Mobile Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback for Work-Related Stress in Employees and the Influence of Instruction Format (Digital or Live) on Training Outcome: A Non-Randomized Controlled Trial.

Work-related stress is a major health issue in most industrialized countries. Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BfB) can promote resilience and stress coping capacity. Mobile HRV-BfB could contribute to stress prevention in the workplace. Little is known about whether the type of training, with digital or live instruction, has an impact on the training outcome. This study analyzes the psychophysiological effects of four-week workplace resilience training with mobile HRV-BfB and the influence of instruction format (digital or live) on training success. This was a prospective, three-arm, non-randomized controlled trial with parallel group design. 73 employees of a bearing and seal manufacturer (58.9% male, 86.3% full-time employment, 67.1% office workers) attended resilience training with HRV-BfB, live (n = 24) or digital (n = 19) format, or served as waitlist controls (n = 30). HRV-BfB training spanned four weeks. Participants applied resilience techniques to increase HRV using visual biofeedback. Data were collected at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and another four weeks later (T2). Primary outcome measure was the Burnout scale of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) at T1. Secondary outcome measures included further COPSOQ scales, self-reported sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI), and HRV parameters. Burnout parameters decreased significantly in HRV-BfB and waitlist. The decrease (T0-T1 and T0-T2) showed higher effect sizes in HRV-BfB (Cohen's d: 0.63; 0.69) than in waitlist (d: 0.27; 0.36). Sleep quality improved in HRV-BfB with small effect sizes (no change for waitlist). SDNN (standard deviation of beat-to-beat intervals) increased in HRV-BfB between T0 and T1 (d: 0.23;). In subgroup analysis, digital reached higher effect sizes for improvement in burnout (d: 0.87; 0.92) and sleep quality (d: 0.59; 0.64) than live learning (burnout: d: 0.43; 0.51; sleep quality: d: 0.28; 0.22). HRV-analysis revealed no differences between subgroups. Four-week mobile HRV-BfB resilience training reduced stress and burnout symptoms in employees. No significant differences were found between HRV-BfB digital or live. Hence, companies should choose the approach that fits their company profile or, if possible, offer both formats to accommodate the different needs of employees. However, findings were nonhomogeneous and should be verified by further studies.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT04897165, 05/18/2021, retrospectively registered.

Continuing evolution of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of clade 2.3.2.1a G2 genotype in domestic poultry of Bangladesh during 2018-2021.

We characterized 15 H5N1 HPAI viruses from different small- and medium-scale poultry flocks across Bangladesh during 2018-2021 based on their complete genome sequences. The antigenic relatedness of H5N1 HPAI viruses from different timepoints was analysed. During 2020-2021, 42.11% of the flocks tested positive for at least one of the respiratory infections, with 15.79% showing influenza A virus, of which 8.77% tested positive for HPAIV H5N1. Co-infections with two to four pathogens were detected in 15.8% of flocks. Phylogeny and gene constellation analyses based on complete genome sequences of 15 HPAI viruses revealed the continuing circulation of H5 clade 2.3.2.1a genotype G2 viruses. In the HA protein of the study isolates, functionally meaningful mutations caused the loss of an N-linked glycosylation site (T156A), a modified antigenic site A (S141P), and a mutation in the receptor binding pocket (E193R/K). Consequently, antigenic analysis revealed a significant loss of cross-reactivity between viruses from different host species and periods. Most viruses displayed oseltamivir resistance markers at positions V96, I97, S227, and N275 (N1 numbering) of the NA protein. In addition, for the PB2, M1, and NS1 proteins, significant mutations were noticed that have been associated with polymerase activity and increased virulence for mammals in all study isolates. These results highlight the need for intensified genomic surveillance of HPAI circulating in poultry in Bangladesh and for establishing appropriate control measures to decrease the circulation of these viruses in poultry in the country.

Occurrence and spatial distribution of microplastics in water and sediments of Hatiya Island, Bangladesh and their risk assessment.

This research has evaluated the MPs distribution, characteristics, and potential threats of MPs in surface water and sediments from Hatiya Island. The results showed that the abundance of MPs was 139 ± 44 items/m3 in surface water and 493 ± 80 items/kg dw in sediments, indicating higher levels of MPs contamination in sediment samples. Fibers were the predominant kind of microplastics, and microscopic sizes (0.3-1.5 mm) MPs were generally more frequent and largely present in both the surface water and sediments. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed that polyethylene terephthalate was the major polymer component of microplastics in surface water, whereas polyethylene was the most abundant polymer in sediments. MPs contamination risk was examined based on multiple risk assessment models. Nemerow pollution index (NPI) and pollutant load index (PLI) show minimal pollution levels of MPs. But potential hazard index (PHI), potential ecological risk factor (Er), and potential ecological risk index (RI), indicate severe MPs contamination due to the presence of polyurethane, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, epoxy that were hazardous MPs and exhibited a critical concern for MPs risk. These statistics will help to understand the environmental difficulties generated by MPs and which hazard is waiting for mankind in the future.

Quality of Life, Coping Strategies, and Psychosocial Support Status of Caregivers Having Children With Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: A Cross-Sectional Study From Bangladesh.

Background Although caregiving is considered a normal phenomenon for parents, delivering care to a child with neurodevelopmental disabilities can be taxing and disastrously impact parents' quality of life (QoL). This study explored the relationship between QoL, coping strategies, and psychosocial support status of caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Methodology This cross-sectional study included 906 caregivers of children having neurodevelopmental disabilities utilizing the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief and Perceived Stress Scale. A tailored questionnaire gauged coping strategies and psychosocial support. Linear regression was used to identify significant contributors. Results Most caregivers (78.8%) experienced a moderate level of stress, and their QoL scores were 14.4 (SD = 2.5) for physical health, 12.0 (SD = 2.4) for psychological health, 14.6 (SD = 1.9) for social relationships, and 12.1 (SD = 2.1) for the environment. Mothers had the lowest QoL of all caregivers. Negative influences on QoL encompassed caregiver and child age, perceived stress, and lower socioeconomic status. A higher coping score positively predicted a high health-related QoL score. Gender differences were observed in psychosocial support sources. Conclusions The study underscores the need for policymaking considering findings to develop psychosocial intervention programs for enhancing the QoL of caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Evaluation of 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity using progesterone and androgen receptors-mediated transactivation.

3ß-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (3ß-HSDs) catalyze the oxidative conversion of delta (5)-ene-3-beta-hydroxy steroids and ketosteroids. Human 3ß-HSD type 2 (HSD3B2) is predominantly expressed in gonadal and adrenal steroidogenic cells for producing all classes of active steroid hormones. Mutations in HSD3B2 gene cause a rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia with varying degree of salt wasting and incomplete masculinization, resulting from reduced production of corticoids and androgens. Therefore, evaluation of the HSD3B2 enzymatic activity in both pathways for each steroid hormone production is important for accurately understanding and diagnosing this disorder. Using progesterone receptor (PR)- and androgen receptor (AR)-mediated transactivation, we adapted a method that easily evaluates enzymatic activity of HSD3B2 by quantifying the conversion from substrates [pregnenolone (P5) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)] to (progesterone and androstenedione). HEK293 cells were transduced to express human HSD3B2, and incubated medium containing P5 or DHEA. Depending on the incubation time with HSD3B2-expressing cells, the culture media progressively increased luciferase activities in CV-1 cells, transfected with the PR/AR expression vector and progesterone-/androgen-responsive reporter. Culture media from human and other mammalian HSD3B1-expressing cells also increased the luciferase activities. HEK293 cells expressing various missense mutations in the HSD3B2 gene revealed the potential of this system to evaluate the relationship between the enzymatic activities of mutant proteins and patient phenotype.

High-efficient, polarization-insensitive, wide-angle, compact metamaterial energy harvester for S-band and C-band applications.

This article proposes a polarization-insensitive compact Metamaterial (MM) energy harvester that can be used seamlessly in the S-band and C-band frequencies. It is important to focus on the limitations of many current designs of harvesters, which need to be overcome. The existing devices are large and often operate in a single frequency band, while their Energy Harvesting (EH) efficiency is low. The proposed harvester solves these problems using smart technology, using a rectangle strip with two gaps, each containing 50 Ω resistors for efficient energy collecting. Also, four hexagonal ring resonators are embedded into the cross-dumbbell configuration, connecting them with strip lines. Smaller rectangular rings surround these hexagonal rings, each with gaps labelled g1-g4. Despite its sophisticated design, the size of this harvester is (10 × 10) mm2 only. This harvester operates at frequencies of 3.5 GHz and 5.5 GHz, demonstrating remarkable absorption responses across varying polarizations and incident angles in both transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) modes. The simulation results indicated impressive energy harvesting efficiencies of 97% at 3.5 GHz and 98% at 5.5 GHz. In addition, experiments in an anechoic chamber with a 3 × 3 array (30 × 30) mm2 were used to confirm the efficiencies empirically. The simulated and measured results showed a strong correlation, confirming the reliability of the proposed design. The proposed MM harvester is distinguished by its high efficiency, polarization-insensitive behaviour, and compactness, making it very promising for many applications in EH.

Capturing sclera anisotropy using direct collagen fiber models. Linking microstructure to macroscopic mechanical properties.

Because of the crucial role of collagen fibers on soft tissue mechanics, there is great interest in techniques to incorporate them in computational models. Recently we introduced a direct fiber modeling approach for sclera based on representing the long-interwoven fibers. Our method differs from the conventional continuum approach to modeling sclera that homogenizes the fibers and describes them as statistical distributions for each element. At large scale our method captured gross collagen fiber bundle architecture from histology and experimental intraocular pressure-induced deformations. At small scale, a direct fiber model of a sclera sample reproduced equi-biaxial experimental behavior from the literature. In this study our goal was a much more challenging task for the direct fiber modeling: to capture specimen-specific 3D fiber architecture and anisotropic mechanics of four sclera samples tested under equibiaxial and four non-equibiaxial loadings. Samples of sclera from three eyes were isolated and tested in five biaxial loadings following an approach previously reported. Using microstructural architecture from polarized light microscopy we then created specimen-specific direct fiber models. Model fiber orientations agreed well with the histological information (adjusted R2's>0.89). Through an inverse-fitting process we determined model characteristics, including specimen-specific fiber mechanical properties to match equibiaxial loading. Interestingly, the equibiaxial properties also reproduced all the non-equibiaxial behaviors. These results indicate that the direct fiber modeling method naturally accounted for tissue anisotropy within its fiber structure. Direct fiber modeling is therefore a promising approach to understand how macroscopic behavior arises from microstructure.

Computational Drug Design Approaches for the Identification of Novel Antidiabetic Compounds from Natural Resources through Molecular Docking, ADMET, and Toxicological Studies.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is usually depicted by relative insulin deficiency, raised blood glucose levels, and the predominant risk factor, insulin resistance. Hence, the development of insulin sensitizer drugs targeting PPAR-γ receptors has expanded enormous interest as an attractive choice for T2DM treatment. Thiazolidinediones (TZD) enhance insulin sensitivity either by directly functioning on gene transcription of the PPARγ receptor related to glucose homeostasis or by systemic sensitization of insulin and, therefore, improved hyperglycemia in a wide range of patients. However, severe complications and adverse effects of TZDs necessitate the development of an efficacious and reliable insulin sensitizer from alternative resources. On the contrary, Nature is a rich source of anticipated effective and safer medicine; more than fifty percent of drugs on the market are developed from natural products. Hence, searching for a new PPAR-γ agonist from bioactive secondary compounds of medicinal plants along with greater efficacy and safety is a recognized and consistent tactic for developing novel antidiabetic agents. Pulicaria jaubertii is a fragrant perennial aromatic plant with anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antimalarial, and insecticidal properties. The current study was designed to use a computer-aided drug design to explore the best antidiabetic compounds from P. jaubertii. Herein, the molecular docking study of 80 investigated ligands against the PPAR-γ receptor identifies the highest docking score for five ligands ranging from -8.9 kcal/mol to 8.0 kcal/mol, which is also more significant than the standard drug pioglitazone (-7.7 kcal/mol) determined by the PyRx 8.0 virtual screening software. GLN286, CYS285, SER289, TYR473, MET364, ARG288, ILE341, and LEU333 residues are found to be significant contributors to the non-bonded interaction between ligands and receptors. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), DFT, molecular orbital (MO), ADMET, and toxicological analyses were performed on the selected five high-scored ligands of P. jaubertii. Results documented that all investigated ligands, especially L4, show considerably excellent profiles in molecular docking, MEP, DFT, MO, ADMET, and toxicological predictions, suggesting our drug-designing approaches may contribute to the development of a novel antidiabetic drug for the treatment of T2DM from natural resources.

Synthesis of new 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative, anti-cancer, bacterial activity, molecular docking and adsorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion analysis.

Aim: The amination and cyclization method developed a new strategy for designing and assembling new 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives of compounds 3a-g and 4a-g.Methods & materials: Newly prepared pyridine compounds are more economical, and reduce the reaction time. FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, mass spectroscopy and elemental analyses elucidated the synthesized derivatives. All the derivatives are subjected to in vitro assay against MCF-7 (breast) and anti-bacterial activity.Results: In the anti-bacterial activity compound 3c is moderately active against Escherichia coli (6.0 g/ml), and 4c is extremely active against Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (10.0 g/ml) compared with standard Erythromycin. In cytotoxic activity, the compound 3g (lC50 24.5 µM) is slightly active against standard doxorubicin. We also present the outcome of a molecular docking study connecting the methoxsalen (Protein Data Bank, PDB ID: 1Z11). Compound 3g shows a higher binding affinity (-7.7 Kcal/mol) matching up with doxorubicin(-9.0 Kcal/mol). The synthesized analogs were predicted for their adsorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion profiles and pharmacokinetics. The compound 3g has three rotatable bonds (NROB≤10), five hydrogen bond acceptors (HBA≤10) and four hydrogen bond donors (HBD≤5). All the compounds follow Lipinski's rule.Conclusion: Therefore, the compounds 3c and 3g are used as cytotoxic and anti-bacterial drugs in feature.

[Box: see text].

Comparing continuum and direct fiber models of soft tissues: An ocular biomechanics example reveals that continuum models may artificially disrupt the strains at both the tissue and fiber levels.

Collagen fibers are the main load-bearing component of soft tissues but difficult to incorporate into models. Whilst simplified homogenization models suffice for some applications, a thorough mechanistic understanding requires accurate prediction of fiber behavior, including both detailed fiber-level strains and long-distance transmission. Our goal was to compare the performance of a continuum model of the optic nerve head (ONH) built using conventional techniques with a fiber model we recently introduced which explicitly incorporates the complex 3D organization and interaction of collagen fiber bundles [1]. To ensure a fair comparison, we constructed the continuum model with identical geometrical, structural, and boundary specifications as for the fiber model. We found that: 1) although both models accurately matched the intraocular pressure (IOP)-induced globally averaged displacement responses observed in experiments, they diverged significantly in their ability to replicate specific 3D tissue-level strain patterns. Notably, the fiber model faithfully replicated the experimentally observed depth-dependent variability of radial strain, the ring-like pattern of meridional strain, and the radial pattern of circumferential strain, whereas the continuum model failed to do so; 2) the continuum model disrupted the strain transmission along each fiber, a feature captured well by the fiber model. These results demonstrate limitations of the conventional continuum models that rely on homogenization and affine deformation assumptions, which render them incapable of capturing some complex tissue-level and fiber-level deformations. Our results show that the strengths of explicit fiber modeling help capture intricate ONH biomechanics. They potentially also help modeling other fibrous tissues. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Understanding the mechanics of fibrous tissues is crucial for advancing knowledge of various diseases. This study uses the ONH as a test case to compare conventional continuum models with fiber models that explicitly account for the complex fiber structure. We found that the fiber model captured better the biomechanical behaviors at both the tissue level and the fiber level. The insights gained from this study demonstrate the significant potential of fiber models to advance our understanding of not only glaucoma pathophysiology but also other conditions involving fibrous soft tissues. This can contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies across a wide range of applications.

Correction: Understanding patient and family experiences of critical care in Bangladesh and India: What are the priority actions to promote person-centred care?

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003372.].

Altered trace elements, antioxidant vitamin C, and malondialdehyde levels are associated with the pathophysiology and development of pre-hepatic jaundice: A case-control study.

Objectives: Pre-hepatic jaundice results from an imbalance between bilirubin production and clearance, often linked to hemoglobinopathies. Antioxidant vitamin C, malondialdehyde, and trace elements play roles in jaundice, yet their specific associations remain unclear. The objective is to assess and compare these biomarkers in pre-hepatic jaundice patients and healthy controls, aiming to identify potential diagnostic markers and understand distinctive characteristics related to the disease's pathogenesis. Methods: This case-control study enrolled 50 pre-hepatic jaundice patients and 50 healthy controls, utilizing advanced techniques for biomarker quantification. We completed blood sample collection from study participants between 1 September 2023 and 31 December 2023. This study investigates the correlation between various biomarkers and pre-hepatic jaundice using serum samples with a focus on antioxidant vitamin C, malondialdehyde, and trace elements. Results: This study demonstrates elevated concentrations of malondialdehyde in patients with pre-hepatic jaundice, suggesting alterations in bilirubin metabolism and increased oxidative stress. We found that the serum levels of malondialdehyde were significantly higher in pre-hepatic jaundice patients compared to healthy controls. Our observations revealed a notable decrease in the average serum vitamin C levels in patients with pre-hepatic jaundice compared to healthy controls. The patients had lower serum Zn levels and higher serum Cu and Mn levels compared to the healthy controls. The correlation study demonstrates robust positive correlations among these biomarkers in pre-hepatic jaundice. As the levels of vitamin C rise, the levels of the other criteria often fall, and vice versa. There is an inverse relationship between higher levels of vitamin C and lower levels of malondialdehyde. The current investigation identifies possible changes in antioxidant vitamins, malondialdehyde levels, and trace elements, which provide significant insights for targeted interventions. Conclusions: The present research highlights the integrated significance of vitamin C, malondialdehyde, and trace elements in the progression of the disease.

Clinico-epidemiological profiling of dengue patients in a non-endemic region of Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to characterise the clinical and epidemiological profiles of dengue patients and their outcomes during an ongoing outbreak in a non-endemic region of Bangladesh. METHODS: This prospective observational study analysed 805 confirmed dengue cases during August-December 2023. Data on demographic, clinical and laboratory profiles, as well as outcomes, were gathered using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 25. RESULTS: The mean age of dengue patients was 31.5 (±12.2) y, with the majority being males (81.2%). All 805 patients experienced fever, 792 (98.4%) had headaches, 698 (86.7%) had myalgia, 601 (74.7%) had persistent vomiting and 598 (74.3%) had abdominal pain. Bleeding was observed in 191 (23.7%) patients and neurological symptoms were seen in 209 (25.9%) patients. Most patients (n=781, 97%) exhibited non-severe symptoms, while 3% (n=24) had severe symptoms. Among the 24 severe cases, four (16.7%) patients were reported to have encephalitis and one (4.2%) patient had meningoencephalitis. Moreover, 365 patients (45.3%) had travelled to an endemic region who were predominantly males (n=327, 89.6%). Most dengue patients recovered well with rapid fluid replacement therapy (n=754, 93.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The 2023 dengue outbreak in a non-endemic area of Bangladesh primarily impacted males, young adults, with the majority presenting non-severe symptoms. Further studies are essential to validate and build upon these results.

Role of Carcinoembryonic Antigen in Severity Assessment and Mortality Prediction in COVID-19 Patients.

Background Early risk stratification of COVID-19 may yield a better prognosis by tailoring effective treatment strategies. Recent studies have identified that elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has prognostic value in terms of disease severity and mortality in patients with pneumonia. This study aims to explore the potential of CEA as a marker for both severity assessment and mortality prediction in COVID-19 patients. Methods From August 2020 to October 2021, we conducted this observational study in which patients who tested positive for COVID-19 by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or had high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest suggestive of COVID-19 were included on day 0 of their admission to the COVID unit. Patients were classified into mild, moderate, severe, and critical according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Blood samples were collected for complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, and CEA on days 0, 3, 7, and 14 of admission. The patient's profile was used to obtain lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer, and HRCT scores [based on COVID-19 reporting and data system (CO-RADS) grade]. We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves with Youden's index to find the initial (day 0) critical values of CEA for each of mild, moderate, severe, and critical COVID-19. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to predict mortality with the best initial (day 0) cut-off value of CEA. Results Among 75 patients in this study, 15, 20, 19, and 21 were in the mild, moderate, severe, and critical groups, respectively; most were male (68%), and mortality was 18 (24%). Spearman's rank correlation test demonstrates a strong correlation between COVID-19 severity and changes in CEA. In the ROC curves, the area under the curve (AUC) value of CEA was higher among markers in all classifications except for mild to moderate disease. The AUC and critical values of CEA were as follows: for mild to moderate (0.948), 2.5 ng/ml; moderate to severe (1.000), 6.02 ng/ml; and severe to critical (0.769), 11.75 ng/ml. The survival curve shows the best initial cut-off values for mortality outcomes: CEA ≥7.15, CRP ≥81.52, ferritin ≥680.68, lymphocyte percentage ≤7.5, and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio ≥12.7. Conclusions The initial levels of CEA can serve as markers for severity assessment and mortality outcome prediction of COVID-19.

Investigation of CNS depressant and muscle relaxant effects of the ethnomedicinal plant Macropanax dispermus on Swiss Albino mice and its effect against oxidative stress.

Background and objective: Since plant-based natural drugs are widely accepted in modern times and possess numerous pharmacological effects with an extensive therapeutic range, an ethnomedicinal plant native to Bangladesh was selected to investigate for investigation of its various pharmacological effects. Macropanax dispermus has been traditionally used and has demonstrated numerous pharmacological effects in preclinical investigations. Therefore, this research aimed to assess the central nervous system (CNS) depressant and antioxidant activities of the crude methanol extracts of the stem barks (MDMS), leaves (MDML), and their different fractions. Methods: The CNS depressant activity was assessed using the hole cross, rota-rod, and elevated plus maze tests on Swiss Albino mice, while the antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) nonradical scavenging, and ferric reducing power assays. Results: The conducted assays successfully demonstrated that the chloroform fraction of MDML is a significantly (P < 0.001) effective CNS depressant, muscle relaxant, and anxiolytic agent with excellent antioxidative effects compared to standard and control. The aqueous fraction of MDML also acted as a significantly (P < 0.001) active CNS depressant and muscle relaxant, and it was a highly active ferric-reducing agent. All effects were dose and concentration-dependent. Conclusion: The presence of various phytochemicals might contribute to these activities. However, further research is suggested to isolate their active compounds and evaluate their mechanisms of action.

Unveiling the therapeutic potential of Canavalia rosea leaves: Exploring antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and cytotoxic activities through biological and molecular docking evaluation with DFT analysis.

Background: Canavalia rosea is a common tropical seacoast flowering plant from the family of Fabaceae which is reported as bay bean and coastal jack bean; has a wide range of therapeutic and nutraceutical properties. Aim: The present research aims to explore some pharmacological insights of the methanol extract C. rosea of leaves (MECR) and its chloroform fraction (CFCR) and n-hexane fraction (NFCR) through in-vitro and in-silico approaches. Methods: Different fractions of C. rosea were subjected to ferric reduction assay and total phenolic and flavonoid content assay to explore their antioxidant potential. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed on the hypotonic-induced human erythrocyte-lysis model, while the protein denaturation method was applied for screening anti-arthritis properties of plant extract; and the cytotoxic activity was evaluated by brine shrimp lethality bioassay. In the in-silico study, molecular docking, pass prediction and ADME/T, analysis was used to investigate anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cytotoxic potency of five selected compounds of C. rosea. Finally, the quantum chemical density functional test analysis was applied to investigate the chemical and physical properties of those compounds. Results: All the soluble organic extracts of C. rosea demonstrated moderate toxicity with strong antioxidants potential, in which MECR manifested the peak level of scavenging activity (2.49) on ferric reduction assay. MECR, CFCR & NFCR significantly protected lysis of human erythrocyte membrane induced by hypotonic solution, whereas MECR and CFCR were exhibited partially equal inhibitory activity. The in-vitro anti-arthritis assay, MECR, NFCR and CFCR showed strongly significant (p˂0.001) inhibitory potency at 500 µg/mL & 1000 µg/mL concentrations. The molecular docking simulations revealed strong binding of all compounds to specific receptors, with Rutin showing the highest biological reactivity followed by Daucosterol, ß-Sitosterol, Stigmasterol, and Guanidine. All the compounds showed favorable reactivity patterns, with O and H atoms poised for nucleophilic and electrophilic attacks in chemical density functional calculations. Conclusion: The recent investigation suggests that C. rosea could have the potential source of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritis and cytotoxic activity, prompting further investigation into their mechanisms.

Assessment of potentially toxic element contents in chickens and poultry feeds from Bangladesh markets: Implications for human health risk.

Chicken (Gallus domesticus) is a significant source of animal protein for the people of Bangladesh. However, anthropogenic activity may contaminate chicken meat with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) despite the nutritional benefits. Current work aims to determine the accumulated content of PTEs (Pb, Cd, Cr, As, and Hg) in chickens and poultry feeds commercially sold in Bangladesh markets and compare with WHO, FAO, EU, EC, FSANZ standards. Three different chicken varieties, native (local variety, freehand raised), poultry (raised for meat only), and layer chicken (commercially raised for eggs and later used for meat), were investigated, and commercial poultry feeds were used to raise the latter two varieties. The Pb, Cd, Cr, As, and Hg contents (mg kg-1 fresh weight (f.w.) were 0.481-1.067, 0.025-0.118, 0.069-0.319, 0.007-0.071, 0.002-0.019, respectively. In addition, associated health risks due to the PTEs in different varieties of chicken organs, e.g., meat, liver, and kidney, were evaluated. The study suggests that the poultry feeds should be carefully monitored regarding PTEs content to avoid potential human health risks due to chicken consumption in Bangladesh.

The Stability of UV-Defluorination-Driven Crosslinked Carbon Nanotubes: A Raman Study.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are often regarded as semi-rigid, all-carbon polymers. However, unlike conventional polymers that can form 3D networks such as hydrogels or elastomers through crosslinking in solution, CNTs have long been considered non-crosslinkable under mild conditions. This perception changed with our recent discovery of UV-defluorination-driven direct crosslinking of CNTs in solution. In this study, we further investigate the thermal stability of UV-defluorination-driven crosslinked CNTs, revealing that they are metastable and decompose more readily than either pristine or fluorinated CNTs under Raman laser irradiation. Using Raman spectroscopy under controlled laser power, we examined both single-walled and multi-walled fluorinated CNTs. The results demonstrate that UV-defluorinated CNTs exhibit reduced thermal stability compared to their pristine or untreated fluorinated counterparts. This instability is attributed to the strain on the intertube crosslinking bonds resulting from the curved carbon lattice of the linked CNTs. The metallic CNTs in the crosslinked CNT networks decompose and revert to their pristine state more readily than the semiconducting ones. The inherent instability of crosslinked CNTs leads to combustion at temperatures approximately 100 °C lower than those required for non-crosslinked fluorinated CNTs. This property positions crosslinked CNTs as promising candidates for applications where mechanically robust, lightweight materials are needed, along with feasible post-use removal options.

REMP: A unique dataset of rare and endangered medicinal plants in Bangladesh for sustainable healing and biodiversity conservation.

In Bangladesh, there are significant number of medicinal plants, but currently no comprehensive record of these valuable species is publicly available. Alarmingly, some of these plants are in a precarious state of endangerment. Therefore, we are creating a unique dataset of Bangladesh's rare, endangered, and threatened medicinal plants to support conservation efforts. It will help us to track and conserve endangered plant species, ensuring a more organized approach to research and preservation efforts. We conducted on-site visits to the National Botanical Garden and The Government Unani and Ayurvedic Medical College, capturing photographs of these plants in optimal sunlight conditions at various times of the day. This involved fieldwork, detailed image annotations, dataset organization, diversity augmentation, and contribution to the preservation of our natural heritage. We have collected a total of 16 types of rare and endangered medicinal plant leaf photos to create our unique dataset consisting of a total of 3494 images. This dataset will help researchers in biodiversity conservation through building efficient machine learning models and applying advanced machine learning techniques to identify rare and endangered medicinal plants.