Prevalence and determinants of discrimination or harassment of women: Analysis of cross-sectional data from Bangladesh.

This study aimed to explore the prevalence and determinants of discrimination against or harassment among Bangladeshi women. The nationally representative cross-sectional data of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019 were employed in the study. Women aged 15-49 were asked whether they felt discrimination or harassment due to seven potential reasons in the last twelve months before the survey. The outcome was a binary variable indicating whether a woman has experienced discrimination or harassment for any of the seven reasons. Responses were obtained from 64378 women and analysed through bivariate and multivariate procedures. The data had a hierarchical structure since women were nested within the clusters. A mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to analyse the data appropriately. A strong association between discrimination or harassment was seen with the functional difficulties of women. Notably, women with functional difficulties were 1.629 times more likely to experience discrimination or harassment than women without such difficulties. Other significant factors were the respondents' area, age, education, current marital status, wealth index quintile and ethnicity. The study concludes that education, marital status, functional difficulties and wealth index are the most important determinants of discrimination or harassment of women.

Polymeric Nanogel for Oral Delivery of the Chemotherapeutic Agent: Fabrication and Evaluation Alongside Toxicological Studies and Histopathological Examination.

Nanogel has attracted considerable attention as one of the most versatile drug delivery systems, especially for site-specific and/or time-controlled delivery of the chemotherapeutic agent. The main objective of this study was to prepare the polymeric nanogel characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning, and oral acute toxicity. Free radical polymerization was done for the fabrication of polymeric nanogel. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to confirm the successful free radical polymerization. Various techniques such as x-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetric, and thermogravimetric analysis measurement were used to investigate the thermal behavior and crystallinity of developed nanogel. Parameters such as swelling, drug loading, and in vitro drug release is enhanced as polymers and monomers concentrations increase while these parameters decrease in case of increasing crosslinker concentration. The oral biocompatibility results of developed nanogel exhibited no toxicity in rabbits. Histopathological changes were observed between empty and loaded group. The nanosized gel offers a specific surface area which increases the stability of loaded drug (oxaliplatin) and bioavailability of the drug (oxaliplatin) as compared to the conventional drug delivery systems.

Core-shell Pluronic F127/chitosan based nanoparticles for effective delivery of methotrexate in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.

This study was designed to improve oral bioavailability of the methotrexate (MTX) by sustaining its release profile and integration into core-shell polymeric nanoparticles. The self-micellization and ionotropic gelation technique was employed which resulted into spherical shaped nanoparticles (181-417 nm) with encapsulation efficiency of 80.14% to 85.54%. Furthermore, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimetry analyses were carried out to investigate physicochemical and thermal stability of the produced engineered core shell nanoparticles of the methotrexate. . Entrapment of drug in polymeric core was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. In-vitro sustained release behavior of nanoparticles was observed at pH 6.8 for 48 h while low drug release was observed at pH 1.2 due to pH-responsive nature of Pluronic F127. Acute toxicity study confirmed safety and biocompatible profile of nanoparticles. MTX loaded polymeric nanoparticles ameliorated the pharmacokinetic profile (8 folds greater half-life, 6.26 folds higher AUC0-t and 3.48 folds higher mean residence time). In vivo study conducted in rat model depicted the improved therapeutic efficacy and healing of arthritis through MTX loaded polymeric nanoparticles, preferentially attributable to high accretion of MTX in the inflamed site. In conclusion, MTX loaded polymeric nanoparticles is an attractive drug delivery strategy for an effective management and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Ethnobotanical uses of medicinal plants in the highlands of Soan Valley, Salt Range, Pakistan.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Two thirds of the world's population relies on medicinal plants for centuries for several human pathologies. Present study aimed to identify, catalogue and document the large number of medicinal plants used in traditional medicine in Soan Valley, Salt Range, Pakistan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Informal interviews were conducted involving a total of 255 villagers (155 male and 65 female and 35 herbalists) to elicit the knowledge and use of medicinal plants. RESULTS: Local communities possessed knowledge of fifty eight (58) medicinal plant species belonging to thirty five (35) families to treat fifteen ailment categories. Whole plant and leaves were the most frequently used plant parts (24%) followed by seed (14%), root (12%), flower (7%), bulb (6%), fruit (4%), stem (3%), latex and rhizome (2%) and sap and gum (1%). Frequently used growth forms of medicinal plants were wild herbs (63%) followed by cultivated herbs (14%), wild trees (11%), wild shrubs (10%) and wild and cultivated herbs (2%). Preparations were administrated generally through oral and topical routes. Local people were familiar mostly with the species in order to deal common ailments particularly cough, cold, digestive problems, fever, headache, and skin infections. Complex ailments were treated by traditional healers. Justica adhatoda, Olea ferruginea, Amaranthus viridis and Mentha royleana were identified as plants with high use value (UV). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that the area harbors high diversity of medicinal flora. Despite gradual socio-cultural transformation, local communities still hold ample knowledge of plants and their uses. The reliance on traditional medicines was associated with the lack of modern health care facilities, poverty and the traditional belief of their effectiveness. Medicinal plants play a significant role in management of various human diseases in the study area. A high degree of consensus among the informants was an indicative that plant use and knowledge were still strong, and preservation of this knowledge showed good foresight in the future. Awareness was thus needed to be raised among local people on sustainable utilization and management of plant resources.