Nonheme binuclear transition metal complexes with hydrosulfide and polychalcogenides.

The intriguing chemistry of chalcogen (S, Se)-containing ligands and their capability to bridge multiple metal centres have resulted in a plethora of reports on transition metal complexes featuring hydrosulfide (HS-) and polychalcogenides (En2-, E = S, Se). While a large number of such molecules are strictly organometallic complexes, examples of non-organometallic complexes featuring HS- and En2- with N-/O-donor ligands are relatively rare. The general synthetic procedure for the transition metal-hydrosulfido complexes involves the reaction of the corresponding metal salts with HS-/H2S and this is prone to generate sulfido bridged oligomers in the absence of sterically demanding ligands. On the other hand, the synthetic methods for the preparation of transition metal-polychalcogenido complexes include the reaction of the corresponding metal salts with En2- or the two electron oxidation of low-valent metals with elemental chalcogen, often at an elevated temperature and/or for a long time. Recently, we have developed new synthetic methods for the preparation of two new classes of binuclear transition metal complexes featuring either HS-, or Sn2- and Sen2- ligands. The new method for the synthesis of transition metal-hydrosulfido complexes involved transition metal-mediated hydrolysis of thiolates at room temperature (RT), while the method for the synthesis of transition metal-polychalcogenido complexes involved redox reaction of coordinated thiolates and exogenous elemental chalcogens at RT. An overview of the synthetic aspects, structural properties and intriguing reactivity of these two new classes of transition metal complexes is presented.

Generation and Reactivity of Polychalcogenide Chains in Binuclear Cobalt(II) Complexes.

A series of six binuclear Co(II)-thiolate complexes, [Co2(BPMP)(S-C6H4-o-X)2]1+ (X = OMe, 2; NH2, 3), [Co2(BPMP)(µ-S-C6H4-o-O)]1+ (4), and [Co2(BPMP)(µ-Y)]1+ (Y = bdt, 5; tdt, 6; mnt, 7), has been synthesized from [Co2(BPMP)(MeOH)2(Cl)2]1+ (1a) and [Co2(BPMP)(Cl)2]1+ (1b), where BPMP1- is the anion of 2,6-bis[[bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]methyl]-4-methylphenol. While 2 and 3 could allow the two-electron redox reaction of the two coordinated thiolates with elemental sulfur (S8) to generate [Co2(BPMP)(µ-S5)]1+ (8), the complexes, 4-7, could not undergo a similar reaction. An analogous redox reaction of 2 with elemental selenium ([Se]) produced [{Co2(BPMP)(µ-Se4)}{Co2(BPMP)(µ-Se3)}]2+ (9a) and [Co2(BPMP)(µ-Se4)]1+ (9b). Further reaction of these polychalcogenido complexes, 8 and 9a/9b, with PPh3 allowed the isolation of [Co2(BPMP)(µ-S)]1+ (10) and [Co2(BPMP)(µ-Se2)]1+ (11), which, in turn, could be converted back to 8 and 9a upon treatment with S8 and [Se], respectively. Interestingly, while the redox reaction of the polyselenide chains in 9a and 11 with S8 produced 8 and [Se], the treatment of 8 with [Se] gave back only the starting material (8), thus demonstrating the different redox behavior of sulfur and selenium. Furthermore, the reaction of 8 and 9a/9b with activated alkynes and cyanide (CN-) allowed the isolation of the complexes, [Co2(BPMP)(µ-E2C2(CO2R)2)]1+ (E = S: 12a, R = Me; 12b, R = Et; E = Se: 13a, R = Me; 13b, R = Et) and [Co2(BPMP)(µ-SH)(NCS)2] (14), respectively. The present work, thus, provides an interesting synthetic strategy, interconversions, and detailed comparative reactivity of binuclear Co(II)-polychalcogenido complexes.

Exposure to Brucella spp. in Humans and Cows in a High Milk-Producing Area of Bangladesh.

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease, caused by some species within the Brucella genus. The primary and secondary objectives of this cross-sectional study were to determine the seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in humans and cows and identify risk factors for exposure to Brucella spp. among people in Shahjadpur sub-district, Bangladesh. Twenty-five villages were randomly selected from the 303 milk-producing villages in the sub-district. We randomly selected 5% of the total households from each village. At each household, we collected demographic information and history of potential exposure to Brucella spp. in humans. In addition, we collected serum from household participants and serum and milk from cattle and tested to detect antibodies to Brucella sp. Univariate analysis was performed to detect associations between seropositivity and demographics, risk factors, and behaviors in households. We enrolled 647 households, 1313 humans, and 698 cows. Brucella antibodies were detected in sera from 27 household participants (2.1%, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.2-2.9%). Eleven (1.6%, 95%CI 0.6-2.4%) cows had detectable Brucella antibodies in either milk or serum. About half (53%) of the 698 cows exhibited more than one reproductive problem within the past year; of these, seven (2%) had Brucella antibodies. Households with seropositive individuals more frequently reported owning cattle (78% vs. 32%, P < 0.001). Despite a low prevalence of Brucella seropositivity in the study, the public health importance of brucellosis cannot be ruled out. Further studies would help define Brucella prevalence and risk factors in this region and nationally.

Cost of Acute and Sequelae Care for Japanese Encephalitis Patients, Bangladesh, 2011-2021.

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is associated with an immense social and economic burden. Published cost-of-illness data come primarily from decades-old studies. To determine the cost of care for patients with acute JE and initial and long-term sequelae from the societal perspective, we recruited patients with laboratory-confirmed JE from the past 10 years of JE surveillance in Bangladesh and categorized them as acute care, initial sequalae, and long-term sequelae patients. Among 157 patients, we categorized 55 as acute, 65 as initial sequelae (53 as both categories), and 90 as long-term sequelae. The average (median) societal cost of an acute JE episode was US $929 ($909), of initial sequelae US $75 ($33), and of long-term sequelae US $47 ($14). Most families perceived the effect of JE on their well-being to be extreme and had sustained debt for JE expenses. Our data about the high cost of JE can be used by decision makers in Bangladesh.

Prevalence and incidence of tuberculosis infection among healthcare workers in chest diseases hospitals, Bangladesh: Putting infection control into context.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of tuberculosis infection (TBI). We estimated the prevalence and incidence of TBI and risk factors among HCWs in Bangladeshi hospitals to target TB infection prevention and control (IPC) interventions. METHODS: During 2013-2016, we conducted a longitudinal study among HCWs in four chest disease hospitals. At baseline, we administered a questionnaire on sociodemographic and occupational factors for TB, tuberculin skin tests (TST) in all hospitals, and QuantiFERON ®-TB Gold in-Tube (QFT-GIT) tests in one hospital. We assessed factors associated with baseline TST positivity (induration ≥10mm), TST conversion (induration increase ≥10mm from baseline), baseline QFT-GIT positivity (interferon-gamma ≥0.35 IU/mL), and QFT-GIT conversion (interferon-gamma <0.35 IU/mL to ≥0.35 IU/mL). We included factors with a biologically plausible relationship with TBI identified in prior studies or having an association (p = <0.20) in the bivariate analyses with TST positivity or QFT-GIT positivity in multivariable generalized linear models. The Kaplan-Meier was used to estimate the cumulative TBI incidence rate per 100 person-years. RESULTS: Of the 758 HCWs invited, 732 (97%) consented to participate and 731 completed the one-step TST, 40% had a positive TST result, and 48% had a positive QFT-GIT result. In multivariable models, HCWs years of service 11-20 years had 2.1 (95% CI: 1.5-3.0) times higher odds of being TST-positive and 1.6 (95% CI 1.1-2.5) times higher odds of QFT-GIT-positivity at baseline compared with those working ≤10 years. HCWs working 11-20 years in pulmonary TB ward had 2.0 (95% CI: 1.4-2.9) times higher odds of TST positivity, and those >20 years had 2.5 (95% CI: 1.3-4.9) times higher odds of QFT-GIT-positivity at baseline compared with those working <10 years. TBI incidence was 4.8/100 person-years by TST and 4.2/100 person-years by QFT-GIT. Females had 8.5 (95% CI: 1.5-49.5) times higher odds of TST conversion than males. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalent TST and QFT-GIT positivity was associated with an increased number of years working as a healthcare worker and in pulmonary TB wards. The incidence of TBI among HCWs suggests ongoing TB exposure in these facilities and an urgent need for improved TB IPC in chest disease hospitals in Bangladesh.

Prevalence of Colonization With Antibiotic-Resistant Organisms in Hospitalized and Community Individuals in Bangladesh, a Phenotypic Analysis: Findings From the Antibiotic Resistance in Communities and Hospitals (ARCH) Study.

BACKGROUND: Low- and middle-income countries bear a disproportionate burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) but often lack adequate surveillance to inform mitigation efforts. Colonization can be a useful metric to understand AMR burden. We assessed the colonization prevalence of Enterobacterales with resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, carbapenems, colistin, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among hospital and community dwellers. METHODS: Between April and October 2019, we conducted a period prevalence study in Dhaka, Bangladesh. We collected stool and nasal specimens from adults in 3 hospitals and from community dwellers within the hospitals' catchment area. Specimens were plated on selective agar plates. Isolates underwent identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing using Vitek 2. We performed descriptive analysis and determined population prevalence estimates accounting for clustering at the community level. RESULTS: The majority of both community and hospital participants were colonized with Enterobacterales with resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins (78%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 73-83; and 82%; 95% CI, 79-85, respectively). Thirty-seven percent (95% CI, 34-41) of hospitalized patients were colonized with carbapenems compared with 9% (95% CI, 6-13) of community individuals. Colistin colonization prevalence was 11% (95% CI, 8-14) in the community versus 7% (95% CI, 6-10) in the hospital. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization was similar in both community and hospital participants (22%; 95% CI, 19-26 vs 21% (95% CI, 18-24). CONCLUSIONS: The high burden of AMR colonization observed among hospital and community participants may increase the risk for developing AMR infections and facilitating spread of AMR in both the community and hospital.

Occurrence of tuberculosis among people exposed to cattle in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) has been an important public health concern in Bangladesh. The most common cause of human TB is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, while bovine TB is caused by Mycobacterium bovis. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of TB in individuals with occupational exposure to cattle and to detect Mycobacterium bovis among cattle in slaughterhouses in Bangladesh. METHODS: Between August 2014 and September 2015, an observational study was conducted in two government chest disease hospitals, one cattle market, and two slaughterhouses. [Correction added on 27 June 2023, after first online publication: In the preceding sentence, the year "2014" has been added after the word "August".] Sputum samples were collected from individuals who met the criteria for suspected TB and had been exposed to cattle. Tissue samples were collected from cattle that had low body condition score(s). Both humans and cattle samples were screened for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) by Ziehl-Neelsen (Z-N) staining and cultured for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC). Region of difference (RD) 9-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was also performed to identify Mycobacterium spp. We also conducted Spoligotyping to identify the specific strain of Mycobacterium spp. RESULTS: Sputum was collected from a total of 412 humans. The median age of human participants was 35 (IQR: 25-50) years. Twenty-five (6%) human sputum specimens were positive for AFB, and 44 (11%) were positive for MTC by subsequent culture. All (N = 44) culture-positive isolates were confirmed as Mycobacterium tuberculosis by RD9 PCR. Besides, 10% of cattle workers were infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the cattle market. Of all TB (caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis) infected individuals, 6.8% of individuals were resistant to one or two anti-TB drugs. The majority of the sampled cattle (67%) were indigenous breeds. No Mycobacterium bovis was detected in cattle. CONCLUSIONS: We did not detect any TB cases caused by Mycobacterium bovis in humans during the study. However, we detected TB cases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in all humans, including cattle market workers.

Human Exposure to Bats, Rodents and Monkeys in Bangladesh.

Bats, rodents and monkeys are reservoirs for emerging zoonotic infections. We sought to describe the frequency of human exposure to these animals and the seasonal and geographic variation of these exposures in Bangladesh. During 2013-2016, we conducted a cross-sectional survey in a nationally representative sample of 10,002 households from 1001 randomly selected communities. We interviewed household members about exposures to bats, rodents and monkeys, including a key human-bat interface-raw date palm sap consumption. Respondents reported observing rodents (90%), bats (52%) and monkeys (2%) in or around their households, although fewer reported direct contact. The presence of monkeys around the household was reported more often in Sylhet division (7%) compared to other divisions. Households in Khulna (17%) and Rajshahi (13%) were more likely to report drinking date palm sap than in other divisions (1.5-5.6%). Date palm sap was mostly consumed during winter with higher frequencies in January (16%) and February (12%) than in other months (0-5.6%). There was a decreasing trend in drinking sap over the three years. Overall, we observed substantial geographic and seasonal patterns in human exposure to animals that could be sources of zoonotic disease. These findings could facilitate targeting emerging zoonoses surveillance, research and prevention efforts to areas and seasons with the highest levels of exposure.

Determinants and Projections of Minimum Acceptable Diet among Children Aged 6-23 Months: A National and Subnational Inequality Assessment in Bangladesh.

Subnational evidence on the level of inequality in receiving complementary feeding practice among Bangladeshi children is lacking. This study estimated inequality in the minimum acceptable diet (MAD) among Bangladeshi children aged 6-23 months, and identified risk factors for and developed projections of the MAD up to 2030. Data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017-2018 were used in this cross-sectional study. Regression-based slope (SII) and relative index of inequality (RII) were used to quantify the level of absolute and relative inequality, respectively. A Bayesian logistic regression model was used to identify the potential determinants of a MAD and project prevalence up to 2030. About 38% of children aged 6-23 months received a MAD. The national prevalence of a MAD was 26.0 percentage points higher among children from the richest compared to the poorest households, and 32.1 percentage points higher among children of higher-educated over illiterate mothers. Socioeconomic inequality was found to be the highest in the Chattogram division (SII: 43.9), while education-based inequality was highest in the Sylhet division (SII: 47.7). Maternal employment and the number of ANC visits were also identified as significant determinants of a MAD, and the prevalence of a MAD was projected to increase from 42.5% in 2020 to 67.9% in 2030. Approximately two out of five children received a MAD in Bangladesh and significant socioeconomic and education-based inequalities in the MAD were observed. Subnational variation in socioeconomic and education-based inequalities in the MAD requires further public health attention, and poverty reduction programs need to be strengthened.

Polysulfido Chain in Binuclear Zinc(II) Complexes.

The synthesis and a detailed reactivity study of a binuclear zinc(II) bis(benzenethiolate) complex, [Zn2(BPMP)(SPh)2]+ (4), and an unprecedented binuclear zinc(II) pentasulfido complex, [Zn2(BPMP)(µ2-S5)]+ (6), are presented. While one-electron oxidation of the coordinated benzenethiolate ligands in 4 by Cp2Fe+ produces diphenyl disulfide and [Zn2(BPMP)(µ2-OH)]2+ (5), a two-electron redox reaction between coordinated benzenethiolate ligands in 4 and elemental S (S8) generated diphenyl disulfide and the binuclear zinc(II) pentasulfido complex 6. Complex 6 features a chelating, dianionic, pentasulfido (S52-) chain and can consume up to a maximum of 3 equiv of PPh3 to generate Ph3PS and 5, while the reaction of 6 with 1 equiv of diphenylphosphinoethane allowed the isolation of [Zn2(BPMP)(µ2-S4)]+ (7). A proteolysis reaction of the coordinated S52- chain in 6 with fluoroboric acid (HBF4), benzoic acid (PhCOOH), and thioacetic acid (MeCOSH) generates the complexes [Zn2(BPMP)(MeCN)2]3+ (1), [Zn2(BPMP)(µ2-PhCOO)2]+ (8), and [Zn2(BPMP)(µ2-SCOMe)2]+ (9), respectively, while the protonated S52- chain liberates S8 and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Finally, the transfer of the coordinated benzenethiolate ligands in 4 and the S52- chain in 6 to selected organic compounds, namely, PhCH2Br and PhC(O)Cl, for the generation of various organosulfur compounds is demonstrated.

Long segment Rosai-Dorfman disease-causing spinal cord compression: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Rosai-Dorfman disease is a rare, histiocytic lymphoproliferative disease of unknown etiology. It manifests mainly as painless cervical lymphadenopathy, with very few cases reported extranodal involvement in the central nervous system. Isolated spinal Rosai-Dorfman disease is sporadic. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report documents a rare instance of an isolated long-segment spinal Rosai-Dorfman disease (C4-D6) along with the review of relevant literature. A 33-year male presented with progressive quadriparesis and urinary retention. A magnetic resonance scan (MRI) revealed a long segment epidural lesion from C4-D6 levels that led to the displacement of the cord. A core biopsy of the spinal tumor revealed characteristic histiocytic emperipolesis and confirmational immunocytohistochemistry markers, confirming the diagnosis. Surgical resection and laminoplasty were performed. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The following histopathology and immunocytohistochemistry findings showed the presence of histiocytes positive for S100 and CD68 positive. Therefore, it was diagnosed to be a case of Rosai-Dorfman disease. The patient had a smooth postoperative recovery and displayed marked motor improvement in the ensuing days. This is a rare case that posed an intriguing challenge to approach. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, we have encountered one of the most prolonged segmental lesions in isolated spinal Rosai-Dorfman diseases, where surgical management (surgical resection and laminoplasty) has proven to bring about remarkable improvement.

Trends and projections of under-5 mortality in Bangladesh including the effects of maternal high-risk fertility behaviours and use of healthcare services.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines trends and puts forward projections of under-5 mortality (U5M) in Bangladesh and identifies the effects of maternal high-risk fertility behaviours and use of healthcare services. METHODS: Data from seven waves of the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (1994-2014) were analyzed for trends and projections of U5M and a Chi-square (χ2) test was used to identify if there was any association with maternal high-risk fertility behaviours and use of healthcare services. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the effects of fertility behaviors and healthcare usage on the occurrence of U5M adjusting with confounders. RESULTS: U5M declined from 82.5 to 41.0 per 1000 livebirths during 1994-2014 and is projected to further reduce to 17.6 per 1000 livebirths by 2030. The study identified a noticeable regional variation in U5M with maternal high-risk fertility behaviours including age at birth <18 years (aOR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.23-2.76) and birth interval <24 months (aOR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.02-2.37) found to be significant determinants. There was a 39-53% decline in this rate of mortality among women that had used antenatal care services at least four times (aOR, 0.51, 95% CI: 0.27-0.97), delivery care (aOR, 0.47, 95% CI: 0.24-0.95), and had received postnatal care (aOR, 0.61, 95% CI: 0.41-0.91) in their last birth. Cesarean section was found to be associated with a 51% reduction in U5M (aOR, 0.49, 95% CI: 0.29-0.82) compared to its non-use. CONCLUSION: The Sustainable Development Goals require a U5M rate of 25 per 1000 livebirths to be achieved by 2030. This study suggests that with the current trend of reduction, Bangladesh will achieve this target before the deadline. This study also found that maternal high-risk fertility behaviours and non-use of maternal healthcare services are very prevalent in some regions of Bangladesh and have increased the occurrence of U5M in those areas. This suggests therefore, that policies and programmes designed to reduce the pregnancy rates of women that are at risk and to encourage an increase in the use of maternal healthcare services are needed.

Accumulation of trace elements in selected fish and shellfish species from the largest natural carp fish breeding basin in Asia: a probabilistic human health risk implication.

Intake of fish contaminated with non-essential hazardous trace elements poses a significant risk to human health. In this study, trace elements (As, Pb, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn) were measured in edible tissues of seven commercially important fish and shellfish species (Otolithoides pama, Pseudapocryptes elongatus, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, Liza parse, Notropis atherinoides, Apocryptes bato, and Rhinomugil corsula) from a natural carp breeding basin, Halda river, Bangladesh. The elements were detected by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and the hierarchy of elemental levels (mg/kg) was Zn (61.56) > Pb (30.45) > Ni (26.81) > Cu (21.09) > As (1.49) > Cd (0.24). Among the analyzed elements, Pb, Ni, and Zn for some fish species exceeded the permissible dietary limit, suggested by national and international agencies. In addition, results of bioaccumulation factor (BAF) indicated that most of the studied species were bioaccumulative in nature (BAFs > 1000), and the mean BAF of elements were found in the following order: Zn (3156.74) > Ni (1629.30) > Cu (1566.77) > As (997.14) > Pb (259.98) > Cd (216.52). However, the species, L. parse being omnivorous represented the highest BAF (stored higher concentrations of metals) as compared to other species. The growth pattern of all the species was negatively allometric, and the health condition of the species varied from poor to good state revealed from the estimated Fulton's condition factor (FC). For the evaluation of health hazards, estimated weekly (EWI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR) were calculated for both adults and children. Results of EWI showed As, Pb, and Ni surpassed provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI)-recommended guidelines. The non-carcinogenic health effect (TTHQ) might not appear for both types of consumers (as TTHQ < 1), and CRs of all consumers were also in acceptable range (10-6 to 10-4). However, the probabilistic distribution through Monte Carlo simulation revealed that children were more vulnerable to non-carcinogenic (67.3%) and carcinogenic risk effect (47.3%) for Pb. Meanwhile, adults obtained the probability of 0.7% and 36% for THQ and CR effect, respectively, interpreting less vulnerable.

Women's empowerment is associated with maternal nutrition and low birth weight: evidence from Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey.

BACKGROUND: The burden of maternal undernutrition and low birth weight (LBW) incurs enormous economic costs due to their adverse consequences. Women's empowerment is believed to be one of the key factors for attaining maternal and child health and nutritional goals. Our objective was to investigate the association of women's empowerment with maternal undernutrition and LBW. METHODS: We used nationally representative data from the Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey for 2011 and 2014. We analysed 27357 women and 9234 mother-child pairs. A women's empowerment index (WEI) was constructed using principal component analysis with five groups of indicators: a) education, b) access to socio-familial decision making, c) economic contribution and access to economic decision making, d) attitudes towards domestic violence and e) mobility. We estimated odds ratios as the measure of association between the WEI and the outcome measures using generalized estimating equations to account for the cluster level correlation. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of maternal undernutrition was 20% and LBW was 18%. The WEI was significantly associated with both maternal undernutrition and LBW with a dose-response relationship. The adjusted odds of having a LBW baby was 32% [AOR (95% CI): 0.68 (0.57, 0.82)] lower in the highest quartile of the WEI relative to the lowest quartile. Household wealth significantly modified the effect of the WEI on maternal nutrition; in the highest wealth quintile, the odds of maternal undernutrition was 54% [AOR (95% CI): 0.46 (0.33, 0.64)] lower while in the lowest wealth quintile the odds of undernutrition was only 18% [AOR (95% CI): 0.82 (0.67, 1.00)] lower comparing the highest WEI quartile with the lowest WEI quartile. However, the absolute differences in prevalence of undernutrition between the highest and lowest WEI quartiles were similar across wealth quintiles (6-8%). CONCLUSIONS: This study used a comprehensive measure of women's empowerment and provides strong evidence that low levels of women's empowerment are associated with maternal undernutrition as well as with delivering LBW babies in Bangladesh. Therefore, policies to increase empowerment of women would contribute to improved public health.

Spin transition in a ferrous chloride complex supported by a pentapyridine ligand.

Ferrous chloride complexes [FeIILxCl] commonly attain a high-spin state independently of the supporting ligand(s) and temperature. Herein, we present the first report of a complete spin crossover with T1/2 = 80 K in [FeII(Py5OH)Cl]+ (Py5OH = pyridine-2,6-diylbis[di(pyridin-2-yl)methanol]). Both spin forms of the complex are analyzed by X-ray spectroscopy and DFT calculations.

Contamination of hospital surfaces with respiratory pathogens in Bangladesh.

With limited infection control practices in overcrowded Bangladeshi hospitals, surfaces may play an important role in the transmission of respiratory pathogens in hospital wards and pose a serious risk of infection for patients, health care workers, caregivers and visitors. In this study, we aimed to identify if surfaces near hospitalized patients with respiratory infections were contaminated with respiratory pathogens and to identify which surfaces were most commonly contaminated. Between September-November 2013, we collected respiratory (nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal) swabs from patients hospitalized with respiratory illness in adult medicine and paediatric medicine wards at two public tertiary care hospitals in Bangladesh. We collected surface swabs from up to five surfaces near each case-patient including: the wall, bed rail, bed sheet, clinical file, and multipurpose towel used for care giving purposes. We tested swabs using real-time multiplex PCR for 19 viral and 12 bacterial pathogens. Case-patients with at least one pathogen detected had corresponding surface swabs tested for those same pathogens. Of 104 patients tested, 79 had a laboratory-confirmed respiratory pathogen. Of the 287 swabs collected from surfaces near these patients, 133 (46%) had evidence of contamination with at least one pathogen. The most commonly contaminated surfaces were the bed sheet and the towel. Sixty-two percent of patients with a laboratory-confirmed respiratory pathgen (49/79) had detectable viral or bacterial nucleic acid on at least one surface. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most frequently detected pathogen on both respiratory swabs (32%, 33/104) and on surfaces near patients positive for this organism (97%, 32/33). Surfaces near patients hospitalized with respiratory infections were frequently contaminated by pathogens, with Klebsiella pneumoniae being most common, highlighting the potential for transmission of respiratory pathogens via surfaces. Efforts to introduce routine cleaning in wards may be a feasible strategy to improve infection control, given that severe space constraints prohibit cohorting patients with respiratory illness.

Effectiveness of an educational intervention to improve antibiotic dispensing practices for acute respiratory illness among drug sellers in pharmacies, a pilot study in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Inappropriate dispensing of antibiotics for acute respiratory illness (ARI) is common among drug sellers in Bangladesh. In this study, we evaluated the impact of an educational intervention to promote guidelines for better ARI management among drug sellers. METHODS: From June 2012 to December 2013, we conducted baseline and post-intervention surveys on dispensing practices in 100 pharmacies within Dhaka city. In these surveys, drug sellers participated in 6 standardized role-playing scenarios led by study staffs acting as caregivers of ARI patients and drug sellers were blinded to these surveys. After the baseline survey, we developed ARI guidelines and facilitated a one-day educational intervention about ARI management for drug sellers. Our guidelines only recommended antibiotics for children with complicated ARI. Finally, we conducted the six month post-intervention survey using the same scenarios to record changes in drug dispensing practices. RESULTS: Only 2/3 of participating pharmacies were licensed and few (11%) of drug sellers had pharmacy training. All the drug sellers were male, had a median age of 34 years (IQR 28-41). For children, dispensing of antibiotics for uncomplicated ARI decreased (30% baseline vs. 21% post-intervention; p = 0.04), but drug sellers were equally likely to dispense antibiotics for complicated ARI (15% baseline vs. 17% post-intervention; p = 0.6) and referrals to physicians for complicated ARIs decreased (70% baseline vs. 58% post-intervention; p = 0.03). For adults, antibiotic dispensing remained similar for uncomplicated ARI (48% baseline vs. 40% post-intervention; p = 0.1) but increased among those with complicated ARI (44% baseline vs. 78% post-intervention; p < 0.001). Although our evidence-based guidelines recommended against prescribing antihistamines for children, drug sellers continued to sell similar amounts for uncomplicated ARI (33% baseline vs. 32% post-intervention; p = 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the intervention, drug sellers continued to frequently dispense antibiotics for ARI, except for children with uncomplicated ARI. Pairing educational interventions among drug sellers with raising awareness about proper antibiotic use among general population should be further explored. In addition, annual licensing and an reaccreditation system with comprehensive monitoring should be enforced, using penalties for non-compliant pharmacies as possible incentives for appropriate dispensing practices.

Convergence of Humans, Bats, Trees, and Culture in Nipah Virus Transmission, Bangladesh.

Preventing emergence of new zoonotic viruses depends on understanding determinants for human risk. Nipah virus (NiV) is a lethal zoonotic pathogen that has spilled over from bats into human populations, with limited person-to-person transmission. We examined ecologic and human behavioral drivers of geographic variation for risk of NiV infection in Bangladesh. We visited 60 villages during 2011-2013 where cases of infection with NiV were identified and 147 control villages. We compared case villages with control villages for most likely drivers for risk of infection, including number of bats, persons, and date palm sap trees, and human date palm sap consumption behavior. Case villages were similar to control villages in many ways, including number of bats, persons, and date palm sap trees, but had a higher proportion of households in which someone drank sap. Reducing human consumption of sap could reduce virus transmission and risk for emergence of a more highly transmissible NiV strain.

Behaviour change intervention to improve shared toilet maintenance and cleanliness in urban slums of Dhaka: a cluster-randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Shared toilets in urban slums are often unclean and poorly maintained, discouraging consistent use and thereby limiting impacts on health and quality of life. We developed behaviour change interventions to support shared toilet maintenance and improve user satisfaction. We report the intervention effectiveness on improving shared toilet cleanliness. METHODS: We conducted a cluster-randomised controlled trial among users of 1226 shared toilets in 23 Dhaka slums. We assessed baseline toilet cleanliness in January 2015. The six-month intervention included provision of hardware (bin for solid waste, 4 l flushing bucket, 70 l water reservoir), and behaviour change communication (compound meetings, interpersonal household sessions, signs depicting rules for toilet use). We estimated the adjusted difference in difference (DID) to assess outcomes and accounted for clustering effects using generalised estimating equations. RESULTS: Compared to controls, intervention toilets were more likely to have water available inside toilet cubicles (DID: +4.7%, 95% CI: 0.2, 9.2), access to brush/broom for cleaning (DID: +8.4%, 95% CI: 2, 15) and waste bins (DID: +63%, 95% CI: 59, 66), while less likely to have visible faeces inside the pan (DID: -13%, 95% CI: -19, -5), the smell of faeces (DID: -7.6%, 95% CI: -14, -1.3) and household waste inside the cubicle (DID: -4%, 95% CI: -7, -1). CONCLUSIONS: In one of few efforts to promote shared toilet cleanliness, intervention compounds were significantly more likely to have cleaner toilets after six months. Future research might explore how residents can self-finance toilet maintenance, or employ mass media to reduce per-capita costs of behaviour change.

Respiratory Viruses Associated Hospitalization among Children Aged <5 Years in Bangladesh: 2010-2014.

BACKGROUND: We combined hospital-based surveillance and health utilization survey data to estimate the incidence of respiratory viral infections associated hospitalization among children aged < 5 years in Bangladesh. METHODS: Surveillance physicians collected respiratory specimens from children aged <5 years hospitalized with respiratory illness and residing in the primary hospital catchment areas. We tested respiratory specimens for respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza viruses, human metapneumovirus, influenza, adenovirus and rhinoviruses using rRT-PCR. During 2013, we conducted a health utilization survey in the primary catchment areas of the hospitals to determine the proportion of all hospitalizations for respiratory illness among children aged <5 years at the surveillance hospitals during the preceding 12 months. We estimated the respiratory virus-specific incidence of hospitalization by dividing the estimated number of hospitalized children with a laboratory confirmed infection with a respiratory virus by the population aged <5 years of the catchment areas and adjusted for the proportion of children who were hospitalized at the surveillance hospitals. RESULTS: We estimated that the annual incidence per 1000 children (95% CI) of all cause associated respiratory hospitalization was 11.5 (10-12). The incidences per 1000 children (95% CI) per year for respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza, adenovirus, human metapneumovirus and influenza infections were 3(2-3), 0.5(0.4-0.8), 0.4 (0.3-0.6), 0.4 (0.3-0.6), and 0.4 (0.3-0.6) respectively. The incidences per 1000 children (95%CI) of rhinovirus-associated infections among hospitalized children were 5 (3-7), 2 (1-3), 1 (0.6-2), and 3 (2-4) in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that respiratory viruses are associated with a substantial burden of hospitalization in children aged <5 years in Bangladesh.