White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) may serve as a wildlife reservoir for nearly extinct SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.

The spillover of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from humans to white-tailed deer (WTD) and its ability to transmit from deer to deer raised concerns about the role of WTD in the epidemiology and ecology of the virus. Here, we present a comprehensive cross-sectional study assessing the prevalence, genetic diversity, and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in WTD in the State of New York (NY). A total of 5,462 retropharyngeal lymph node samples collected from free-ranging hunter-harvested WTD during the hunting seasons of 2020 (Season 1, September to December 2020, n = 2,700) and 2021 (Season 2, September to December 2021, n = 2,762) were tested by SARS-CoV-2 real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 17 samples (0.6%) from Season 1 and in 583 samples (21.1%) from Season 2. Hotspots of infection were identified in multiple confined geographic areas of NY. Sequence analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genomes from 164 samples demonstrated the presence of multiple SARS-CoV-2 lineages and the cocirculation of three major variants of concern (VOCs) (Alpha, Gamma, and Delta) in WTD. Our analysis suggests the occurrence of multiple spillover events (human to deer) of the Alpha and Delta lineages with subsequent deer-to-deer transmission and adaptation of the viruses. Detection of Alpha and Gamma variants in WTD long after their broad circulation in humans in NY suggests that WTD may serve as a wildlife reservoir for VOCs no longer circulating in humans. Thus, implementation of continuous surveillance programs to monitor SARS-CoV-2 dynamics in WTD is warranted, and measures to minimize virus transmission between humans and animals are urgently needed.

Characterization of Excited-State Electronic Structure in Diblock π-Conjugated Oligomers with Adjustable Linker Electronic Coupling.

Diblock conjugated oligomers are π-conjugated molecules that contain two segments having distinct frontier orbital energies and HOMO-LUMO gap offsets. These oligomers are of fundamental interest to understand how the distinct π-conjugated segments interact and modify their excited state properties. The current paper reports a study of two series of diblock oligomers that contain oligothiophene (Tn) and 4,7-bis(2-thienyl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (TBT) segments that are coupled by either ethynyl (-C≡C-) or trans-(-C≡C-)2Pt(II)(PBu3)2 acetylide linkers. In these structures, the Tn segment is electron rich (donor), and the TBT is electron poor (acceptor). The diblock oligomers are characterized by steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopy, including UV-visible absorption, fluorescence, fluorescence lifetimes, and ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy. Studies are compared in several solvents of different polarity and with different excitation wavelengths. The results reveal that the (-C≡C-) linked oligomers feature a delocalized excited state that takes on a charge transfer (CT) character in more polar media. In the (-C≡C-)2Pt(II)(PBu3)2-linked oligomers, there is weak coupling between the Tn and TBT segments. Consequently, short wavelength excitation selectively excites the Tn segment, which then undergoes ultrafast energy transfer (~1 ps) to afford a TBT-localized excited state.

Management and outcomes of pregnant ICU patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia in Qatar: A retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Pregnant women are considered a high-risk group for COVID-19 due to their increased vulnerability to viral infections. The impact of COVID-19 on pregnant women is not well understood, and there is a need for data on managing severe COVID-19 in pregnant patients. This retrospective descriptive cohort study described the characteristics, hospital stay, interventions, and outcomes of pregnant patients admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) with severe COVID-19 pneumonia in Qatar. METHODS: Data were collected from medical records and chart reviews of pregnant women admitted to Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) with COVID-19 pneumonia from March 01, 2020, to July 31, 2021. The inclusion criteria encompassed pregnant women with a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) antigen test or radiological changes at admission, requiring respiratory support, and hospitalized for more than 24 hours. RESULTS: A total of 43 pregnant women were included in this study. Most patients were admitted during the first wave of the pandemic, with a median gestational age of 212 days [interquartile range 178-242 days] at presentation. The most common respiratory support methods were high-flow nasal cannula, non-invasive positive pressure ventilation, and invasive positive pressure ventilation. Convalescent plasma therapy was administered to 58% of patients, and tocilizumab was used in 28%. Renal replacement therapy was required by 4.6% of patients and 7% required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable insights into the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant patients admitted to the ICUs in Qatar. The results suggest that pregnant patients with COVID-19 pneumonia require close monitoring and appropriate interventions to minimize adverse outcomes for both mother and fetus. The data may contribute to future guidelines and management strategies for severe COVID-19 in pregnant patients.

Does urbanization make emergence of zoonosis more likely? Evidence, myths and gaps.

Rapid urbanization in the global South is adding epidemiological and nutritional challenges and increasing disease and health burdens for citizens. Greater movement of people, animals, food and trade often provides favourable grounds for the emergence of infectious diseases, including zoonoses. We conduct a rapid evidence scan to explore what is known and hypothesized about the links between urbanization and zoonosis emergence. This points to rapid demographic growth, migration and density, increased movement of people and animals, and changes in land uses as the main processes linked to the prevalence of zoonosis in the urban global South. We argue that this emerging global health challenge is also deeply connected with the urbanization of poverty and inequalities within cities. Tackling the micro-level causal relationships between urbanization and zoonosis requires urgent attention to living conditions, as well as the wider socioenvironmental transitions and structural drivers that produce and reproduce risk accumulation in urban settings.

Mapping of beef, sheep and goat food systems in Nairobi - A framework for policy making and the identification of structural vulnerabilities and deficiencies.

Nairobi is a large rapidly-growing city whose demand for beef, mutton and goat products is expected to double by 2030. The study aimed to map the Nairobi beef, sheep and goat systems structure and flows to identify deficiencies and vulnerabilities to shocks. Cross-sectional data were collected through focus group discussions and interviews with people operating in Nairobi ruminant livestock and meat markets and in the large processing companies. Qualitative and quantitative data were obtained about the type of people, animals, products and value adding activities in the chains, and their structural, spatial and temporal interactions. Mapping analysis was done in three different dimensions: people and product profiling (interactions of people and products), geographical (routes of animals and products) and temporal mapping (seasonal fluctuations). The results obtained were used to identify structural deficiencies and vulnerability factors in the system. Results for the beef food system showed that 44-55% of the city's beef supply flows through the 'local terminal markets', but that 54-64% of total supply is controlled by one 'meat market'. Numerous informal chains were identified, with independent livestock and meat traders playing a pivotal role in the functionality of these systems, and where most activities are conducted with inefficient quality control and under scarce and inadequate infrastructure and organisation, generating wastage and potential food safety risks in low quality meat products. Geographical and temporal analysis showed the critical areas influencing the different markets, with larger markets increasing their market share in the low season. Large processing companies, partly integrated, operate with high quality infrastructures, but with up to 60% of their beef supply depending on similar routes as the informal markets. Only these companies were involved in value addition activities, reaching high-end markets, but also dominating the distribution of popular products, such as beef sausages, to middle and low-end market. For the small ruminant food system, 73% of the low season supply flows through a single large informal market, Kiamaiko, located in an urban informal settlement. No grading is done for these animals or the meat produced. Large companies were reported to export up to 90% of their products. Lack of traceability and control of animal production was a common feature in all chains. The mapping presented provides a framework for policy makers and institutions to understand and design improvement plans for the Nairobi ruminant food system. The structural deficiencies and vulnerabilities identified here indicate the areas of intervention needed.

Nutritional status of children with neurodevelopmental disorders: a cross-sectional study at a tertiary-level hospital in northern Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition in children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) is a significant global public health issue. Nutritional assessment combined with management or advice are essential to produce optimal outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess nutritional status and the sociodemographic profile of children with neurodevelopmental disorders in Bangladesh. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December to April 2020 among the population of children with NDDs who presented to the pediatric department of the TMSS Medical College and Rafatullah Community Hospital in Bogura during this period. Socio-demographic data along with anthropometric measurements of the children were taken. Assessment of nutritional status were made using metrics such as z-scores for weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), and body mass index-for-age (BAZ). Descriptive statistics (number and percentage) and analytical statistics (chi-square and logistic regression) were included. RESULTS: 58.6% of children displayed malnutrition, with 47.8% showing undernutrition (WHZ / BAZ - 1 SD-≤-3 SD), and 10.8% overnutrition (BAZ > 2SD). Significant negative associations were found between malnutrition and parental education level, urban residency, and monthly family income. Children diagnosed with cerebral palsy exhibited twice the likelihood to be malnourished (AOR 2.39, 95% CI 0.83-6.87). Furthermore, residing in rural regions was associated with an increased risk of experiencing malnutrition, as indicated by an adjusted odds ratio of 1.60 (95% CI 0.12-3.09). CONCLUSIONS: While the results are cross-sectional, over half of children with NDDs were found to be malnourished, suggesting that children with NDD in Bangladesh are vulnerable to developing any form of malnutrition. Therefore, regular assessments and timely nutritional support may improve their situation.

Antibody Response after Homologous and Heterologous Prime-Boost COVID-19 Vaccination in a Bangladeshi Residential University Cohort.

COVID-19 vaccination strategies, including heterologous prime-boost regimens and additional booster doses, aim to optimize immune responses. However, seroepidemiological studies on immune responses to different COVID-19 vaccine types and schedules remain limited. This study investigated antibody levels following homologous and heterologous prime-and-boost COVID-19 vaccination in Bangladesh. In a cohort of 606 participants who received first/second/booster doses of vaccines (AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Sinopharm), anti-spike IgG and anti-nucleocapsid IgG levels were measured. Antibody titer variations with respect to age, gender, intervals between doses, and prior infection status were analyzed. mRNA vaccines elicited the highest antibody levels after homologous and heterologous boosting. The AstraZeneca booster resulted in a sharp titer decline rate of ~0.04 units per day. Second or booster vaccine doses significantly increased antibody levels, especially in males (p < 0.05). Older age correlated with higher titers, likely reflecting previous infection, which was further confirmed by the elevation of anti-nucleocapsid IgG levels. About 95.5% of non-Sinopharm recipients were anti-nucleocapsid IgG positive, suggesting prior exposure exceeding self-reported infections (12.5%). mRNA and heterologous COVID-19 boosting enhances humoral immunity over homologous prime-boost vector/inactivated vaccination. However, waning immunity merits further investigation across vaccine platforms.

Impairment of novel object recognition in adulthood after neonatal exposure to diazinon.

Diazinon is an organophosphate pesticide that is still heavily used in agriculture, home gardening, and indoor pest control in Japan. The present study investigated the effect of neonatal exposure to diazinon on hippocampus-dependent novel object recognition test performance and the expression of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and its signal transduction pathway-related genes in the hippocampi of young adult and adult mice. Male offspring of C3H/HeN mice were subcutaneously treated with 0, 0.5, or 5 mg/kg of diazinon for 4 consecutive days beginning on postnatal day (PND) 8. Beginning on PND 46 or PND 81, a novel object recognition test was performed on 4 consecutive days. The hippocampi were collected on PND 50 or PND 85 after the completion of the novel object recognition test, and the expression levels of neurotrophins and the NMDA receptor and its signal transduction pathway-related genes were examined using real-time RT-PCR. Diazinon-injected mice exhibited a poor ability to discriminate between novel and familiar objects during both the PND 49 and the PND 84 tests. The NMDA receptor subunits NR1 and NR2B and the related protein kinase calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK)-IV and the transcription factor cyclic AMP responsive element binding protein (CREB)-1 mRNA levels were reduced in the PND 50 mice. However, no significant changes in the expressions of the NMDA subunits and their signal transduction molecules were observed in the hippocampi of the PND 85 mice. The expression level of nerve growth factor mRNA was significantly reduced in the PND 50 or 85 mice. These results indicate that neonatal diazinon exposure impaired the hippocampus-dependent novel object recognition ability, accompanied by a modulation in the expressions of the NMDA receptor and neurotrophin in young adult and adult mice.

Combined effect of Brunnstrom's hand rehabilitation and functional electrical stimulation for improving hand function in patients with chronic stroke: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Motor recovery of the upper extremity is one of the most common challenging outcomes after stroke. OBJECTIVE: To find out the combined effects of Brunnstrom hand rehabilitation (BHR) and functional electrical stimulation for improving hand functions in patients with chronic stroke. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHOD: 25 participants, both male (n = 11) and female (n = 14), age group between 40 and 70 years were randomly divided into control group (n = 12) and experimental group (n = 13). The treatment protocol was continued 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. The experimental group received Brunnstrom hand training and functional electrical stimulation (FES) along with conventional physiotherapy. The control group received only conventional physiotherapy. Participants were evaluated at baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention. OUTCOME MEASURES: Fugl Meyer Assessment scale-upper extremity, Modified Ashworth scale, Handheld Dynamometer, and Jabsen Taylor Hand Function Test. Paired t-test was used to compare within-group variables and an independent t-test was used for between-group comparisons. P-value was set as 0.05 to minimize type-1 error. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference was obtained in favor of the experimental group undergoing FMA (p < .001), MAS (p = .004), JTHF (p = .018), and HHD (p < .001) in between-group analysis. However, both groups showed significant improvement [experimental group; FMA-UE (p < .001), MAS (p < .001); JTHF (p < .001), and HHD (p < .001), and control group; FMA-UE (p < .001), MAS (p < .001), JTHF (p < .001) and HHD (p < .001)] in within-group analysis at post-intervention. CONCLUSION: Brunnstrom hand rehabilitation and FES in combination were found to be more effective in improving hand function than conventional physiotherapy treatment. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.ctri.nic.in. No: CTRI/2019/06/019,905.

The pandemic's unseen wounds: COVID-19's profound effects on mental health.

Objective: This review aims to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, with a focus on the physiological and psychological consequences, including comorbidities. The goal is to understand the direct and indirect populations affected by mental distress and identify potential interventions. Methodology: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using various databases, including Google Scholar, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, PubMed, PLoS One, and Web of Science. The search utilized relevant keywords to investigate the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 on mental health. The selected articles were critically evaluated and analyzed to identify key findings and insights. Main findings: Mental health, being an intrinsic component of overall well-being, plays a vital role in physiological functioning. The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the emergence of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus, has had a devastating global impact. Beyond the respiratory symptoms, individuals recovering from COVID-19 commonly experience additional ailments, such as arrhythmia, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Healthcare professionals on the frontlines face an elevated risk of mental illness. However, it is crucial to recognize that the general population also grapples with comparable levels of mental distress. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the significance of addressing mental health concerns. Various strategies can help mitigate the impact, including counselling, fostering open lines of communication, providing mental support, ensuring comprehensive patient care, and administering appropriate medications. In severe cases, treatment may involve the supplementation of essential vitamins and antidepressant therapy. By understanding the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 on mental health, healthcare providers and policymakers can develop targeted interventions to support individuals and communities affected by the pandemic. Continued research and collaborative efforts are essential to address this pervasive issue effectively.

In vitro antioxidant effects of Aloe barbadensis Miller extracts and the potential role of these extracts as antidiabetic and antilipidemic agents on streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic model rats.

In this study, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging ability and the ferric reducing power (FRAP) of Aloe vera were measured to determine the antioxidant activity of this species. The in vivo antidiabetic effects of the plant were also investigated using streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic model rats that were divided into five groups based on the treatment received: (1) water (WC); (2) glibenclamide; (3) concentrated gel extract (Gel-C); (4) ethanol (80%) gel extract (Gel-Et); and (5) ethanol (80%) skin extract of Aloe vera (Skin-Et). Skin-Et, which contained the highest level of total phenolics (62.37 ± 1.34 mg(gallic acid)/kg) and flavonoids (20.83 ± 0.77 mg/kg), exhibited the highest scavenging activity (85.01 ± 0.52%) and the greatest reducing power (185.98 ± 0.41 µM), indicating that the skin contained the highest level of antioxidants. The oral consumption of Gel-Et for 4 weeks a caused significant reduction in the fasting serum glucose levels of the rats. The rats in the Gel-C-, Gel-Et- and Skin-Et-treated groups experienced a reduction in their total cholesterol levels by 11%, 17% and 25%, respectively and a reduction in their LDL cholesterol levels by 45%, 3% and 69%, respectively. The in vivo experimental antioxidant parameter MDA is strongly correlated with the in vitro antioxidant parameters of flavonoids and polyphenols, namely the DPPH and FRAP values (r = 0.94, 0.92, 0.93, 0.90), thus confirming the antioxidant potential of the Aloe vera extracts.

Parental coronavirus disease vaccine hesitancy for children in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requires mass immunization to control the severity of symptoms and global spread. Data from developed countries have shown a high prevalence of parental COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. However, parental vaccine hesitancy data in low- and middle-income countries are scarce. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of parental vaccine hesitancy and identify subgroups with higher odds of vaccine hesitancy in parents in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the parents of children aged <18 years from October 10, 2021 to October 31, 2021. Parents participated in face-to-face interviews in randomly selected locations in Bangladesh using a vaccine hesitancy questionnaire. Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were identified using binary logistic regression analysis. Results: Data from 2,633 eligible parents were analyzed. Overall, 42.8% reported COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy for their youngest child. The final model suggested the following factors were associated with hesitancy: children's age; parent's age, religion, occupation, monthly household income, permanent address, living location, status of tobacco use, adherence with regular government vaccination programs (other than COVID-19), perceptions of COVID-19 vaccine efficacy among Bangladeshi children, self-vaccination intentions, reported family members' illness or death from COVID-19, and perceived threat of COVID-19 were the independent predictors of parental COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Conversely, participants who were not tobacco users, parents who were very likely to believe that their children or family members could be infected with COVID-19 in the following year and who were very concerned about their children or a family member contracting COVID-19 in the next year had significantly lower odds of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Conclusions: Our study suggested that vaccine hesitation varied based on sociodemographic characteristics, religion, behavior, and perceived COVID-19 threat. Therefore, interventions focused on addressing vaccine hesitancy among specific subgroups are warranted.

Parental COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy for children with neurodevelopmental disorders: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about parental coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy in children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). This survey estimated the prevalence and predictive factors of vaccine hesitancy among parents of children with NDD. METHODS: A nationally representative cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 10 to 31, 2021. A structured vaccine hesitancy questionnaire was used to collect data from parents aged ≥ 18 years with children with NDD. In addition, individual face-to-face interviews were conducted at randomly selected places throughout Bangladesh. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the predictors of vaccine hesitancy. RESULTS: A total of 396 parents participated in the study. Of these, 169 (42.7%) parents were hesitant to vaccinate their children. Higher odds of vaccine hesitancy were found among parents who lived in the northern zone (AOR = 17.15, 95% CI = 5.86-50.09; p < 0.001), those who thought vaccines would not be safe and effective for Bangladeshi children (AOR = 3.22, 95% CI = 1.68-15.19; p < 0.001), those who were either not vaccinated or did not receive the COVID-19 vaccine themselves (AOR = 12.14, 95% CI = 8.48-17.36; p < 0.001), those who said that they or their family members had not tested positive for COVID-19 (AOR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.07-4.25), and those who did not lose a family member to COVID-19 (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.03-4.61; p = 0.040). Furthermore, parents who were not likely to believe that their children or a family member could be infected with COVID-19 the following year (AOR = 4.99, 95% CI = 1.81-13.77; p < 0.001) and who were not concerned at all about their children or a family member being infected the following year (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.65-8.37; p = 0.043) had significantly higher odds of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. CONCLUSIONS: Given the high prevalence of vaccine hesitancy, policymakers, public health practitioners, and pediatricians can implement and support strategies to ensure that children with NDD and their caregivers and family members receive the COVID-19 vaccine to fight pandemic induced hazards.

Fitness Trainers' Educational Qualification and Experience and Its Association with Their Trainees' Musculoskeletal Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This is a cross-sectional study that examined the association between fitness trainers' educational qualifications and experience, and the risk of their trainees' musculoskeletal pain. The study included 1177 trainees (aged 15−60 years) from 74 fitness centers in Bangladesh. Data were collected by using the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, including potential confounders such as demographic factors (e.g., age, occupation), and training-related factors (e.g., workout knowledge, overweight lifting). Multiple logistic regression was performed for a binary outcome (pain­yes or no), and a generalized linear model was fitted for the ordinal outcome (pain­sites of the body). The trainers' lower experience (no or ≤1 year) was associated with higher odds of their trainees' musculoskeletal pain (OR: 2.53, 95% CI: 1.18−5.44) compared to trainers with >5 years of experience; however, no association was found between the trainers' education and the risk of their trainees' musculoskeletal pain, after controlling for potential confounders. Similarly, the trainees trained by trainers with lower experience had more than two-time the risk of having pain in different sites (IRR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.50−2.79). The trainers' experience may play a pivotal role in the trainees' musculoskeletal pain. Further study is warranted in this regard.

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 by antigen ELISA test is highly swayed by viral load and sample storage condition.

BACKGROUND: Rapid increase in COVID-19 suspected cases has rendered disease diagnosis challenging, mainly depending upon RT-qPCR. Reliable, rapid, and cost-effective diagnostic assays that complement RT-qPCR should be introduced after thoroughly evaluating their performance upon various disease phases, viral load, and sample storage conditions. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the correlation of cycle threshold (Ct) value, which implies the viral load and infection phase, and the storage condition of the clinical specimen with the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 through our newly developed in-house rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system. METHOD: Naso-oropharyngeal samples of 339 COVID-19 suspected cases were collected and evaluated through RT-qPCR that were stored up to 30 days in different conditions (i.e. -80°C, -20°C and initially at 4°C followed by -80°C). The clinical specimens were evaluated with our in-house ELISA system after finalizing the assay method through checkerboard assay and minimizing the signal/noise ratio. RESULT: The ELISA system showed the highest sensitivity (92.9%) for samples with Ct ≤30 and preserving at -80°C temperature. The sensitivity reduced proportionally with increasing Ct value and preserving temperature. However, the specificity ranged between 98.3% and 100%. CONCLUSION: The results indicate the necessity of early infection phase diagnosis and lower temperature preservation of samples to perform rapid antigen ELISA tests.

Impact of lockdown on musculoskeletal health due to COVID-19 outbreak in Bangladesh: A cross sectional survey study.

BACKGROUND: During the nationwide lockdown implemented by the government of Bangladesh due to the coronavirus, has led to the various changes in the overall activities and lifestyle. Most of the people began living a sedentary lifestyle, spending more time on their phone, watching television and excessive sleeping. Reduction of physical activity level had profoundly negative impact on musculoskeletal health. AIM: This study aims to investigate the impact of lockdown on musculoskeletal health, association between leisure and musculoskeletal pain during this period. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted among general populations living in a specific area of Bangladesh by simple random sampling methods. A total of 230 participants both male (182) and female (48) age group between 18-60 years have participated. The study was carried out by sending the Google Form link containing demographic questionnaire, numeric pain rating scale and Nordic musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Wilcoxon sign rank t and Chi squire test was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The mean height, weight and BMI of the participants were 164.17 ± 8.40 cm, 63.82 ± 10.70 kg and 23.74 ± 3.97 kg/m2 respectively. There was significant increase in time spent in watching television (p= < 0.0001), using smartphone (p= < 0.0001) and sleeping (p= < 0.0001) during the lockdown period. 33.9% participants had pain before the lockdown which increased by 57% during the lockdown periods. There was a significant association between pain intensity and sleeping time (X2 = 54.84; p= < 0.0001), time spent watching television (X2 = 83.70; <0.0001), time spent on smartphone (X2 = 58.39; <0.0001) during the lockdown period. CONCLUSION: The result of this study concluded that the lockdown has negatively impacted the musculoskeletal health of the participants. The musculoskeletal pain might be short term initially, but can develop to be a long-term problem and burden if proper measures are not taken.

Longitudinal Antibody Dynamics Against Structural Proteins of SARS-CoV-2 in Three COVID-19 Patients Shows Concurrent Development of IgA, IgM, and IgG.

BACKGROUND: Dynamics and persistence of neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibodies can give us the knowledge required for serodiagnosis, disease management, and successful vaccine design and development. The disappearance of antibodies, absence of humoral immunity activation, and sporadic reinfection cases emphasize the importance of longitudinal antibody dynamics against variable structural antigens. METHODS: In this study, twenty-five healthy subjects working in a SARS-COV-2 serodiagnostic assay development project were enrolled, and their sign and symptoms were followed up to six months. Three subjects showed COVID-19-like symptoms, and three subjects' antibody dynamics were followed over 120 days by analyzing 516 samples. We have developed 12 different types of in-house ELISAs to observe the kinetics of IgG, IgM, and IgA against four SARS-CoV-2 proteins, namely nucleocapsid, RBD, S1, and whole spike (S1+S2). For the development of these assays, 30-104 pre-pandemic samples were taken as negative controls and 83 RT-qPCR positive samples as positive ones. RESULTS: All three subjects presented COVID-19-like symptoms twice, with mild symptoms in the first episode were severe in the second, and RT-qPCR confirmed the latter. The initial episode did not culminate with any significant antibody development, while a multifold increase in IgG antibodies characterized the second episode. Interestingly, IgG antibody development concurrent with IgM and IgA and persisted, whereas the latter two weans off rather quickly if appeared. CONCLUSION: Antibody kinetics observed in this study can provide a pathway to the successful development of sero-diagnostics and epidemiologists to predict the fate of vaccination currently in place.

Structural and Functional Elucidation of IF-3 Protein of Chloroflexus aurantiacus Involved in Protein Biosynthesis: An In Silico Approach.

Chloroflexus aurantiacus is a thermophilic bacterium that produces a multitude of proteins within its genome. Bioinformatics strategies can facilitate comprehending this organism through functional and structural interpretation assessments. This study is aimed at allocating the structure and function through an in silico approach required for bacterial protein biosynthesis. This in silico viewpoint provides copious properties, including the physicochemical properties, subcellular location, three-dimensional structure, protein-protein interactions, and functional elucidation of the protein (WP_012256288.1). The STRING program is utilized for the explication of protein-protein interactions. The in silico investigation documented the protein's hydrophilic nature with predominantly alpha (α) helices in its secondary structure. The tertiary-structure model of the protein has been shown to exhibit reasonably high consistency based on various quality assessment methods. The functional interpretation suggested that the protein can act as a translation initiation factor, a protein required for translation and protein biosynthesis. Protein-protein interactions also demonstrated high credence that the protein interconnected with 30S ribosomal subunit involved in protein synthesis. This study bioinformatically examined that the protein (WP_012256288.1) is affiliated in protein biosynthesis as a translation initiation factor IF-3 of C. aurantiacus.

Antibody response to the first dose of AZD1222 vaccine in COVID-19 convalescent and uninfected individuals in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination with the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (AZD1222) initially started in the UK and quickly implemented around the Globe, including Bangladesh. Up to date, more than nine million doses administrated to the Bangladeshi public. METHOD: Herein, we studied the antibody response to the first dose of AZD1222 in 86 Bangladeshi individuals using in-house ELISA kits. Study subjects were categorized into two groups, convalescent and uninfected, based on prior infection history and SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid-IgG profiles. RESULTS: All the convalescent individuals presented elevated spike-1-IgG compared to 90% of uninfected ones after the first dose. Day >28 post-vaccination, the convalescent group showed six times higher antibody titer than the uninfected ones. The most elevated antibody titers for the former and later group were found at Day 14 and Days >28 post-vaccination, respectively. The spike-1-IgA titer showed a similar pattern as spike-1-IgG, although in a low-titer. In contrast, the IgM titer did not show any significant change in either group. CONCLUSION: High antibody titer in the convalescent group, signify the importance of the first dose among the uninfected group. This study advocates the integration of antibody tests in vaccination programs in the healthcare system for maximizing benefit.

Comparative evaluation of various herbal and synthetic solutions on disinfection of guttapercha: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Although gutta-percha cones are usually supplied in aseptic packages, once opened and used, they may be contaminated. Chair side disinfection of these cones is important and critical for success of endodontic therapy. Gutta-percha being heat labile, chemical disinfection is the only viable alternative for the sterilization of these cones. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate an effective method of disinfection of gutta-percha cones using various herbal and chemical solutions after intentional contamination with Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 150 gutta-percha cones were selected for the study. Based on the contaminants used, 140 gutta-percha cones were divided into 2 groups: Group A and Group B with 70 cones in each group and the remaining 10 cones (Group VIII) which were uncontaminated served as negative control. The cones from Group A were contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Group B were contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). The contaminated cones from both groups were subdivided into 7 groups with 10 cones in each group. Group I cones were disinfected with Q Mix 2 in 1, Group II with 3% sodium hypochlorite, Group III with chitosan, Group IV with aloe vera juice, Group V with amla juice, and Group VI with pancha tulsi. Group VII consisted of gutta-percha cones without any disinfection in both Group A and Group B which served as positive control. The disinfection time was 1 min. All the cones were then incubated in thioglycollate media for 7 days. The thioglycollate media was subcultured and colony forming units were counted. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey tests using SPSS 17.0 software. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference present in the mean colony forming units among all the groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pancha Tulsi and Q Mix 2 in 1 possessed superior antibacterial activity when compared to other experimental solutions.