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PPFPA-g-PEG-g-PDMS brush copolymers with varying compositions are prepared and then tested against biofoulants. All copolymer coatings show enhanced antifouling properties, and the composition for the best performance differs for proteins and cells.

The COVID-19 pandemic left impact on domestic violence, sexual assault and increases the pandemic related rape cases in Bangladesh. The present study aimed to give an overview COVID-19 related rape cases so that awareness can be created among public in the outbreak. Three English and Bangla online news portals were selected purposively to include in the study and news of „Rape Case‟ were searched. Search was conducted by the word “rape news”. After removal of the repetitions news, we select ten news that reported detailed rape cases during the country wide lockdown. From ten rape cases, age of victim ranges from 8-23, the victim of eight rape cases were below 18 years (In some cases the age of the victim were not mentioned). In addition, there were five incidents of gang rape, one rape attempts and among ten cases seven of the rape were general types. Additionally, the majority of rape cases occurred at rural areas. Women of all ages are at risk of rape during the pandemic and particular attention should be given to rural areas, as most cases of rape are registered there. Public awareness about rape would be effective to report in due time with preserving the evidence of crime. CBMJ 2021 January: vol. 10 no. 01 P: 43-49

Despite the advantages of lipid vesicles for drug and gene delivery, structural instability limits their practical applications and requires strictly regulated conditions for transport and storage. Chemical crosslinking and in situ polymerization have been suggested to increase the membrane rigidity and dispersion stability of lipid vesicles. However, such chemically modified lipids sacrifice the dynamic nature of lipid vesicles and obfuscate their in vivo metabolic fates. Here we present highly robust multilamellar lipid vesicles through the self-assembly of pre-formed, cationic large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) with hydrolyzed collagen peptides (HCPs). The cationic LUVs undergo vesicle-to-vesicle attachment and structural reorganization through polyionic complexation with HCPs, resulting in the formation of multilamellar collagen-lipid vesicles (MCLVs). The resulting MCLVs exhibit excellent structural stability against variations in pH and ionic strength and the addition of surfactants. Particularly, the MCLVs maintain their structural stability against repeated freeze-thaw stresses, proving the excellent stabilization effect of HCPs on lipid lamellar structures. This work provides a practically attractive technique for the simple and quick fabrication of structurally robust lipid nanovesicles without covalent crosslinkers, organic solvents, and specialized instruments.

Background The world is facing a public health emergency situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological wellbeing among individuals worldwide has been negatively affected by the pandemic especially in low- and middle-income countries such as Bangladesh. The present study aimed to assess the estimate of depressive symptoms and investigated its associations with COVID-19 preventive practice measures, daily activities in home quarantine, and suicidal behaviors in a large-scale Bangladeshi online survey. Methods An online-based cross-sectional survey was widely distributed to Bangladeshi citizens. A total of 13,654 participants (61.0% male; mean age = 24.0 years [SD = 6.0]; age range 18–65 years) completed the survey between May and June (2020). The survey included socio-demographics and COVID-19-related questions, along with lifestyle, suicidal, and psychometric measures. Hierarchical regression was performed to determine significant associations between depression and examined variables. Results The estimate of depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic was 43.5%. Based on hierarchical regression analysis, depression was significantly associated with not engaging in COVID-19 preventive measures, daily activities in home quarantine (e.g., playing videogames), and suicidal behaviors. Conclusions Depressive symptoms appeared to be high during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. To fight against the pandemic, mental health issues as well as physical health issues need to be taken into consideration.

BackgroundHealthcare workers (HCWs) who are in the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic are often under significant pressures that may predispose them to symptoms of poor mental health. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression among HCWs and factors correlated with mental health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. And, it also aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Bangla version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted between July and August, 2020. A self-reported online questionnaire was utilized to collect data. The survey included questions concerning socio-demographic, lifestyle, and work setting, as well as the HADS. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and multiple linear regression analysis were performed.ResultsData from 803 HCWs (50.7% male; mean age: 27.3 [SD = 6.9]; age range: 18-58 years) were included in the final analysis. The Bangla HADS was psychometrically sound, and demonstrated good internal consistency and reliability (α = 0.83), and excellent construct validity. Prevalence estimates of anxiety and depression were 69.5%, and 39.5%, respectively, for less severe symptomology (at least borderline abnormal), and 41.2% and 15.7% for more severe (at least abnormal) symptomology. Regression analyses with the total HADS score as a dependent variable revealed significant (p ConclusionsSymptoms of anxiety and depression are prevalent among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. The findings suggest a need for screening for mental health concerns, and employing early intervention to help these individuals.

Drug abuse, the driver of human self-destruction, is rapidly increasing among university students and is emerging as a global health concern. Students who abuse drugs are lagging in respect of academic performance, achievement, and other co-curricular activities. This study aims to investigate the differences in academic performance between drug abusers and non-abusers, and the factors associated with drug abuse among university students in Bangladesh. The study was a cross-sectional survey among the students of five public and semi-public universities in Bangladesh. The sample size was drawn by using the snowball sampling technique. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect data, and the data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0. Of the 436 participants, 54.59% (n = 238) were drug abusers. Male students (68.43%) were found to be significantly (p

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused a slew of mental illnesses due to a lack of cures and vaccinations, as well as concerns about students’ well-being and satisfaction with life, resulting in psychological symptoms and dissatisfaction with their lives. As students are highly susceptible to mental health issues, researchers discovered that perceived SWL and MWB decreased. The present study investigated the prevalence and determinants of mental well-being and satisfaction with life among university students in Bangladesh.MethodsAn e-survey based cross-sectional study was carried out from February to April 2021 among 660 students. A purposive sampling technique was utilized in the study. Self-reported mental well-being and satisfaction with life psychological tools were also used. The e-questionnaire survey was conducted with informed consent and questions were related to socio-demographics, satisfaction with life, and mental well-being scales. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were performed. The data were rechecked and analyzed with the R programming languageResultsThe prevalence estimates of mental well-being and satisfaction with life were 27% and 13%, respectively. In a total of 660 participants, 58.2% of them were male and the rest of them were female (41.8%). Among the participants, 22.5% suffer the worst conditions regarding their financial conditions, and 16.5% badly seek a job for livelihood.ConclusionThe present findings revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic and longtime educational institution closure significantly affect the students mental health. Students’ mental well-being was in vulnerable conditions and their satisfaction with life was extremely poor. A comprehensive student psychological support service should be expanded to help students’ mental health.

Background The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5) is the most widely used screening tool in assessing posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental disorders (DSM-5) criteria. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the newly translated Bangla PCL-5. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 10,605 individuals (61.0% male; mean age: 23.6 ± 5.5 [13–71 years]) during May and June 2020, several months after the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak in Bangladesh. The survey included the Bangla PCL-5 and the PHQ-9 depression scale. We used confirmatory factor analysis to test the four-factor DSM-5 model, the six-factor Anhedonia model, and the seven-factor hybrid model. Results The Bangla PCL-5 displayed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.90). The Bangla PCL-5 score was significantly correlated with scores of the PHQ-9 depression scale, confirming strong convergent validity. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated the models had a good fit to the data, including the four-factor DSM-5 model, the six-factor Anhedonia model, and the seven-factor hybrid model. Overall, the seven-factor hybrid model exhibited the best fit to the data. Conclusions The Bangla PCL-5 appears to be a valid and reliable psychometric screening tool that may be employed in the prospective evaluation of posttraumatic stress disorder in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disproportionately impacts individuals with medical conditions, including with respect to their mental health. The present study investigated depression and anxiety and their correlates among individuals with medical conditions in Bangladesh. METHODS: Subjects were recruited to participate in an internet-based survey. Data were collected from November 2020 to January 2021 using convenience sampling by a semi-structured questionnaire through online platforms. Multiple regression analyses were performed to determine associations applying Bonferroni correction (p

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every individual’s life. It has been shown that mortality in people with underlying diseases including diabetes has been very high. The present study aimed to measure diabetes related worries (outcome) and their associations with social support and lifestyle (exposures) amongst people with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods An online cross-sectional survey was completed by 928 respondents (>18 years) between 15-11-2020 and 12-12-2020. The questionnaire comprised four sections: socio-demographic details, diabetic-related worries, social support, and behavioral changes due to COVID-19. Descriptive statistics, correlations and hierarchical regression analysis were performed in the study. Results Data from 928 respondents (51.61% male; mean age = 52.48 [SD = 11.76]; age range = 18–86 years) were analyzed. The mean score for COVID-19 specific diabetes worries was 3.13 out of 8. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that the mean COVID-19-specific diabetes worries score was significantly associated with lower age, cigarette smoking, perceived poor health status, presence of other diabetic complications. Lack of social support from family, friends, work colleagues and diabetes care team and also eating more than usual were also significantly associated with COVID-19 specific diabetes worry. Conclusions Diabetes related worries were strongly associated with a lack of social support during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings suggest the need of social support as well as improving knowledge and guidelines is important for people with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5) is the most widely used screening tool in assessing posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental disorders (DSM-5) criteria. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the newly translated Bangla PCL-5. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 10,605 individuals (61.0% male; mean age: 23.6±5.5 [13-71 years]) during May and June 2020, several months after the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak in Bangladesh. The survey included Bangla PCL-5 and PHQ-9 depression scale. We used confirmatory factor analysis to test the four-factor DSM-5 model, the six-factor Anhedonia model, and the seven-factor Hybrid model. Results: Bangla PCL-5 displayed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.90). The Bangla PCL-5 score was significantly correlated with scores of the PHQ-9 depression scale. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated the models had a good fit to the data, including the four-factor DSM-5 model, the six-factor Anhedonia model, and the seven-factor Hybrid model.Conclusions: The Bangla PCL-5 appears to be a valid and reliable psychometric screening tool that may be employed in the prospective evaluation of posttraumatic stress disorder in Bangladesh.

Highlights • Largescale data of problematic internet use (PIU) during the pandemic are lacking. • PIU was examined among a sample of 13,525 Bangladeshi participants. • PIU was associated with being younger and having a higher education level. • PIU was also associated with cigarette smoking, more sleep, and less physical exercise. • PIU was associated with specific online activities (gaming, social media use)., Background Although internet use can boost individuals’ quality of life in various aspects, activities on the internet (e.g., gambling, video gaming, social media use, pornography use, etc.) can be used as coping strategy to deal with psychological stressors and mood states (e.g., fear, anxiety, depression) particularly during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives The present study assessed problematic internet use (PIU) among Bangladeshi youth and adults in Bangladesh and examined its correlation with lifestyle and online activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods An online cross-sectional survey was utilized between May and June 2020 comprising 13,525 Bangladeshi individuals (61.3% male; age range 18–50 years; mean age 23.7 years) recruited from various online platforms. The self-report survey included questions concerning socio-demographics, lifestyle, and online activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as psychometric scales such as the nine-item Internet Disorder Scale-Short Form (IDS9-SF). Results Utilizing hierarchical regression analysis, problematic internet use was significantly and positively associated with those who were younger, having a higher level of education, living with a nuclear family, engaging in less physical exercise, avoiding household chores, playing online videogames, social media use, and engaging in recreational online activities. Conclusions Excessive internet use appears to have been commonplace during the COVID-19 pandemic period and young adults were most vulnerable to problematic internet use.

BackgroundHuman health is largely affected by self-medication in both ways, adversely and favorably, as evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The fear of spreading COVID-19 among health workers and hospital environments has led many Bangladeshi people to practice self-medicate for as a preventive strategy against this disease. Consequently, this practice entails an improper and injudicious use of medicine to cure self-recognized symptoms. To date, the COVID-19 has no effective treatment. The lack of a cure for COVID-19 and the continual progression of the diseases in educational settings induce a substantial population to practice self-medication. Therefore a study of self-medication practices is necessary for the framework of the pandemic. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with self-medication to prevent or manage future COVID-19 infections among recovered COVID-19 patients.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 to February 2021 using an e-survey along with 360 participants. Data were collected using a pre-tested self-reported questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and correlations analysis were performed in the study.ResultsAmong 360 participants, males were 69.7%, and females 30.3%. The prevalence of self-medication is 11%, and monthly family income, residence, education, occupation, and previous history of SM are the associated factors. Among the participants, 29.7% use antibiotics, and 30% use herbal products or drugs as medication.ConclusionThe present study found SMP is moderately prevalent among COVID-19 recovered patients. To minimize the rate of SMP, adequate health care access systems and public education should be introduced, and media & community should be engaged in rational use of medication.

Highlights • Bangladeshi student suicidal ideation was assessed during the COVID-19 outbreak. • The prevalence estimate of suicidal ideation was 12.8%. • Potential protective factors were being male, regular exercise, and good studies. • Potential risk related to sleep, cigarette smoking, and prior/familial suicidality. • Suicidal ideation linked to stress and poor mental health (depression, anxiety)., Lockdown, social isolation, and interruption of daily life during the COVID-19 period have impacted many lives. University students are particularly vulnerable to such disruptions and may be particularly disposed to suicidal ideation, potentially creating a new public health crisis. This study aimed to assess suicidal ideation and associated factors among university students in Bangladesh during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted using the Google form (Google survey tool) from April to May 2020. Initially, 3366 respondents voluntarily completed the survey form. Finally, 3331 surveys were included in the final analyses after removing incomplete surveys. The data ware reviewed, rechecked, and analyzed with SPSS (25.0 version) software. A total of 1979 (59.4%) males and 1352 (40.6%) females participated. Respondents were between the ages of 18 to 28 years (mean age 21.4 years [SD = 1.9]). The prevalence estimate of suicidal ideation was 12.8%. Potential risk factors included less sleep, excess sleep, cigarette smoking, past suicidal thoughts, suicide attempt history, family history of suicidality, depression, anxiety, and stress. Potential protective factors included being male, having lower SES, living in rural areas, regular physical exercise, and satisfactory study. Suicidal ideation was prevalent among Bangladeshi university students during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the correlates of suicidal ideation may aid to develop targeted strategies to support students during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.