A perspective on the worst ever dengue outbreak 2023 in Bangladesh: What makes this old enemy so deadly, and how can we combat it?

Background and Aims: Bangladesh has been going through outbreaks of dengue fever cases every year since 2000. Yet this year's (2023) episode of dengue fever has crossed every line concerning fatality. Symptoms of the fever range from high fever, headaches, and muscle aches to deadly dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). The present review aims to assess the current pathogenicity and associated risk factors of recent dengue outbreaks in Bangladesh. Methods: To perform this review work, we extracted relevant information from published articles available in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. We used dengue virus, dengue fever, and dengue outbreaks as keywords while searching for information. Results: This Aedes mosquito-transmitted viral fever is more common in Bangladesh because of the tropical nature and immense burden of populations, resulting in convenient conditions for the reproduction of the vector. The rapid genetic transformation of this RNA virus and the resistance of its vector against insecticides have intensified the situation. The number of hospitalized patients has increased, and the case fatality rate has risen to 0.47%. Inadequate mosquito control measures, plenty of vector breeding sites, and a lack of public awareness have worsened the situation. Routine spraying of effective insecticides in high-risk zones, regular inspection of potential mosquito breeding sites, and public awareness campaigns are the keys to limiting the spread of this virus. Also, the availability of detection kits, improved hospital settings, and trained health professionals are mandatory to keep disease fatalities under control. Conclusion: Dengue fever is a preventable disease. The successful development of a competent vaccine is now a prime need for preventing any future upsurge of the disease. Also, we recommend public awareness, vector control activities, and global collaboration to prevent spread.

A comprehensive account on ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacological insights of genus Celtis.

The plants of Celtis L. genus have been traditionally used to cure aches, sore throats, fevers, cancer, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual weakness, diarrhea, stomach problems, amenorrhea, menstrual disorders, kidney stones, and pain. The review aims to give a comprehensive account of the current state of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and biological activities of the Celtis genus, as well as to describe the potential area of future avenues. Information on the Celtis genus was obtained from internet sources such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and so on by using appropriate keywords, including ethnobotanical, pharmacological, pharmaceutical, bioactivity, phytochemistry, and botanical features of the Celtis genus. This review identified 14 species in the genus Celtis that have a phytopharmacological investigation, including C.africana Burm. f., C. australis L., C. occidentalis L., C. sinensis Pers., C. philippensis Blanco., C. tetrandra Roxb., C. tessmannii Rendle., C. jessoensis Koidz., C. adolfi-friderici Engl., C. iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg., C. laevigata Wild., C. pallida Torr., C. zenkeri Engl., and C. tournefortii Lam. This genus contains many classified phytoconstituents, such as terpenoids, organic acids, flavonoids, and volatile compounds. Their extracts and pure substances have been shown to have the same anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, urease-inhibiting, and antidiarrheal properties as their traditional uses. In terms of current information on ethnopharmacology, phytochemicals, and pharmacological uses, the data acquired in this review could be beneficial and needed for future research. Some phytoconstituents (for instance, kaempferol, myricetin, quercetin, and eugenol) and extracts (for example, leaves, seeds, and ripe fruits extracts of C. australis) showed tremendous results in preliminary testing with promising antimicrobial, anticancer, and urease inhibitory effects. Further research and clinical investigations are needed to develop them as lead compounds and neutraceuticals, which may provide an advance over traditional medicinal systems.

Mediating effect of BMI on the association of economic status and coexistence of hypertension and diabetes in Bangladesh: A counterfactual framework-based weighting approach.

Background and Aims: Non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes are matters of huge concern worldwide, with an increasing trend in prevalence over the previous decade. First of all, this study aimed to evaluate the association between economic status (ES) and body mass index (BMI), ES and comorbidity of hypertension and diabetes, and BMI and comorbidity independently. Second, it explored the mediating role of BMI in the association between ES and comorbidity of hypertension and diabetes. Finally, it investigated whether the mediating effect differs with the place of residence, gender, and education levels. Methods: A total of 11,291 complete cases from the Bangladesh demographic and health survey 2017-18 were utilized for this study. Survey-based binary logistic regression or multiple logistic regression was used to find the association among outcome, exposure, and mediator variables, and a counterfactual framework-based weighting approach was utilized for mediation analysis. Results: Middle-income (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.696, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.219, 2.360) and rich (AOR: 2.770, CI: 2.054, 3.736) respondents were more likely to have comorbidity of hypertension and diabetes compared to the poor. The odds of comorbidity increased with the increase in BMI. A positive association was observed between ES and BMI. A significant mediating role of BMI in the association between ES and comorbidity was found. We observed that 19.85% (95% CI: 11.50%, 49.6%) and 20.35% (95% CI: 14.9%, 29.3%) of total effect was mediated by BMI for middle and rich respondents, respectively, compared to the poor. Conclusions: The mediating role of BMI was greater for female, no or primary educated respondents, and respondents from rural areas. Therefore, the study will facilitate policymakers of Bangladesh and other countries with a similar set-up to decide on health policies regarding hypertension and diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus, the fastest growing global public health concern: Early detection should be focused.

Background and Aims: Diabetes is recognized as a significant factor in both mortality and morbidity worldwide, affecting various demographics regardless of geographic location, age group, or gender. This correspondence aims to express concern and draw the attention of leaders and policymakers worldwide to this critical public health issue. Methods: A thorough literature search was conducted utilizing various databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) website, to collect the required data. Keywords were strategically applied to enhance search results, with preference given to English-language articles containing pertinent information. Results: According to the 2021 report by the IDF, approximately 537 million individuals globally were affected with diabetes, constituting roughly 10.5% of the world's populace. This condition incurred healthcare expenditures totaling $966 billion. Projections indicate a surge in diabetes cases to 783 million by 2045, with associated healthcare costs estimated to surpass $1054 billion. However, almost half of all people with diabetes are unaware of their medical condition, with the highest prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes Mellitus (DM) found in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) of the regions of Africa, the Western Pacific, and Southeast Asia. Conclusion: Collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO), LMIC governments should improve healthcare accessibility, including more frequent diabetes screenings for individuals aged ≥ 45 years and younger individuals at elevated risk of having a family history.

Association between short birth spacing and child malnutrition in Bangladesh: a propensity score matching approach.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the effects of short birth spacing (SBS), which is defined as a period of less than 33 months between two successive births, on multiple concurrent forms of child malnutrition (MCFCM) and at least one form of child malnutrition (ALOFCM) using propensity score matching (PSM). METHODS: This study used data extracted from the 2017-18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. PSM with four different distance functions, including logistic regression, classification and regression tree, single hidden layer neural network and random forest, were performed to evaluate the effects of SBS on MCFCM and ALOFCM. We also explored how the effects were modified in different subsamples, including women's empowerment, education and economic status (women's 3E index)-constructed based on women's decision-making autonomy, education level, and wealth index, and age at marriage, and place of residence. RESULTS: The prevalence of SBS was 22.16% among the 4652 complete cases. The matched samples of size 2062 generated by PSM showed higher odds of MCFCM (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.25, 95% CI=1.02 to 1.56, p=0.038) and ALOFCM (AOR=1.20, 95% CI=1.01 to 1.42, p=0.045) for the SBS children compared with their counterparts. In the subsample of women with 3E index≥50% coverage, the SBS children showed higher odds of MCFCM (AOR: 1.43, 95% CI=1.03 to 2.00, p=0.041] and ALOFCM (AOR: 1.33, 95% CI=1.02 to 1.74, p=0.036). Higher odds of MCFCM (AOR=1.27, 95% CI=1.02 to 1.58, p=0.036) and ALOFCM (AOR=1.23, 95% CI=1.02 to 1.51, p=0.032) for SBS children than normal children were also evident for the subsample of mothers married at age≤18 years. CONCLUSION: SBS was significantly associated with child malnutrition, and the effect was modified by factors such as women's autonomy and age at marriage.

Two rare flavonoid glycosides from Litsea glutinosa (Lour.) C. B. Rob.: experimental and computational approaches endorse antidiabetic potentiality.

BACKGROUND: Litsea glutinosa (Lour.) C. B. Rob. belongs to the Litsea genus and is categorized under the family of Lauraceae. The study aimed to investigate the phytoconstituents and pharmacological properties of methanol extract of leaves of Litsea glutinosa, focusing on antidiabetic activity via in vivo and in silico techniques. METHODS: Extensive chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques were applied to isolate and characterize the constituents from the L. glutinosa plant species. The antidiabetic activity was studied in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mice, and the computational study of the isolated compounds was carried out by utilizing AutoDock Vina programs. In addition, the pharmacokinetic properties in terms of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) and toxicological profiles of the isolated compounds were examined via in silico techniques. RESULTS: In the present study, two flavonoid glycosides 4΄-O-methyl (2 ̋,4 ̋-di-E-p-coumaroyl) afzelin (1) and quercetin 3-O-(2 ̋,4 ̋-di-E-p-coumaroyl)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (2) were isolated from the leaves of L. glutinosa and characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and mass spectral data. Although compounds 1 and 2 have been reported twice from Machilis litseifolia and Lindera akoensis, and Machilis litseifolia and Mammea longifolia, respectively, this is the first report of this isolation from a Litsea species. Administering the methanolic extract of L. glutinosa at doses of 300 and 500 mg/kg/day to mice with diabetes induced by streptozotocin led to a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose levels (p < 0.05) starting from the 7th day of treatment. Besides, the computational study and PASS analysis endorsed the current in vivo findings that the both isolated compounds exerted higher binding affinities to human pancreatic α-amylase and aldose reductase than the conventional drugs. The in silico ADMET analysis revealed that the both isolated compounds have a favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profile suitable for human consumption. CONCLUSION: According to the current outcomes obtained from in vivo and in silico techniques, the leaf extract of L. glutinosa could be a natural remedy for treating diabetes, and the isolated phytoconstituents could be applied against various illnesses, mainly hyperglycemia. However, more investigations are required for extensive phytochemical isolation and pharmacological activities of these phytoconstituents against broader targets with exact mechanisms of action.

Association between flaunting behaviors on social media and among the general population in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study.

Background and Aims: The number of social media users is growing with each passing day at full tilt, keeping pace with digitalization and technological advances. Despite several advantages, there are also certain negative aspects to using social networking sites (SNS) for communication, amusement, self-expression, impression management, and other purposes. This study sought to investigate the association between mental health status and flaunting behaviors in social media among the general population in Bangladesh. Methods: We conducted this nationwide cross-sectional online survey among 465 people aged between 18 and 60 between October 15, 2021 and January 15, 2022. Following electronic consent, we collected the socio-demographic profiles and psychometric parameters of the respondents. Additionally, we assessed the diverse perspectives on SNS usage and its relationship to the self-reported symptoms of depression and loneliness. Results: The estimated prevalence of loneliness and depressive symptoms were 65.16% (mild: 39.57%, moderate: 16.56%, severe: 9.03%) and 55.49% (mild: 26.67%, moderate: 22.15%, severe: 6.67%), respectively. Key factors associated with flaunting on social media were mental health issues such as depression and loneliness. Several social factors were also considered, such as being young, of the male sex, unmarried, illiterate, a student, urban dwelling, average economic status, nuclear family structure, types of SNSs, checking social media first in the morning, and the use of SNS for gaining popularity. Conclusion: A significant portion of SNS users reported symptoms of mental illness. Current study findings urge for longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes to have a nearly equal distribution of users from each social media platform for in-depth exploration of how user attitudes about SNSs and site usage patterns impact the general public's mental health. We suggest that regulating SNS usage patterns and treatment approaches would improve the situation.

Cardioprotection of Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica), Wood Apple (Limonia acidissima) and Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) on Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Rat Model.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacological efficacy of 3 functional foods (Water spinach, Wood apple, and Linseed) against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and oxidative stress in rat models. Methods: Twenty-five Wistar Albino rats (male and female) were equally classified into 5 groups. Except for the normal control (NC) group, the animals received 2.5 mg/kg doxorubicin (DOX) intra-peritoneal injection at 48 hours intervals to create a dose of 15 mg/kg overall for 14 days. Simply a standard diet was given to the NC and DOX groups. In the 3 treatment groups such as water spinach (DOX + WS), wood apple (DOX + WA), and linseed (DOX + LS), rats were given 14 gm/day/rat fried water spinach, mashed wood apple, roasted linseed, respectively mixed with regular rat diet at 1:1 ratio. Blood and heart samples were collected by sacrificing all the rats on the last of the experiment day (the 15th day). LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), CK-MB (creatine kinase myocardial band), MDA (malondialdehyde), and SOD (superoxide dismutase) were analyzed. Additionally, histopathological analysis was conducted for final observation. Results: The functional foods were indicated to lower the serum cardiac biomarkers (LDH and CK-MB) as well as stress marker (MDA) significantly (P < .05) and improved heart function and oxidative stress. However, the change in serum SOD level was noted as statistically insignificant (P > .05). The biochemical outcomes of the food intervention groups were supported by the histological findings found in those groups. Conclusion: Consuming the investigated foods containing antioxidant phytochemicals may combat cardiac toxicity and oxidative stress. Nonetheless, thorough investigations and clinical monitoring are required to understand these functional foods' mechanism of action and dose-response effects in treating cardiotoxicity and oxidative stress.

Exploring therapeutic potential of Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz leaf and bark focusing on antioxidant, antithrombotic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antidiarrheal properties.

Background and Aims: The study aimed to evaluate the pharmacological properties of methanolic extracts of leaves and barks of Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz (family: Lythraceae) focusing on antioxidant, thrombolytic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, analgesic, and antidiarrheal effects. Methods: 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, clot lysis, disc diffusion, and membrane stabilizing methods were employed to assess in vitro antioxidant, thrombolytic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties of the leaf and bark methanolic extracts (ME) of W. fruticosa and different organic solvents, that is, petroleum ether (PE), dichloromethane (DCM), chloroform (CL), and aqueous (AQ) fractions. In addition, in vivo central and peripheral analgesic and antidiarrheal activities of both crude extracts were evaluated at two doses (200 and 400 mg/kg of body weight [bw]). Results: All the extracts and fractions showed promising antioxidant properties by scavenging DDPH free radicals with IC50 of 6.11-20.79 µg/mL. AQ fraction (41.24%) of leaves and ME (44.90%) of bark exerted notable in vitro thrombolytic activity. The CL fraction of leaves and AQ fraction of the bark showed 43.16% and 45.37% inhibition of RBC hemolysis, respectively, compared to the inhibition of RBC hemolysis by aspirin in a hypotonic-induced membrane stabilizing assay. Besides, both extracts were observed to provide significant (p < 0.001) central and peripheral analgesic responses at both doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg bw. Furthermore, both doses of bark extract (p < 0.001) and the 400 mg/kg bw of leaf extract (p < 0.05) were observed to possess statistically significant antidiarrheal activity. Additionally, in an in vivo acute toxicity investigation, both extracts had a median lethal dose (LD50) greater than 5000 mg/kg bw, indicating their safety level. Conclusion: The current study proves the ethnomedicinal uses of W. fruticosa; however, further studies are required for phytochemical screening to isolate the responsible bioactive compounds and discover the lead molecules from the plant species.

Chemico-pharmacological and computational studies of Ophiorrhiza fasciculata D. Don and Psychotria silhetensis Hook. f. focusing cytotoxic, thrombolytic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.

The current study sought to examine the pharmacological potentials of crude methanolic extracts of Ophiorrhiza fasciculata and Psychotria silhetensis, as well as their various solvent fractionates, with a focus on cytotoxic, thrombolytic, membrane stabilizing, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities via in vitro and in silico approaches. The extensive chromatographic and spectroscopic analyses confirmed and characterized two compounds as (±)-licarin B (1) and stigmasterol (2) from O. fasciculata and P. silhetensis, respectively. Petroleum ether soluble fraction of O. fasciculata and the aqueous soluble fraction of P. silhetensis showed the lowest 50% lethal concentrations (1.41 and 1.94 µg/mL, respectively) in brine shrimp bioassay. Likewise, petroleum ether soluble fraction of O. fasciculata and aqueous soluble fraction of P. silhetensis showed the highest thrombolytic activity with 46.66% and 50.10% lyses of the clot, respectively. The methanol and dichloromethane soluble fractions of O. fasciculata reduced erythrocyte hemolysis by 64.03% and 37.08%, respectively, under hypotonic and heat-induced conditions, compared to 81.97% and 42.12% for standard acetylsalicylic acid. In antioxidant activity test, aqueous soluble fraction O. fasciculata (IC50 = 7.22 µg/mL) revealed promising antioxidant potentialities in comparison to standard butylated hydroxytoluene (IC50 = 21.20 µg/mL). In antibacterial screening, chloroform, and dichloromethane soluble fractions of P. silhetensis showed a mild antibacterial activity compared with the standard drug ciprofloxacin. Additionally, the molecular docking study corroborated the current in vitro findings, and the isolated two constituents had higher binding affinities toward epidermal growth factor receptor, tissue plasminogen activator, vFLIP-IKK gamma stapled peptide dimer, glutathione reductase, and dihydrofolate reductase enzyme than their corresponding standard drugs. In addition, the both isolated compounds exerted favorable pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) and toxicological profiles with drug-like qualities in computational-based ADMET and drug likeliness analyses. The current research suggests that both plants have potential as a natural treatment for treating thrombosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. However, more thorough research is required to thoroughly screen for phytochemicals and pinpoint the precise mechanisms of action of the bioactive metabolites derived from these plants against a broad range of molecular targets.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties of endophytic fungi isolated from Thysanolaena maxima Roxb., Dracaena spicata Roxb. and Aglaonema hookerianum Schott.

BACKGROUND: Endophytic fungi have recently been recognized as an impressive source of natural biomolecules. The primary objective of the research was to isolate fungal endophytes from Thysanolaena maxima Roxb., Dracaena spicata Roxb. and Aglaonema hookerianum Schott. of Bangladesh and assess their pharmacological potentialities focusing on antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties. METHODS: The fungal isolates were identified up to the genus level by analyzing their macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Ethyl acetate extracts of all the fungal isolates were screened for different bioactivities, including antimicrobial (disc diffusion method), antioxidant (DPPH scavenging assay), and cytotoxic (brine shrimp lethality bioassay) activities. RESULTS: Among the thirteen isolates, Fusarium sp. was the most recognized genus, while the others belonged to Colletotrichum sp. and Pestalotia sp. Comparing the bioactivity of all the extracts, Fusarium sp. was shown to be the most effective endophyte, followed by Colletotrichum sp. and Pestalotia sp. In the antimicrobial study, two isolates of Fusarium sp. (internal strain nos. DSLE-1 and AHPE-4) showed inhibitory activity against all the tested bacteria and the highest zone of inhibition (15.5 ± 0.4 mm) was exerted by AHPE-4 against Bacillus subtillis. All the fungal isolates produced mild to moderate free radical scavenging activity, where the highest antioxidant activity was revealed by one isolate of Fusarium sp. (internal strain no. AHPE-3) with an IC50 value of 84.94 ± 0.41 µg/mL. The majority of Fusarium sp. isolates exhibited notable cytotoxic activity, where AHPE-4 exhibited the highest cytotoxicity, having the LC50 value of 14.33 ± 4.5 µg/mL. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study endorsed that the fungal endophytes isolated from T. maxima, D. spicata, and A. hookerianum hold potential as valuable origins of bioactive substances. Nevertheless, more comprehensive research is warranted, which could develop novel natural compounds from these endophytes to treat various infectious and cancerous diseases.

The WHO has declared the end of pandemic phase of COVID-19: Way to come back in the normal life.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in significant global mortality and morbidity affecting millions of lives. As healthcare authorities worldwide are still paying substantial attention to COVID-19, other diseases continue to cause more deaths than COVID-19. The decreasing number of COVID-19 cases and deaths indicates that the pandemic is close to the end. For effective pandemic management, healthcare facilities worldwide have established COVID-19 units and testing facilities, instituting infection prevention and control measures, and employing telehealth services. Healthcare professionals have identified some promising treatments for COVID-19; also, mass vaccinations have improved patient outcomes. Instead of COVID-19 as a pandemic, it is time to pay more attention to other diseases to lessen their impact on public health. Therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the end of the pandemic phase of COVID-19 considering the current COVID-19 situation and our preparedness, past pandemic experience, and long pandemic impact on social and economic life on May 5, 2023. In this article, we briefly discussed the present challenges due to COVID-19, necessary precautions, and future directions to return to life as before COVID-19.

Climate Change and Aging Health in Developing Countries.

The climate of the Earth has changed throughout history. Climate change negatively impacts human rights in a wide range of ways. The study aims to find out the impact of climate change on aging health in developing countries. The study found that public health will be devastated if climate change continues unabated. Countries that are least responsible for global warming are most susceptible to the effects of higher temperatures, such as death and disease. In low- and middle-income countries, disasters are more likely to happen to people aged 60 and over. Although climate change affects all of us, older people are especially at risk from it, as evidenced by a growing body of research. The study also offers countermeasures and suggestions to develop aging health in developing countries affected by climate change.

Child drowning and associated risk factors: Findings from a qualitative study in Bangladesh.

Background: World Health Organization (WHO) has classified drowning as a major public health problem. The most vulnerable victims of drowning are children from low and middle-income countries. Previously, it was the primary cause of death among children aged between 1 and 17 years in Bangladesh. Aims: This study explored the surrounding circumstances and associated factors of child drownings in Bangladesh. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological approach has been used to conduct the study. Bangladesh was chosen as the study area, and data were gathered using a semi-structured, open-ended questionnaire. Using convenience and snowball sampling methods, we have collected data from Dhaka and seven additional districts in Bangladesh. We reached a total of 44 individuals, where 22 agreed to participate in an interview (face-to-face and online interviews). The remaining 22 participants were selected in two focus group discussions via the web platform "ZOOM cloud meeting." Results: Our investigation revealed several factors associated with child drowning, including a lack of adequate parental supervision and monitoring, geographic locations and environment, seasonal factors, low living standards, peer pressure and risky behaviors, social stigma and prejudices, and natural disasters and calamities. According to our findings, a lower socioeconomic position is linked to a higher risk of nonfatal drowning. Moreover, this research also indicates a substantial nexus between child drowning fatalities and the socioeconomic conditions of the families of the victims. Conclusion: The study adds to the existing body of knowledge by underlining the associated factors of child drowning fatalities in Bangladesh, which will aid in developing preventive policies. An essential aspect of any drowning prevention program for Bangladesh should be enhanced for community awareness of safe water rescue and resuscitation practices.

The recent outbreaks of Marburg virus disease in African countries are indicating potential threat to the global public health: Future prediction from historical data.

Marburg virus disease (MVD) caused by the Marburg virus has a high mortality rate. Rousettus aegyptiacus fruit bats act as the natural reservoir host of the virus. But it can also potentially be transmitted from person to person through direct contact with body secretions. The recent outbreaks have already killed seven people out of nine confirmed cases in Equatorial Guinea and five patients out of eight confirmed cases in Tanzania. In the recent past, Ghana reported three MVD cases and two associated deaths in 2022. Specific treatments or vaccines are unavailable for MVD, and supportive care is the primary treatment option. The history of MVD outbreaks and the current scenario show its potential to become an emerging threat to global public health. The recent outbreaks in Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea have already caused a high fatality rate. The absence of effective treatment and vaccines raises concerns about the potential to cause widespread harm. Besides, its capacity for human-to-human transmission and potential to cross the country's border could result in a multicountry outbreak. Therefore, we recommend intensive surveillance of MVD, preventative measures, and early detection to limit the spread of the disease and prevent another pandemic.

Irrational use of antibiotics and factors associated with antibiotic resistance: Findings from a cross-sectional study in Bangladesh.

Background and aims: Irrational antibiotic (AB) usage poses a serious concern to third-world countries because of poor surveillance, lack of information, and patients' propensity for self-medication. Additionally, the unpredictability of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic promoted the abuse of ABs, which accelerated the prevalence of antibiotic resistance (ABR). The primary aim of this study was to assess the pattern of AB usage and irrational use of ABs-related potential factors associated with ABR among the students and teachers of a leading public university of Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among the students and teachers (n = 783) of the selected university, from January 1 to February 28, 2022. Descriptive statistics, χ 2 test, and logistic regression analysis were employed to analyze the collected data. Results: The regression analysis supported that male participants had a 34% lower experience of acquiring ABR than female respondents (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.448, 0.973; p = 0.036). The 1st/2nd-year level students had more than two times higher experience with ABR than the master's or higher-class students (AOR = 2.149, 95% CI = 1.047, 4.412; p = 0.037). The participants who took ABs for 4-6 days showed more than two times ABR experience than those who took ABs for above 10 days (AOR = 2.016, 95% CI = 1.016, 4.003; p = 0.045). Respondents who finished their AB medication (dose completion) had a 57% less chance of acquiring ABR than the participants who did not complete their dose. Conclusion: This study found that irrational use of ABs is more prevalent among the youth and female participants. At this stage, there is an urgent need for comprehensive statutory AB control rules, as well as measures for appropriate information, education, and surveillance throughout different groups of Bangladesh.

Exploring the multifunctional roles of quantum dots for unlocking the future of biology and medicine.

With recent advancements in nanomedicines and their associated research with biological fields, their translation into clinically-applicable products is still below promises. Quantum dots (QDs) have received immense research attention and investment in the four decades since their discovery. We explored the extensive biomedical applications of QDs, viz. Bio-imaging, drug research, drug delivery, immune assays, biosensors, gene therapy, diagnostics, their toxic effects, and bio-compatibility. We unravelled the possibility of using emerging data-driven methodologies (bigdata, artificial intelligence, machine learning, high-throughput experimentation, computational automation) as excellent sources for time, space, and complexity optimization. We also discussed ongoing clinical trials, related challenges, and the technical aspects that should be considered to improve the clinical fate of QDs and promising future research directions.