.e., low dose, mid dose, and high dose) immunized in C57BL/6 mice elicited a high titer of anti–receptor-binding domain antibody and neutralizing antibody response against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus–2 (SARS-CoV-2) after second booster dose. In addition, CoviWall immunization also produced a significant T-cell response in the immunized animals. Our B.1.617.2 strain challenge data in Syrian hamsters indicate that immunized hamsters show attenuated clinical manifestations of COVID-19 with reduced lung viral load. Moreover, assessment of pulmonary histopathology revealed lower cellular injury, inflammation, and pneumonia in the vaccinated hamsters as compared to the unvaccinated animals. Such promising results augur well for the clinical phase I trial of the CoviWall vaccine and further development against contagious SARS-CoV-2 strains in the future.

Purpose Bangladesh has experienced a rapid epidemiological transition from communicable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in recent decades. There is, however, limited evidence about multidimensional determinants of NCDs in this population. The BangladEsh Longitudinal Investigation of Emerging Vascular and nonvascular Events (BELIEVE) study is a household-based prospective cohort study established to investigate biological, behavioural, environmental and broader determinants of NCDs.Participants Between January 2016 and March 2020, 73 883 participants (aged 11 years or older) were recruited from 30 817 households across urban, urban-poor (‘slum’) and rural settings in Bangladesh. A structured questionnaire was administered by trained personnel recording participants’ demographic, socioeconomic, behavioural, medical, environmental and other factors. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were recorded for each participant. Biological specimens were collected and aliquoted for long-term storage and analysis.Findings to date Of the 73 883 study participants (mean [SD] baseline age: 39 [15] years), 43 470 (59%) were females, and 38 848 (52%) had no or only primary-level education. Focusing only on the 65 822 adult participants aged 20–79 years at baseline, 15 411 (23%) reported being diagnosed with hypertension; 10 578 (16%) with type 2 diabetes and 7624 (12%) with hypercholesterolaemia. Age and sex-standardised prevalences of these conditions were much higher in urban than slum and rural settings. Overall, the mean (SD) body mass index (BMI) was 25 (5) kg/m2, with 10 442 (16%) participants aged 20–79, classified as obese (ie, BMI≥30 kg/m2). Mean BMI was also higher in urban than slum and rural areas.Future plans The collection of information during the baseline visit was completed in 2020. Regular longitudinal follow-up is ongoing for ascertainment and adjudication of a range of fatal and non-fatal health outcomes among participants. This cohort will provide a powerful resource to investigate multidimensional determinants of incident NCDs across diverse settings in Bangladesh, helping to advance scientific discovery and public health action in an archetypal low-middle-income country with pressing public health needs.

Human papilloma virus-related (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs) are variable in their progression, immune landscape, treatment responses, and clinical outcomes. Their behavior is impacted not only by differences in host genomic alterations but also by diversity in levels and activity of HPV-encoded oncoproteins. Striking differences in HPV mRNA levels are found among HPV+ OPSCCs and likely derive in part from variations in the structurally diverse mix of integrated and episomal HPV genomes they often contain. Viral oncoprotein levels and function are also impacted by differential splicing of the two long polycistronic transcripts of HPV16, the HPV type within most HPV+ OPSCCs. Further variation in viral oncoprotein function arises from the distinct lineages and sub-lineages of HPV16, which encode polymorphisms in functionally important portions of oncogenes. Here we review the limited current knowledge linking HPV mRNA expression and splicing to differences in oncoprotein function that likely influence OPSCC behavior. We also summarize the evolving understanding of HPV16 physical genome state and genetic variants and their potential contributions to HPV oncoprotein levels and function. Addressing considerable remaining challenges in defining the quantitative and qualitative imprint of HPV oncoproteins on each OPSCC holds promise to guide personalization of therapy for this disease.

Problem-solving is believed to be the essence of mathematics learning. Problem-solving in Trigonometry is crucial for developing critical thinking and analytical skills, spatial reasoning, and a strong foundation for advanced mathematics. It also has practical applications in various fields, making understanding the factors influencing problem-solving skills essential. This study aims to investigate the specific role of critical thinking in trigonometry problem-solving performance. This study determined the critical analysis of mathematical translation and identifying appropriate formulas. On the other hand, the problem-solving performance was measured in terms of Polya’s framework, which included understanding the problem, devising a plan, carrying out a plan, and looking back. The study utilized a Descriptive-correlation research design to determine the significant relationship between the two variables. A summative test was used as the data-gathering tool to assess the participants' performance. The study participants were thirty-four (34) randomly selected college students at a particular state university in Oriental Mindoro. The data were analyzed using Mean, frequency-percentage, and Pearson’s r. The study's results revealed a significant relationship between the level of critical analysis and the level of performance in Trigonometry.

This paper aimed to discover the coping, initiatives, constraints, and challenges public secondary school teachers encounter in the new normal education. The central question of this paper lies in "What are the adapting and coping mechanisms of teachers and students in the distance learning modality amidst the pandemic?". This paper used the qualitative research design and employed a phenomenological approach to investigate secondary public school teachers' coping mechanisms and initiatives in the new normal education. This paper focused on twelve public secondary school teachers in Cagayan, Philippines. The research's findings are: (1) Most teachers encountered substantial challenges due to a lack of resources, student supervision, and duties; (2) Most teachers were constrained by the advent of the digital era; (3) Public-school teachers cope with their students' needs by employing effective initiatives and teaching strategies; and (4) Despite their weariness and stress, teachers report positive outcomes such as tremendous enthusiasm and building connections with the school community. Meanwhile, the schools' adaptation to distant learning should be guided and encouraged by the following policies and concepts: (1) Access to technology for students; (2) Regular monitoring and feedback; and (3) Providing curriculum and instruction of the highest quality. Through this paper, teachers may benefit from adopting various coping techniques and activities for the new normal education.

Biochemical characterisatics of 70 traditional landraces of rice (Oryza sativa L.) of Kerala including various micronutrients, rice bran oil and oryzanol content were analyzed. Traditional varieties have demonstrated their potential as valuable reservoirs of nutrients, indicating their suitability for incorporation into future breeding programmes aimed to develop nutritionally enriched rice varieties. Among the genotypes studied Oorkayama and Thekkan were identified with highest rice bran oil content and γ oryzanol content respectively. Fe, Zn, Na, K, carotene and anthocyanin content showed a wide range of variation among the genotypes. The GCV estimates were high for rice bran oil content and oryzanol content indicating higher magnitude of variability due to genotypes for these characters. The investigation suggests preponderance of additive gene effects for all the biochemical constituents under study as indicated by the high heritability coupled with high genetic advance.

Abstract Background In 2019, the World Health Organization identified improving access to safe abortion as an important priority toward improving sexual and reproductive health and rights and achieving Sustainable Development Goals. One strategy for addressing this priority is strengthening access to medicines for medical abortion. All 11 countries in the South-East Asia Region have some indications for legal abortion and permit post-abortion care. Therefore, strengthening access to medical abortion medicines is a reasonable strategy for improving access to safe abortion for the Region. Methodology We applied an adapted version of an existing World Health Organization landscape assessment protocol for the availability of medical abortion medicines at the country-level in the South-East Asia Region. We collected publicly available data on the existence of national health laws, policies, and standard treatment guidelines; inclusion of medical abortion medicines in the national essential medicines list; and marketing authorization status for medical abortion medicines for each country and verified by Ministries of health. The findings were once more presented, discussed and recommendations were formulated during regional technical consultation workshop. Each country teams participated in the process, and subsequently, the suggestions were validated by representatives from Ministries of Health.. Results Few countries in the Region currently have national policies and guidelines for comprehensive safe abortion. However, either mifepristone-misoprostol in combination or misoprostol alone (for other indications) is included in national essential medicines lists in all countries except Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Few countries earmark specific public funds for procuring and distributing medical abortion commodities. In countries where abortion is legal, the private sector and NGOs support access to medical abortion information and medicines. Several countries only allow registered medical practitioners or specialists to administer medical abortion. Conclusion Following this rapid participatory assessment and technical consultation workshop, the World Health Organization South-East Asia Regional Technical Advisory and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights technical committee recommended priority actions for policy and advocacy, service delivery, and monitoring and evaluation, and indicated areas for support.

This publication aims to benefit growers and Extension agents by increasing awareness of a fungus-feeding mite, Tarsonemus confusus, commonly found in strawberry fields. Tarsonemus confusus may be misidentified as other pest mites. In fact, without help from an expert mite taxonomist, incorrect species identification can be a major concern. Although this mite species typically does not achieve pest status on most crops, an incorrect pest identification may lead to unnecessary application of miticides, triggering a secondary pest outbreak.

Aquatic plants are a cheap and renewable biomass rich in bioactive and biofunctional compounds, holding valorization prospects for use in food and pharmaceuticals. Four commonly found edible aquatic plants in Bangladesh, namely red water lily (Nymphaea nouchali), white water lily (Nympheae alba), malancha (Alternanthera philoxeroides), and red seaweed (Gracilaria tenuistipitata), were compared in terms of proximate composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, mineral and heavy metal contents, and amino acid composition. The crude protein content was the highest in A. philoxeroids (26.96 %), followed by G. tenuistipitata (25.21 %), N. nouchali (25.14 %), and N. alba (23.54 %). The sequence of crude lipid content of four aquatic plants was A. philoxeroids (4.8 %) > N. nouchali (4.0 %) > G. tenuistipitata (3.4 %) > N. alba (2.4 %). The aquatic plants were rich in carbohydrates, with G. tenuistipitata having 37.02 %, significantly (P