Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotic use in Bangladesh: Findings from a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Escalating antibiotic resistance presents a notable worldwide dilemma, pointing a large involvement of general population. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the utilization of antibiotics among Bangladeshi residents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study, conducted from January 01 to April 25, 2022, included 1,947 Bangladeshi adults with a history of antibiotic use, via online surveys and face-to-face interviews using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariate linear regression models were employed. RESULTS: Mean scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 6.59±1.20, 8.34±1.19, and 12.74±2.59, with correct rates of 73.22%, 92.67%, and 57.91%. Positive predictors for knowledge included being unmarried (ß = 0.10, p = 0.001), higher education (College: ß = 0.09, p = 0.025; Bachelor: ß = 0.22, p<0.001; Master or above: ß = 0.14, p<0.001), various professions (student: ß = 0.57, p<0.001; housewife: ß = 0.33, p<0.001; employee: ß = 0.53, p<0.001; businessman: ß = 0.31, p<0.001; unemployed: ß = 0.15, p<0.001), and residing in semi-urban (ß = 0.32, p<0.001) or urban areas (ß = 0.15, p<0.001). Positive predictors for attitudes included being married (ß = 0.18, p<0.001), specific professions (student: ß = 1.06, p<0.001; housewife: ß = 0.33, p<0.001; employee: ß = 0.86, p<0.001; businessman: ß = 0.37, p<0.001; unemployed: ß = 0.47, p<0.001), higher SES (Lower-middle: ß = 0.22, p<0.001; Middle: ß = 0.26, p<0.001), and residing in semi-urban areas (ß = 0.18, p<0.001); negative predictors included higher education (College: ß = -0.12, p = 0.001; Master or above: ß = -0.09, p = 0.008) and being rich (ß = -0.13, p<0.001). Positive predictors for practices included being married (ß = 0.18, p<0.001), specific professions (student: ß = 0.32, p<0.001; employee: ß = 0.43, p<0.001; businessman: ß = 10, p = 0.034; unemployed: ß = 0.11, p = 0.009), and higher SES (Lower-middle: ß = 0.14, p = 0.009; Middle: ß = 0.38, p<0.001; Higher-middle: ß = 0.15, p = 0.008); negative predictors included higher education (College: ß = -0.21, p<0.001), being rich (ß = -0.12, p<0.001), residing in semi-urban (ß = -0.14, p<0.001) or urban areas (ß = -0.16, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Participants exhibited adequate knowledge and positive attitudes but lagged behind in proper practice of antibiotic use. Proper initiatives should be tailored to enhance prudent antibiotic use and mitigate the risk of antimicrobial resistance.

Positive impacts of COVID-19 Lock down in Bangladesh: An online investigation.

Background: This research focuses on the positive impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown on society and the environment, despite acknowledging the widespread negative effects of the pandemic and lockdown measures. The research was aimed at pinpointing and evaluating the beneficial results stemming from these measures. Method: Data for the study was collected through an online survey distributed via Google forms to adults over the age of 18 across the country. A total of 1230 participants completed the survey, mostly from rural areas (61.7%), providing valuable insights for analysis. The questionnaire encompassed personal, family, and cohesive social data, along with information on the environment and biodiversity. The study utilized structural equation modeling (SEM) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to analyze the data and examine correlations between variables. Results: The findings indicated that the COVID-19 lockdown had positive implications for individuals and society, leading to increased health consciousness, improved family relationships, and constructive social attitudes. Moreover, restrictions on access to natural tourist destinations and parks during the lockdown contributed to positive changes in biodiversity. These results highlight the importance of adopting appropriate measures during pandemics to foster personal and social well-being, as well as the preservation of natural environments and biodiversity. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need for further research to promote sustainable living in similar situations. By understanding the data appropriately, individuals can play a constructive role in future pandemics, leading to positive outcomes for both society and the environment.

Determination of Elemental Composition of Malabar spinach, Lettuce, Spinach, Hyacinth Bean, and Cauliflower Vegetables Using Proton Induced X-Ray Emission Technique at Savar Subdistrict in Bangladesh.

The concentrations of 18 different elements (K, Ca, Fe, Cl, P, Zn, S, Mn, Ti, Cr, Rb, Co, Br, Sr, Ru, Si, Ni, and Cu) were analyzed in five selected vegetables through Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) technique. The objective of this study was to provide updated information on concentrations of elements in vegetables available in the local markets at Savar subdistrict in Bangladesh. These elements were found in varying concentrations in the studied vegetables. The results also indicated that P, Cl, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, and Zn were found in all vegetables. Overall, K and Ca exhibited the highest concentrations. Cu and Ni exhibited the lowest concentrations in vegetables. The necessity of these elements was also evaluated, based on the established limits of regulatory standards. The findings of this study suggest that the consumption of these vegetables is not completely free of health risks.

Assessment of toxic effects of the methanol extract of Citrus macroptera Montr. Fruit via biochemical and hematological evaluation in female Sprague-Dawley rats.

Citrus macroptera Montr. (C. macroptera) is locally known as Satkara. The fruit of this plant is used as appetite stimulant and in the treatment of fever. This study therefore aimed to evaluate the toxic effects of the fruit extract using some biochemical and hematological parameters in rat model. The effects of methanol extract of Citrus macroptera Montr. fruit administered at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight were investigated on hematological and biochemical parameters in Sprague-Dawley female rats. Moreover, histopathological study was performed to observe the presence of pathological lesions in primary body organs. The extract presented no significant effect on body weight, percent water content, relative organ weight and hematological parameters in rat. Significant decrease from control group was observed in the levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein; thus leading to significant decrease of cardiac risk ratio, castelli's risk index-2, atherogenic coefficient and atherogenic index of plasma at all doses. 500 mg/kg dose significantly decreased alkaline phosphatase (P<0.05), 1000 mg/kg dose significantly increased high density lipoprotein cholesterol (P<0.05) and 250 mg/kg dose significantly decreased the level of glycated hemoglobin (P<0.05) from the control group. There were no significant alterations observed with other serum biochemical parameters. Histopathological study confirmed the absence of inflammatory and necrotic features in the primary body organs. Study results indicate that methanolic fruit extract is unlikely to have significant toxicity. Moreover, these findings justified the cardio-protective, moderate hepato-protective and glucose controlling activities of the fruit extract.

In vitro α-amylase inhibitory activity and in vivo hypoglycemic effect of methanol extract of Citrus macroptera Montr. fruit.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effects of methanol extract of Citrus macroptera Montr.fruit in α-amylase inhibitory activity (in vitro) and hypoglycemic activity in normal and glucose induced hyperglycemic rats (in vivo). METHODS: Fruits of Citrus macroptera without rind was extracted with pure methanol following cold extraction and tested for presence of phytochemical constituents, α-amylase inhibitory activity, and hypoglycemic effect in normal rats and glucose induced hyperglycemic rats. RESULTS: Presence of saponin, steroid and terpenoid were identified in the extract. The results showed that fruit extract had moderate α-amylase inhibitory activity [IC50 value=(3.638±0.190) mg/mL] as compared to acarbose. Moreover at 500 mg/kg and 1 000 mg/kg doses fruit extract significantly (P<0.05 and P<0.01 respectively) reduced fasting blood glucose level in normal rats as compared to glibenclamide (5 mg/kg). In oral glucose tolerance test, 500 mg/kg dose significantly reduced blood glucose level (P<0.05) at 2 h but 1 000 mg/kg dose significantly reduced blood glucose level at 2 h and 3 h (P<0.05 and P<0.01 respectively) whereas glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) significantly reduced glucose level at every hour after administration. Overall time effect is also considered extremely significant with F value=23.83 and P value=0.0001 in oral glucose tolerance test. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the plant may be a potential source for the development of new oral hypoglycemic agent.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of leaf extract of Mallotus repandus (Willd.) Muell. Arg.

In folk medicine Mallotus repandus (Willd.) Muell. Arg. is used to treat muscle pain, itching, fever, rheumatic arthritis, snake bite, hepatitis, and liver cirrhosis. This study aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive as well as the anti-inflammatory activities of the methanol extract of leaf. The leaves were extracted with methanol following hot extraction and tested for the presence of phytochemical constituents. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated using acetic acid induced writhing test, xylene induced ear edema, cotton pellet induced granuloma, and tail immersion methods at doses of 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg body weight. The presence of flavonoids, saponins, and tannins was identified in the extract. The extract exhibited considerable antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities against four classical models of pain. In acetic acid induced writhing, xylene induced ear edema, and cotton pellet granuloma models, the extract revealed dose dependent activity. Additionally, it increased latency time in tail immersion model. It can be concluded that M. repandus possesses significant antinociceptive potential. These findings suggest that this plant can be used as a potential source of new antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory candidates. The activity of methanol extract is most likely mediated through central and peripheral inhibitory mechanisms. This study justified the traditional use of leaf part of this plant.