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BackgroundGlobally, 10% of pregnant women and 13% of postpartum women experience mental disorders. In Bangladesh, nearly 50% of mothers face common mental disorders, but mental health services and trained professionals to serve their needs are scarce. To address this, the government of Bangladesh’s Non-Communicable Disease Control program initiated “Wellbeing Centers,” telemental health services in selected public hospitals. ObjectiveThis study examines implementation outcomes, including adoption, accessibility, acceptability, feasibility, usefulness, need, experience, perception, and expectations of the Wellbeing Centers, with a focus on antepartum and postpartum women. MethodsBetween January 2023 and August 2024, we interviewed 911 antepartum and postpartum women receiving mental health services and 168 health care providers at 6 Wellbeing Centers in 4 districts in Bangladesh. Data collection involved both quantitative and qualitative methods. Implementation outcomes were measured following the World Health Organization’s implementation research framework. Depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% CIs were used to evaluate the implementation outcomes. Qualitative information was obtained through in-depth interviews and key-informant interviews. ResultsAlmost all health care providers (165/168, 98.2%) reported that the Wellbeing Centers were feasible to implement in their health facilities; however, about half (84/168, 50%) felt that trained staff to operate them were insufficient. Almost all women agreed that the Wellbeing Centers were acceptable (906/911, 99.8%), useful (909/911, 99.8%), and enhanced access to mental health care (906/911, 99.5%). Patients visiting district-level hospitals had higher odds of access (aOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.0) to Wellbeing Centers. Moreover, 77.4% (705/911) of women experienced depression symptoms, and 76.7% (699/911) experienced anxiety symptoms. About 51.8% (472/911) experienced tiredness or lack of energy, 50.9% (464/911) felt nervous, anxious, or on edge, 57.2% (521/911) felt worried, and 3.8% (35/911) had suicidal ideation almost every day. Patients visiting district hospitals had higher odds (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.8-3.78) of depression and anxiety symptoms compared to the patients visiting subdistrict-level hospitals. Decreasing trends in Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores (from mean 14.4, SD 0.47 to mean 12.9, SD 0.47) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scores (from mean 13.3, SD 0.49 to mean 12.5, SD 0.48) between 2 counseling sessions indicated improved mental health in the antepartum and postpartum women. The Wellbeing Centers’ services were appreciated for their privacy and being free and accessible. However, stigma, postpartum illness, and long waiting times prevented some women from using these services. ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first implementation research assessing telemental health in public health facilities involving trained psychologists and psychiatrists. Our study highlighted the increased accessibility, feasibility, acceptability, and utility of Wellbeing Centers for antepartum and postpartum women in Bangladesh, supporting their scale-up in similar settings.

IntroductionMathematics anxiety (MA) is a distinct negative emotional state or trait that individuals experience when confronted with mathematical problems in everyday life and academic contexts. This study aims to identify the key predictors of MA among secondary-level students in Bangladesh.MethodsUtilizing a quantitative cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 486 students across 89 institutions. Later, the data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).ResultsThe findings revealed that math related negative past experiences (β = 0.241, t = 4.914, p < 0.001) and a perceived lack of teacher support (β = 0.234, t = 5.440, p < 0.001) significantly contribute to students’ low self-efficacy in mathematics. This low self-efficacy is further influenced by negative attitudes and test anxiety, ultimately leading to increased MA (β = 0.694, t = 22.695, p < 0.001). Additionally, cognitive challenges, particularly working memory difficulties, directly affect MA (β = 0.110, t = 2.659, p = 0.008). The study also found that negative attitudes (β = 0.347, t = 9.063, p < 0.001) and test anxiety (β = 0.251, t = 5.913, p < 0.001) independently exacerbate MA. Moreover, a lack of motivation in learning mathematics is directly influenced by this elevated level of MA (β = 0.384, t = 9.939, p < 0.001).DiscussionTaken together, the study proposes several key recommendations and policy implications to inform the development of synchronized policies by educational authorities aimed at combatting, reducing MA among secondary-level students in Bangladesh and similar contexts.

Proper drying and excellence of dried grain and seed are the key concerns of millers, farmers and seed growers. The performance of a new Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) mobile grain and seed dryer (HMD) integrated with dual heating system was assessed regarding the quality of dried seed and grain. The HMD was found to be capable of drying 720 ± 10 kg paddy in a batch and drying period varied between 7 and 8 h at drying air temperatures of 65 °C. Paddy seeds of BRRI Dhan 49 and BRRI Dhan 89 were dried at 40 °C and the drying time required 9–10 h and 14–16 h in Aman and Boro season, respectively. Head rice yield and milling recovery varied from 59.50 ± 0.16 % to 61.61 ± 0.54 % and 74.95 ± 0.09 % to 75.70 ± 0.59 % for paddy dried in HMD. In addition, higher germination percentage (GP) of BRRI Dhan 49 varieties was found in Aman season that ranged from 86 % to 88 % which was dried in HMD in contrary to GP of paddy seeds dried under the sun. Moreover, higher GP was found from BRRI Dhan 89 varieties dried by HMD in Boro season. Also, the vigor index of HMD dried paddy seeds was more than the sun dried samples in both seasons. In conclusion, HMD integrated with a dual heating system is recommended for using at farm level as an alternative drying process for rapid and efficient handling of high-moisture grain and seed in Bangladesh and other subtropical nations in adverse climate.

This study investigated the impact of chemical and thermochemical treatment on the physicochemical, antioxidant, and enzymatic behavior of tomato pulp. The chemical treatment involved the use of 0.05 % potassium metabisulfite, 0.05 % sodium metabisulfite, 0.05 % potassium sorbate, 0.05 % sodium benzoate, 0.5 % ascorbic acid, and 1 % citric acid, whereas the thermochemical treatment involved heating the tomato pulp to 80–82 °C for 30 min before applying the same chemical preservatives, followed by storage at 30±1 °C for 120 days. The results revealed that the thermochemically treated sample retained higher levels of total phenol content (6.24–4.10 mgGAE/100 g), vitamin C (136.43–54.05mg/100 g), and a lower level of lycopene content (59.87–43.28µg/100 g) compared to chemically treated samples. Additionally, the thermochemically treated sample had higher TSS (6.57 to 6.70°Brix), increased acidity (1.60 % to 1.06 %), lower pH (4.11–3.57), better color stability, and reduced browning. Moreover, it showed improved oxidoreductase and hydrolase enzymatic control during storage. Therefore, the idea of thermochemical treatment can be a milestone in improving the shelf life of tomato pulp to benefit the food industry.

Abstract Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID -19, is constantly evolving, requiring continuous genomic surveillance. In this study, we used whole-genome sequencing to investigate the genetic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Bangladesh, with particular emphasis on identifying dominant variants and associated mutations. We used high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) to obtain DNA sequences from COVID-19 patient samples and compared these sequences to the Wuhan SARS-CoV-2 reference genome using the Global Initiative for Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID). Our phylogenetic and mutational analyzes revealed that the majority (88%) of the samples belonged to the pangolin lineage B.1.1.25, whereas the remaining 11% were assigned to the parental lineage B.1.1. Two main mutations, D614G and P681R, were identified in the spike protein sequences of the samples. The D614G mutation, which is the most common, decreases S1 domain flexibility, whereas the P681R mutation may increase the severity of viral infections by increasing the binding affinity between the spike protein and the ACE2 receptor. We employed molecular modeling techniques, including protein modeling, molecular docking, and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) geometry optimization, to build and validate three-dimensional models of the S_D614G-ACE2 and S_P681R-ACE2 complexes from the predominant strains. The description of the binding mode and intermolecular contacts of the referenced systems suggests that the P681R mutation may be associated with increased viral pathogenicity in Bangladeshi patients due to enhanced electrostatic interactions between the mutant spike protein and the human ACE2 receptor, underscoring the importance of continuous genomic surveillance in the fight against COVID -19. Finally, the binding profile of the S_D614G-ACE2 and S_P681R-ACE2 complexes offer valuable insights to deeply understand the binding site characteristics that could help to develop antiviral therapeutics that inhibit protein–protein interactions between SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and human ACE2 receptor.

Antioxidant compounds such as phenolics and carotenoids scavenge reactive oxygen species and protect against degenerative diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease when used as food additives or supplements. Mango peel is a by-product of mango which is a good source of bioactive substances such as phytochemicals, antioxidants, and dietary fibers. Unfortunately, the study on mango peel as a potential food additive is very limited. Accordingly, the present study aimed to develop functional noodles through extrusion technology with the encapsulation of mango peel powder as a natural source of bioactive compounds. First, mango peel powder (MPP) was prepared and incorporated during the mixing of ingredients before noodles formation at three different levels (2.5, 5 and 7.5 %). Afterward, the noodles were studied to determine how the encapsulated MPP affects the proximate composition, physicochemical characteristics, polyphenols, carotenoids, anthocyanin, antioxidant and antidiabetic activity, and sensory characteristics. The noodles exhibited a dose-dependent relationship in the content of bioactive components and functional activities with the encapsulation of MPP levels. A significantly (p 0.05) higher value was noticed in 7.5 % of MPP-encapsulated noodles than in any level of MPP encapsulation in noodles. The fiber and protein contents in the MPP-encapsulated noodles were increased by about 0–1.22 % and 0–3.16 %, respectively. However, noodles’ color index and water absorption index were decreased with the level of MPP encapsulation. The cooking loss of noodles increased from 4.64 to 5.17, 6.49, and 7.32 %, whereas the cooked weight decreased from 35.11 to 34.40, 33.65, and 33.23 % with 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 % of MPP encapsulation, respectively. However, MPP was stable during storage of noodles exhibiting higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity than control samples. The sensory evaluation showed that MPP-encapsulated noodles at levels 2.5 and 5 % had approximately similar overall acceptability values with the control sample. As a result of the findings, it appears that adding MPP up to 5 % to noodles improves their nutritional quality without changing their cooking, structural, or sensory aspects. Therefore, mango peel powder can be a potential cheap source for the development of functional noodles and food ingredients.

Vegan leather derived from mushroom mycelium is a revolutionary technology that addresses the issues raised by bovine and synthetic leather. Jute–mycelium-based vegan leather was constructed using hessian jute fabric, natural rubber solution, and extracted polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymer from Bacillus subtilis strain FPP-K isolated from fermented herbal black tea liquor waste. The bacterial strain was confirmed using 16S rRNA genomic sequencing. The structural characteristics of sustainable mycelium vegan leather were identified using FTIR, SEM, and TGA methods. To address the functional features of the developed vegan leather, solubility, swelling degree, WVP, WCA, and mechanical strength were also evaluated. Mycelium networking was further validated by micromorphological examination (SEM) of the leather sample’s cross-sectional area. Jute–mycelium leather demonstrated a tensile strength of 8.62 MPa and a % elongation of 8.34, which were significantly greater than the control sample. Vegan leather displayed a strong peak in the O ═ H group of carbohydrates in the examination of chemical bonds. A high-frequency infrared wavelength of 1,462 cm−1 revealed the amide group of protein due to the presence of mycelium, while the absorption peak at 1,703 cm−1 in leather indicated the crosslinking of PHA. Moreover, the TGA study finalized the thermal stability of leather. The enhanced hydrophobicity and reduced swelling degree and solubility also endorsed the water resistance properties of the leather. The results of the investigation substantiated the potential properties of mycelium vegan leather as animal- and environment-free leather.

This research aimed to investigate the effects of different drying methods on drying characteristic, drying efficiency, unit drying cost and quality of maize grain dried by newly developed HSTU multi-crop mobile dryer (HMMD) which was operated by alternative heating sources such as LPG and electric heater (EH), existing HSTU multi-crop industrial dryer (HMID) which was operated by rice husk fired cyclonic furnace and sun drying method. The comparative drying experiments were carried out at the drying temperature of 60±5 °C, 70±5 °C and 80 ± 10 °C for HMMD-LPG, HMMD-EH and HMID, respectively, while sun drying was accomplished at 30±5 °C. The results indicated that the HMMD was capable of drying 820 ± 10 kg maize in each batch from 29.8 ± 0.87 % (wb) moisture to 14 ± 0.56 % (wb). Drying time in HMMD-LPG, HMMD-EH, HMID, and sun drying were 8.24 ± 0.18, 7.36 ± 0.17, 10.18 ± 0.16 and 16.14 ± 0.24 h, respectively, indicated that HMMD reduced time significantly for drying of freshly harvested maize. Unit drying cost in BDT/kg for EH and LPG integrated HMMD was 2.64 ± 0.17 and 1.69 ± 0.10, respectively, while lesser unit cost was found in HMID and sun drying methods. However, drying efficiency of HMMD-LPG was the highest (64.79 ± 1.21 %) while HMID exhibited the lowest drying efficiency (49.42 ± 1.63 %). Mechanically dried grain especially by HMMD-LPG was better or comparable in terms of nutritional quality than sun dried maize. HMMD-LPG and HMMD-EH dried grain exhibited a lower ΔE value than HMID and sun dried samples which indicated that the color properties were not affected so much by the drying method. Furthermore, maize samples dried in HMMD had lower microbial loads than other products. Therefore, the HSTU multi-crop mobile dryer with alternative heating source is recommended as an alternative drying technique for quick and safe management of high moisture maize at farm level in Bangladesh and other subtropical countries in contrast to weather depended sun drying method.

BackgroundDengue, a vector-borne disease, is a major public health problem in many tropical and subtropical countries including Bangladesh. The objective of this study is to estimate the societal cost of illness of dengue infections among the urban population in Dhaka, Bangladesh.MethodsA cost-of-illness study was conducted using a prevalence-based approach from a societal perspective. Costs attributable to dengue were estimated from a bottom-up strategy using the guideline proposed by the World Health Organization for estimating the economic burden of infectious diseases.ResultsA total of 302 hospitalized confirmed dengue patients were enrolled in this study. The average cost to society for a person with a dengue episode was US$ 479.02. This amount was ranged between US$ 341.67 and US$ 567.12 for those patients who were treated at public and private hospitals, respectively. The households out-of-pocket cost contributed to a larger portion of the total costs of illness (66%) while the cost burden was significantly higher for the poorest households than the richest quintile.ConclusionsDengue disease imposes a substantial financial burden on households and society. Therefore, decision-makers should consider the treatment cost of dengue infections, particularly among the poor in the population while balancing the benefits of introducing potentially effective dengue preventive programs in Bangladesh.

A sensitive and accurate imaging technique capable of tracking the disease progression of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) driven amnestic dementia would be beneficial. A currently available method for pathology detection in AD with high accuracy is Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging, despite certain limitations such as low spatial resolution, off-targeting error, and radiation exposure. Non-invasive MRI scanning with quantitative magnetic susceptibility measurements can be used as a complementary tool. To date, quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) has widely been used in tracking deep gray matter iron accumulation in AD. The present work proposes that by compartmentalizing quantitative susceptibility into paramagnetic and diamagnetic components, more holistic information about AD pathogenesis can be acquired. Particularly, diamagnetic component susceptibility (DCS) can be a powerful indicator for tracking protein accumulation in the gray matter (GM), demyelination in the white matter (WM), and relevant changes in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In the current work, voxel-wise group analysis of the WM and the CSF regions show significantly lower |DCS| (the absolute value of DCS) value for amnestic dementia patients compared to healthy controls. Additionally, |DCS| and τ PET standardized uptake value ratio (SUVr) were found to be associated in several GM regions typically affected by τ deposition in AD. Therefore, we propose that the separated diamagnetic susceptibility can be used to track pathological neurodegeneration in different tissue types and regions of the brain. With the initial evidence, we believe the usage of compartmentalized susceptibility demonstrates substantive potential as an MRI-based technique for tracking AD-driven neurodegeneration.

Primary and secondary school quality indicators need to be defined, assessed, and monitored due to their incomparable contributions to the entire educational process as well as for the overall development of a country. However, previous studies rarely emphasized indicators that have a substantial impact on school quality, especially in the context of developing countries. Bangladesh is one of them where this has yet to be adequately studied. To bridge this gap, this study aimed to explore the key “driver” constructs of primary and secondary level school quality. Adopting a quantitative cross-sectional research design, the present study was conducted between April 2021 to January 2022 at 128 primary and secondary level schools in 38 different districts of Bangladesh. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Empirical findings revealed that teacher quality (β = 0.588, t = 12.242, p < 0.001), technology (β = 0.279, t = 5.402, p < 0.001), school leadership (β = 0.132, t = 2.383, p < 0.05) have positive influence on students' academic achievement which ultimately affects (β = 0.923, t = 92.713, p < 0.001) the overall quality of the school. While school environment does not significantly influence students’ academic achievement or school quality. The overall findings of this study are expected to assist the devolved authorities in implementing synchronized policies for the improvement of primary and secondary level school quality.

Agricultural sector accelerates a nation’s economic growth towards sustainable development. There exists a significant relationship between agriculture and the environment. Sustainable agricultural development ensures food quality and in tandem prevents natural calamities like drought. However, in order to fulfill the food demand of a growing population, poor law quality and untenable agriculture practices arise, which in turn lead to environmental degradation. The current study explores the relationship between the agro-economic atmosphere and CO2 emissions as a measure of environmental degradation in Bangladesh between the years of 1985 and 2017. To exhibit the long-run relationship of agricultural ecology and carbon dioxide emissions, three cointegrated equations- Fully-modified ordinary least square (FMOLS), Dynamic ordinary least square (DOLS), and Canonical cointegrated regression (CCR) were assessed. For cointegration, Bayer-Hanck cointegration was implied. In long-run estimates, it was found that livestock, rice area harvested, cereal production, and other crop production impeded environmental dilapidation. The Granger Causality Test enabled unidirectional causality towards burned biomass (crop residues), the agricultural economy, and carbon emissions. Therefore, this dimension’s causality concluded that carbon dioxide emissions were caused by cereal production, other agricultural production, and agricultural land production. The overall findings of this study could potentially assist the Government of Bangladesh and the necessary authorities for implementing synchronized policies to help reduce environmental pollution and set an example for other developing nations like Bangladesh.

ObjectivesOut-of-pocket (OOP) payment is the major payment strategy for healthcare in Bangladesh, and the share of OOP expenditure has increased alarmingly. Dhaka is recognised as one of the fastest-growing megacities in the world. The objective of this study is to capture the self-reported illnesses among urban citizens and to identify whether and to what extent socioeconomic, demographic and behavioural factors of the population influence OOP healthcare expenditures.Subject and methodsThis study utilises cross-sectional survey data collected from May to August 2019 in urban Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 3,100 households were randomly selected. Simple descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentage, mean (95% CI), median and inter-quartile range were presented. Bivariate analysis and multivariate regression models were employed.ResultsWe observed that acute illnesses (e.g., fever, flu/cough) were dominant among participants. Among the chronic illnesses, approximately 9.6% of people had diabetes, while 5.3% had high/low blood pressure. The richest quintile only spent 5.2% of their household income on healthcare, while the poorest households spent approximately six times more than the richest households. We noted that various factors such as marital status, religion, source of care, access to safe water, income quintile and even the location of households had a significant relationship with OOP expenditure.ConclusionsOur findings can serve as important source of data in terms of disease- specific symptoms and out-of-pocket cost among urban citizens in Dhaka. The people belonging to wealthier households tended to choose better healthcare facilities and spend more. A pro-poor policy initiative and even an urban health protection scheme may be necessary to ensure that healthcare services are accessible and affordable, in line with the Bangladesh National Urban Health Strategy.

The clinical presentation of COVID-19 and the specific antibody responses associated with SARS-CoV-2 variants have not been investigated during the emergence of Omicron variants in Bangladesh. The Delta and Omicron variants were identified by post-PCR melting curve analysis of the spike (S) protein receptor binding domain amplicons. Anti-S-protein immunoglobulin-G anti-nucleocapsid (N)-protein immunoglobulin-G and immunoglobulin-A levels were measured by ELISA. The Delta variant was found in 40 out of 40 (100%) SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positive COVID-19 patients between 13 September and 23 October 2021 and Omicron variants in 90 out of 90 (100%) RT-PCR positive COVID-19 patients between 9 January and 10 February 2022. The Delta variant associated with hospitalization (74%, 80%, and 40%) and oxygen support (60%, 57%, and 40%) in the no vaccine, dose-1, and dose-2 vaccinated cases, respectively, whereas the Omicron COVID-19 required neither hospitalization nor oxygen support (0%, p < 0.0001). Fever, cough, and breathlessness were found at a significantly higher frequency among the Delta than Omicron variants (p < 0.001). The viral RNA levels of the Delta variant were higher than that of the Omicron variants (Ct median 19.9 versus 23.85; p < 0.02). Anti-spike protein immunoglobulin-G and anti-N-protein immunoglobulin-G within 1 week post onset of Delta variant COVID-19 symptoms indicate prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. The Delta variant and Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 breakthrough infections in the Dhaka region, at 240 days post onset of COVID-19 symptoms, negatively correlated with the time interval between the second vaccine dose and serum sampling. The findings of lower anti-spike protein immunoglobulin-G reactivity after booster vaccination than after the second vaccine dose suggest that the booster vaccine is not necessarily beneficial in young Bangladeshi adults having a history of repeated SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Recent progress in printed optoelectronics and their integration in wearable sensors have created new avenues for research in reflectance photoplethysmography (PPG) and oximetry. The reflection-mode sensor, which consists of light emitters and detectors, is a vital component of reflectance oximeters. Here, we report a systematic study of the reflectance oximeter sensor design in terms of component geometry, light emitter and detector spacing, and the use of an optical barrier between the emitter and the detector to maximize sensor performance. Printed red and near-infrared (NIR) organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic photodiodes (OPDs) are used to design three sensor geometries: (1) Rectangular geometry, where square OLEDs are placed at each side of the OPD; (2) Bracket geometry, where the OLEDs are shaped as brackets and placed around the square OPD; (3) Circular geometry, where the OLEDs are shaped as block arcs and placed around the circular OPD. Utilizing the bracket geometry, we observe 39.7% and 18.2% improvement in PPG signal magnitude in the red and NIR channels compared to the rectangular geometry, respectively. Using the circular geometry, we observe 48.6% and 9.2% improvements in the red and NIR channels compared to the rectangular geometry. Furthermore, a wearable two-channel PPG sensor is utilized to add redundancy to the measurement. Finally, inverse-variance weighting and template matching algorithms are implemented to improve the detection of heart rate from the multi-channel PPG signals.

In response to the overwhelming need for mental health and psychosocial support as a result of the humanitarian crisis in Cox’s Bazar, the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Bangladesh, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Institute of Neurosciences, implemented the World Health Organization’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme in November 2017. Over the course of two trainings and supervision visits, general physicians, counsellors and other health professionals from both government facilities and nongovernmental organisations, working with both the host and Rohingya populations, have improved their capacity to assess and manage priority mental, neurological and substance use conditions using the Mental Health Gap Action Programme intervention guidelines. After the first training, over 75% of participants reported feeling confident to apply their learning to their work. Participants receiving the supervision visit valued this follow-up modality and demonstrated a high level of competency during an observed consultation. This was the first instance of the Mental Health Gap Action Programme implementation by the government of Bangladesh following a humanitarian crisis. Our findings suggest that trainees are providing better quality services to assess and manage mental health conditions and that mental health is being integrated into primary health care service delivery.

Amaranth is an excellent source of various bioactive compounds that could be beneficial in the prevention of some human diseases. This study investigated the extraction and characterization of bioactive compounds from amaranth using ultra-sonication and agitation at 30, 50 and 70 °C. Color L* values showed significant (p < 0.05) differences at 70 °C between ultra-sonication and agitation. Ultra-sonication temperature had significant effect on L* and a* values whereas agitation temperature did not have a significant effect on L*, a* and b* values. No significant (p < 0.05) differences were found in terms of total phenol, total flavonoid, DPPH•+, ABTS+ scavenging activity, betacyanins, betaxanthin and betanicaicd between ultra-sonication and agitation. However, temperature had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on total phenol (8.64–10.598 mg/g), DPPH+scavenging activity (84.36–94.44%), betacyanins (4585.95–5325.32 mg/100 g), betaxanthin (1312.56–1524.06 mg/100 g) and betalamic acid (1408.15–1790.22 mg/100 g) in ultra-sonication. Higher temperature (70 °C) showed greater amount of arbutin and hydroxybenzoic acid than those of lower temperature (30 °C) for both extraction methods. Meanwhile, temperature did not affect vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid for both samples. Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectrometry showed that ultra-sonication and agitation resulted in similar effect on the structure of amaranth extracts. Higher temperature was correlated with bioactive compounds, which were observed by principal component analysis (PCA). Therefore, agitation at 70 °C could be used as an alternative for ultra-sonication to improve the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of amaranth. In addition, agitation and ultra-sonication techniques might be served as an alternative of conventional technique.

Computer simulations of the human α 1d-adrenergic receptor (α 1d-AR) based on the crystal structure of rhodopsin have been combined with experimental site-directed mutagenesis to investigate the role of residues in the transmembrane domains in antagonist binding. Our results indicate that the amino acids Asp176 in the third transmembrane domain (TMD), Glu237 in TMD IV, and Ser258 in TMD V of α 1d-AR were directly involved in prazosin and tamsulosin binding. The Asp176Ala mutant did not exhibit any affinity for [3H]prazosin and neither did it show agonist-stimulated inositol phosphates (IP) formation. On the other hand, the Glu237Ala and Ser258Ala mutant α 1d-AR showed increased binding affinity for [3H]prazosin. Competition binding experiments showed that prazosin affinity had increased to 5-fold and 3-fold in the Glu237Ala and Ser258Ala mutants, respectively, versus wild-type; and tamsulosin affinity only increased in the Ser258Ala mutant (2-fold vs wild-type). It seems that these two residues constrain the receptor by interaction with other residues and this disruption of the interaction increased the receptor’s binding affinity towards antagonists. However, the Glu237Ala and Ser258Ala mutant receptors retained the ability to stimulate the formation of myo-[3H]inositol but had activities lower than that of the wild-type receptor. The present results provide direct evidence that these amino acid residues are responsible for the interactions between α 1d-AR and the radioligand [3H]prazosin as well as tamsulosin. Keywords:: prazosin, tamsulosin, α 1d-adrenergic receptor, site-directed mutagenesis, binding site

We obtained a new mutant of the β1-adrenergic receptor (β1-AR) by point mutations that can constitutively activate β1-AR. Aspartate104 of the β1-AR in the 2nd transmembrane was replaced with alanine. The β1-AR mutant expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells displayed high level of constitutive activity with respect to wild-type (P

Introduction: Mathematics anxiety (MA) is a distinct negative emotional state or trait that individuals experience when confronted with mathematical problems in everyday life and academic contexts. This study aims to identify the key predictors of MA among secondary-level students in Bangladesh. Methods: Utilizing a quantitative cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 486 students across 89 institutions. Later, the data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results: The findings revealed that math related negative past experiences (β = 0.241, t = 4.914, p < 0.001) and a perceived lack of teacher support (β = 0.234, t = 5.440, p < 0.001) significantly contribute to students' low self-efficacy in mathematics. This low self-efficacy is further influenced by negative attitudes and test anxiety, ultimately leading to increased MA (β = 0.694, t = 22.695, p < 0.001). Additionally, cognitive challenges, particularly working memory difficulties, directly affect MA (β = 0.110, t = 2.659, p = 0.008). The study also found that negative attitudes (β = 0.347, t = 9.063, p < 0.001) and test anxiety (β = 0.251, t = 5.913, p < 0.001) independently exacerbate MA. Moreover, a lack of motivation in learning mathematics is directly influenced by this elevated level of MA (β = 0.384, t = 9.939, p < 0.001). Discussion: Taken together, the study proposes several key recommendations and policy implications to inform the development of synchronized policies by educational authorities aimed at combatting, reducing MA among secondary-level students in Bangladesh and similar contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]