Microplastics as an emerging threat to amphibians: Current status and future perspectives.

Given their pervasiveness in the environment, particularly in aquatic ecosystems, plastics are posing a growing concern worldwide. Many vertebrates and invertebrates in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems exhibit microplastic (MP) uptake and accumulation. Some studies have indicated the fatal impacts of MPs on animals and their possible transfer through food chains. Thus, it is crucial to study MP pollution and its impacts on environment-sensitive and globally threatened animal groups, such as amphibians, which also play an important role in the energy transfer between ecosystems. Unfortunately, research in this field is lacking and sources of organized information are also scarce. Hence, we systematically reviewed published literature on MPs in amphibians to fill the existing knowledge gap. Our review revealed that most of the previous studies have focused on MP bioaccumulation in amphibians, whereas, only a few research highlighted its impacts. We found that more than 80% of the studied species exhibited MP accumulation. MPs were reported to persist in different organs for a long time and get transferred to other trophic levels. They can also exhibit cytotoxic and mutagenic effects and may have fatal impacts. Moreover, they can increase the disease susceptibility of amphibians. Our study concludes the MPs as a potential threat to amphibians and urges increasing the scope and frequency of research on MP pollution and its impacts on this vulnerable animal group. We also provide a generalized method for studying MPs in amphibians with future perspectives and research directions. Our study is significant for extending the knowledge of MPs and their impacts on amphibians and guiding prospective research.

Pathogen group-specific risk factors for intramammary infection in water buffalo.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of intramammary infection (IMI) associated bacteria and to identify risk factors for pathogen group-specific IMI in water buffalo in Bangladesh. A California Mastitis Test (CMT) and bacteriological cultures were performed on 1,374 quarter milk samples collected from 763 water buffalo from 244 buffalo farms in nine districts in Bangladesh. Quarter, buffalo, and farm-related data were obtained through questionnaires and visual observations. A total of 618 quarter samples were found to be culture positive. Non-aureus staphylococci were the predominant IMI-associated bacterial species, and Staphylococcus (S.) chromogenes, S. hyicus, and S. epidermidis were the most common bacteria found. The proportion of non-aureus staphylococci or Mammaliicoccus sciuri (NASM), S. aureus, and other bacterial species identified in the buffalo quarter samples varied between buffalo farms. Therefore, different management practices, buffalo breeding factors, and nutrition were considered and further analyzed when estimating the IMI odds ratio (OR). The odds of IMI by any pathogen (OR: 1.8) or by NASM (OR: 2.2) was high in buffalo herds with poor milking hygiene. Poor cleanliness of the hind quarters had a high odds of IMI caused by any pathogen (OR: 2.0) or NASM (OR: 1.9). Twice daily milking (OR: 3.1) and farms with buffalo purchased from another herd (OR: 2.0) were associated with IMI by any pathogen. Asymmetrical udders were associated with IMI-caused by any bacteria (OR: 1.7). A poor body condition score showed higher odds of IMI by any pathogen (OR: 1.4) or by NASM (OR: 1.7). This study shows that the prevalence of IMI in water buffalo was high and varied between farms. In accordance with the literature, our data highlight that IMI can be partly controlled through better farm management, primarily by improving hygiene, milking management, breeding, and nutrition.

Deterioration phenomenon of Pb-contaminated aqueous solution remediation and enhancement mechanism of nano-hydroxyapatite-assisted biomineralization.

Modern metallurgical and smelting activities discharge the lead-containing wastewater, causing serious threats to human health. Bacteria and urease applied to microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) and enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) are denatured under high Pb2+ concentration. The nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP)-assisted biomineralization technology was applied in this study for Pb immobilization. Results showed that the extracellular polymers and cell membranes failed to secure the urease activity when subjected to 60 mM Pb2+. The immobilization efficiency dropped to below 50% under MICP, whereas it due to a lack of extracellular polymers and cell membranes dropped to below 30% under EICP. nHAP prevented the attachment of Pb2+ either through competing with bacteria and urease or promoting Ca2+/Pb2+ ion exchange. Furthermore, CO32- from ureolysis replaced the hydroxyl (-OH) in hydroxylpyromorphite to encourage the formation of carbonate-bearing hydroxylpyromorphite of higher stability (Pb10(PO4)6CO3). Moreover, nHAP application overcame an inability to provide nucleation sites by urease. As a result, the immobilization efficiency, when subjected to 60 mM Pb2+, elevated to above 80% under MICP-nHAP and to some 70% under EICP-nHAP. The findings highlight the potential of applying the nHAP-assisted biomineralization technology to Pb-containing water bodies remediation.

Population-based survey of the prevalence and types of glaucoma in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: To delineate the epidemiological landscape of glaucoma using a population-based sample representative of Bangladesh. METHODS: Using multistage stratified cluster random sampling, households were selected to identify individuals ≥35 years across all 8 divisions of Bangladesh. Sampling frames were derived from the 2011 national census. Fifty-eight study examination sites were set up for comprehensive eye evaluations, including intraocular pressure, gonioscopy and visual field testing when indicated. International Society for Geographic and Epidemiological Ophthalmology definitions were used to define glaucoma and glaucoma suspect cases. RESULTS: One hundred forty clusters (89 rural and 51 urban) were randomly selected, and 13 791 residential households were visited. We invited 17 002 individuals ≥35 years for on-site examination, of which 12 000 (71%) complied, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1. The prevalence of glaucoma was 3.2% (95% CI 2.79% to 3.64%), and glaucoma suspect was 10.1% (95% CI 9.05% to 11.12%). The majority (78%) had primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), while angle closure was seen in 16%. Of the POAG, 83% (n=251) were normal-tension glaucoma. Multivariable logistic regression showed increasing age (OR=1.01 for every 5-year increment, 95% CI 1 to 1.01) and male gender (OR=1.43, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.77) to be associated with an increased risk of glaucoma. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of glaucoma in Bangladesh is 3.2% in ≥35-year-old individuals with older men most at risk. Extrapolating the results, we estimate about 2 million patients with glaucoma. Though normal-tension variety was the most common type, caution should be exercised in generalising these results to other populations.

Can telomeric changes orchestrate the development of autoinflammatory skin diseases?

Telomeres, the safeguarding caps at the tips of chromosomes, are pivotal in the aging process of cells and have been linked to skin ailments and inflammatory conditions. Telomeres undergo a gradual reduction in length and factors such as oxidative stress hasten this diminishing process. Skin diseases including inflammatory conditions can be correlated with the shortening of telomeres and the persistent activation of DNA damage response in skin tissues. Telomere dysfunction could disrupt the balance of the skin, impairs wound healing, and may contribute to abnormal cytokine production. Skin aging and processes related to telomeres may function as one of the triggers for skin diseases. The presence of proinflammatory cytokines and dysfunctional telomeres in conditions such as Dyskeratosis Congenita implies a possible connection between the shortening of telomeres and the onset of chronic inflammatory skin disorders. In autoinflammatory skin diseases, chronic inflammation hinders wound healing thus aggravating the progression of the disease. The NF-ĸB pathway might contribute to the initiation or progression of chronic disorders by influencing mechanisms associated with telomere biology. The intricate connections between telomeres, telomerase, telomere-associated proteins, and skin diseases are still a complex puzzle to be solved. Here, we provide an overview of the impact of telomeres on both health and disease with a specific emphasis on their role in skin, inflammation and autoinflammatory skin disorders.

Do community-level predictors have more impact than individual/family-level predictors on receiving the desired number of ANC services in Bangladesh?

Background: Bangladesh has improved maternal and child health, but healthcare indicators and access still need enhancement. Factors that contribute to increased antenatal care (ANC) need to be explored to inform healthcare policies. The study examined whether community-level (supply-side) predictors outperform individual/family-level (demand-side) predictors for the desired number of ANC services. Methods: This cross-sectional study collected primary data from 630 pregnant and lactating women (PLW) in seven upazilas in Rangpur and Nilphamari districts of Bangladesh in 2022. The individual/family and community-level factors as predictors of desired antenatal care services were investigated using a semi-structured questionnaire. Various statistical techniques including the Student t-test, z-test, Chi-square test, and logistic regression model were employed in analyzing the data. Results: Out of the total 630 participants, the majority were literate women who belong to higher pregnancy order and received benefits from SSNPs. In addition to this, these women did not earn and neither were the empowered. The outcome variable was the receiving status of 4+ ANC services by PLWs, which varied by different covariates. The desired 4+ ANC service received by 73 % PLWs. The significant (p < 0.05) predictors of receiving 4+ ANC services were secondary-level education (95 % CI:0.97-7.55), knowledge on danger signs (95 % CI:1.02-1.48), empowered women (95 % CI:0.99-2.69), community clinics as place of services (95 % CI:1.52-3.49), sources of information through SMS (95 % CI:2.63-7.04) and fully functional community clinic (95 % CI:1.0-2.347). The statistical evidence through the values of pseudo R2 of the reduced models of community level (0.09), individual level (0.03) and family level (0.01) revealed that the community level predictors are more influential than individual/family level predictors. Conclusion: The findings indicate that community level predictors played a dominant role in receiving the 4+ ANC services in Bangladesh. In short, the well-functioning of community clinics in tandem with government forums/bodies and awareness raising through SMS messages, are sufficient for ensuring the desired number of ANC services in rural areas of Bangladesh.

CTC together with Shh and Nrf2 are prospective diagnostic markers for HNSCC.

BACKGROUND: The lack of appropriate prognostic biomarkers remains a significant obstacle in the early detection of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC), a cancer type with a high mortality rate. Despite considerable advancements in treatment, the success in diagnosing HNSCC at an early stage still needs to be improved. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) are overexpressed in various cancers, including HNSCC, and have recently been proposed as possible therapeutic targets for HNSCC. Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) is a novel concept used for the early detection of cancers, and studies have suggested that a higher CTC count is associated with the aggressiveness of HNSCC and poor survival rates. Therefore, we aimed to establish molecular markers for the early diagnosis of HNSCC considering Shh/Nrf2 overexpression in the background. In addition, the relation between Shh/Nrf2 and CTCs is still unexplored in HNSCC patients. METHODS: In the present study, we selected a cohort of 151 HNSCC patients and categorized them as CTC positive or negative based on the presence or absence of CTCs in their peripheral blood. Data on demographic and clinicopathological features with the survival of the patients were analyzed to select the patient cohort to study Shh/Nrf2 expression. Shh and Nrf2 expression was measured by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: Considering significant demographic [smoking, betel leaf (p-value < 0.0001)] and clinicopathological risk factors [RBC count (p < 0.05), Platelet count (p < 0.05), Neutrophil count (p < 0.005), MCV (p < 0.0001), NLR (p < 0.05), MLR (p < 0.05)], patients who tested positive for CTC also exhibited significant overexpression of Shh/Nrf2 in both blood and tissue compared to CTC-negative patients. A strong association exists between CTCs and tumor grade. Following chemotherapy (a combination of Cisplatin, 5FU, and Paclitaxel), the frequency of CTCs was significantly decreased in patients with HNSCC who had tested positive for CTCs. The Kaplan-Meier plot illustrated that a higher number of CTCs is associated with poorer overall survival (OS) in patients with HNSCC. CONCLUSIONS: Detecting CTCs, and higher expression of Shh and Nrf2 in HNSCC patients' blood, can be a promising tool for diagnosing and prognosticating HNSCC.

The first record of leucism in the Rhabdophis tigrinus (Boie, 1826) (Squamata, Colubridae) in South Korea.

Leucism, in which pigmentation is lost over part or the entire body of an animal, has a range of possible genetic causes. Here, we report leucism in an individual tiger keelback (Rhabdophis tigrinus) found on Jeung Island, Shinan-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea, during a survey of the distribution of reptiles in the area. The individual was observed sunbathing in the bushes next to a pond. This individual exhibited ecdysis, thus it considered that have normal feeding activity. Our report represents the first observation of leucism in R. tigrinus, and thus, further analysis is needed of this phenotype to more clearly understand its impact on the species and its natural history.

Training & development, career development, and organizational commitment as the predictor of work performance.

This study aims to justify the mediating effect of organizational commitment in the association between training and development, career development, and work performance. Data was collected from 362 frontline hotel employees through a survey by random sampling technique. The analysis methodology comprises descriptive statistics, measurement, and structure models through SPSS 23 and Smarts PLS 3.0. This study significantly examined the correlation between training and development and work performance, career development, and work performance. Moreover, organizational commitment in the hotel sector is significantly associated with work performance. Furthermore, the significant correlation between training and development and work performance career development among hotel personnel is mediated by organizational commitment. Owners and managers should know the necessary policies to enhance employees' work performance and organizational commitment and consider appropriate behaviour. Besides, all required facilities for enhancing career development and training and development should be implemented to strengthen hotels' present and future demands. It is furthered by the study's explanations of the results and their limitations, which also included suggestions for future research possibilities. This research filled the gap in the hotel industry in Bangladesh, where study works into wide-ranging training and development, career development practices, organizational commitment, and work performance were rare.

Functional composition outweighs taxonomic and functional diversity in maintaining ecosystem properties and processes of mangrove forests.

Biodiversity loss can have significant consequences for human well-being, as it can affect multiple ecosystem properties and processes (MEPP) that drive ecosystem services. However, a comprehensive understanding of the link between environmental factors, biodiversity, and MEPP remains elusive, especially in mangrove ecosystems that millions of people along tropical coastlines worldwide depend upon. Here, we collated a comprehensive dataset on forest inventory, plant traits, and environmental factors across 93 plots in the Sundarbans Reserved Forests, Bangladesh. The functional composition (FC) of leaf area showed a stronger positive association with MEPP, being determined by total biomass and productivity of the mangroves, sediment organic carbon, and ammonium, phosphorus, and potassium contents of the sediment, than species richness (SR) or functional diversity (FD). Further, FC mediated a strong negative association of sediment salinity, and a positive association of SR, with MEPP. The similar but opposite total associations of SR and sediment salinity with MEPP suggest that species-rich mangroves could offset the negative impacts of rising salinity on MEPP. When focusing on a single aspect of MEPP, both FD and FC mattered, with the FD of leaf area showing a strong association with mangrove productivity and sediment potassium content, while the FC of leaf litter nitrogen showed the strongest associations with sediment ammonium and phosphorus contents. Therefore, to sustain mangrove ecosystems as a reliable nature-based solution for climate change mitigation, conservation and (re-)establishment projects should prioritize regionally dominant species with high leaf area and nitrogen content, plus functionally different species to support the ecosystem processes and services provided by mangroves.

Gastrointestinal parasitosis in cattle: Unveiling the landscape across diverse production systems in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Factors influencing parasitosis in cattle in Bangladesh remain inadequately explored, necessitating a comprehensive investigation for interventions and sustainable livestock farming. OBJECTIVES: We conducted this study to estimate the prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal parasites, exploring their intricate relationship with farm management practices across a spectrum of small-, medium-, and large-scale commercial farms. METHODS: We conducted this study in the Chattogram district of Bangladesh. We collected a total of 189 freshly voided faecal samples from different farms. We recorded the age, breed, milking status, sex, body condition score, and anthelmintic use history of the sampled animals. We processed the samples using the direct smear method, with the identification of one egg per sample being considered positive. RESULTS: We estimated the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection in large-scale (52.1%), medium-scale (54.5%), and small-scale farms (70.0%), with statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05). Both pregnant and lactating cows, as well as indigenous cattle, were more likely to have gastrointestinal parasites (p ≤ 0.05). The predominant parasites across farms of all sizes were trematodes (Paramphistomum spp. and Schistosomas spp.) and protozoa (Balantidium coli and Coccidia spp.). CONCLUSION: Poor farm management practices, such as no pasture management and inadequate deworming regimens, may contribute to the elevated prevalence and infection load observed on small-scale farms. The increased parasitosis in previously dewormed animals can be attributed to the development of anthelmintic resistance against gastrointestinal parasites. Implementing proper and effective deworming strategies is crucial to preventing gastrointestinal parasitosis and mitigating the risk of anthelmintic resistance.

Population-level call properties of endangered Dryophytes suweonensissensu lato (Anura: Amphibia) in South Korea.

Calling is one of the unique amphibian characteristics that facilitates social communication and shows individuality; however, it also makes them vulnerable to predators. Researchers use amphibian call properties to study their population status, ecology, and behavior. This research scope has recently broadened to species identification and taxonomy. Dryophytes flaviventris has been separated from the endangered anuran species, D. suweonensis, based on small variations in genetic, morphometric, and temporal call properties observed in South Korea. The Chilgap Mountain (CM) was considered as the potential geographic barrier for the speciation. However, it initiated taxonomic debates as CM has been hardly used and is considered a potential barrier for other species. The calls of populations from both sides are also apparently similar. Thus, to verify the differences in call properties among populations of D. suweonensis sensu lato (s.l.; both of the species), we sampled and analyzed call data from five localities covering its distribution range, including the southern (S) and northern (N) parts of CM. We found significant differences in many call properties among populations; however, no specific pattern was observed. Some geographically close populations, such as Iksan (S), Wanju (S), and Gunsan (S), had significant differences, whereas many distant populations, such as Pyeongtaek (N) and Wanju (S), had no significant differences. Considering the goal of this study was only to observe the call properties, we cautiously conclude that the differences are at the population level rather than the species level. Our study indicates the necessity of further investigation into the specific status of D. flaviventris using robust integrated taxonomic approaches, including genetic and morphological parameters from a broader array of localities.

First report on population dynamics and stock status of Badis badis in a wetland ecosystem (NW Bangladesh): Insights from new recorded maximum length.

Badis badis (Hamilton, 1822) is a popular ornamental fish species in the world. This study provides valuable insights into some biological indices of B. badis using a sample of 293 individuals. These individuals were captured from June 2021 to May 2022 using several traditional fish harvesting gears and traps in the Babu Mondoler beel, a wetland ecosystem in NW Bangladesh. Biometric data were collected for each individual, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of this species. The recorded results revealed a wide range of total length (TL), varying from 2.30 to 11.33 cm. Notably, we observed a maximum length of 11.33 cm TL and a maximum body weight (BW) of 18.18 g, ranging from 0.20 to 18.18 g, setting a new record and showcasing the diversity in size within the population. The estimated allometric coefficient (b) showed that combined sexes had negative allometric growth (b = 2.67). Growth parameters were assessed as L∞ = 11.93 cm, K = 0.95 year-1 and Ø' = 2.13. The tmax was 3.16 years. The Lm was measured at 7.02 cm TL and tm = 0.89 year. In this study, KF (1.4240 ± 0.3194) was best for the wellbeing of B. badis in the study area. The a3.0 was estimated at 0.0079 and the relative weight WR (100.90 ± 16.994). Physiological status showed that maximum fatty fish were observed at 10.00-12.00 cm TL; lowest at 4.0-6.00 cm TL. Moreover, the Z, Mw, F and E were estimated to be 3.29 year-1, 1.45 year-1, 1.84 year-1and 0.56, respectively. Additionally, the Lopt for this species was found to be 7.91 cm TL. The findings from this study hold great potential for enhancing the assessment and management of the specimen in the study area and its ecological community. These valuable insights into the population parameters, growth patterns, and exploitation rates of B. badis can inform future management strategies, ensuring the sustainable utilization of this fishery resource in Bangladesh and others neighboring countries.

Humoral immune responses in different stages of wound healing in Black Bengal goats.

Objective: The current study was carried out to assess the humoral immune responses according to age at different stages of wound healing in Black Bengal goats (BBG). Materials and Methods: Apparently, healthy BBGs (n = 20) were collected and divided into five groups based on their age: Group A (control, 3 years), Group B (3 to 5 years), Group C (2 to <3 years), Group D (1 to <2 years), and Group E (<1 year). Except for control, all BBGs were allowed to have artificial surgical wounds, and follow-up data were collected from day 0 to 21. The humoral immune responses [immunoglobulins (Igs) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)] were determined by ELISA using commercial goat ELISA kits. Statistical Product and Service Solutions (Version 20) was used to analyze the data. Results: The normal range of immune cells in control BBGs was immunoglobulin G (IgG) (20.21 ± 0.13 mg/ml), immunoglobulin M (IgM) (2.87 ± 0.0.05 mg/ml), immunoglobulin A (IgA) (0.33 ± 0.01 mg/ml), and IL-6 (1.6 ± 0.05 pg/ml). In this experiment, higher concentrations of IgG (21.11 ± 0.20 mg/ml), IgM (2.92 ± 0.04 mg/ml), IgA (0.35 ± 0.02 mg/ml), and IL-6 (1.62 ± 0.05 pg/ml) were found in Group B BBGs, whereas the lower levels of IgG, IgM, IgA, and IL-6 were found at 17.16 ± 0.18 mg/ml, 2.12 ± 0.01 mg/ml, 0.29 ± 0.03 mg/ml, and 1.55 ± 0.05 pg/ml, respectively, in the Group E BBGs. Rapid wound healing was observed in the older groups compared to the younger groups of BBGs. The concentrations of Igs (IgG, IgM, and IgA) and IL-6 were gradually increased in all groups from day 3 (early inflammatory stage) and day 7 (late inflammatory stage), and then they decreased gradually from day 14 (proliferative stage) to reach the final stage of day 21 (remodeling stage), where the concentrations were found to be at a level comparable to their per-incisional period. No gender-related differences were detected. Conclusion: Adult BBGs (3 to 5 years old) showed faster wound repair and stronger immune responses. This finding may assist veterinarians and researchers in considering age-related immune responses for the recovery and rapid cure of surgical wounds.

Potential of fluorescence fingerprints for fish meat authentication: Differences in freshness evaluation in white and dark meat at frozen state.

As dark meat has a faster deterioration rate and its unintentional mixing occurs during processing, it is crucial to know the status and freshness indicators of dark meat to ensure fishery product quality. In this method, fluorescence fingerprints (FFs) was applied as a rapid and noninvasive quality authentication method to determine differences between white and dark meat in the evaluation of freshness indicators at frozen state. Spotted mackerel (Scomber australasicus) fish chunks with different postmortem conditions (0-40 h ice stored) were obtained and frozen. A new generation of fluorescence spectrophotometer (F-7100) was used to acquire FFs of the frozen fish chunks (containing white and dark meat). Adenosine triphosphate metabolites and pH were determined in both white and dark meat using their relevant biochemical methods. Higher K-values in dark meat might be attributed to a higher accumulation rate of inosine (HxR) in dark meat than in white meat. The pH decrease rate in white meat was higher than that in dark meat during postmortem ice storage periods of fish. Principal component analysis of FFs spectra demonstrated clear discrimination (PC1 + PC2 = 91.7%) between white and dark meat of frozen fish due to the influence of freshness parameters based on the fluorescence features of fish meat. Furthermore, partial least squares regression validation models revealed that freshness indicators of white meat could be predicted more accurately at the frozen state than those of dark meat. This method could be applied during the processing of fishery products, thereby facilitating quality control activities and making it a promising authentication tool for the fisheries industries.

Bioactive ZnO Nanoparticles: Biosynthesis, Characterization and Potential Antimicrobial Applications.

In recent years, biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have gained tremendous attention because of their safe and non-toxic nature and distinctive biomedical applications. A diverse range of microbes (bacteria, fungi and yeast) and various parts (leaf, root, fruit, flower, peel, stem, etc.) of plants have been exploited for the facile, rapid, cost-effective and non-toxic synthesis of ZnONPs. Plant extracts, microbial biomass or culture supernatant contain various biomolecules including enzymes, amino acids, proteins, vitamins, alkaloids, flavonoids, etc., which serve as reducing, capping and stabilizing agents during the biosynthesis of ZnONPs. The biosynthesized ZnONPs are generally characterized using UV-VIS spectroscopy, TEM, SEM, EDX, XRD, FTIR, etc. Antibiotic resistance is a serious problem for global public health. Due to mutation, shifting environmental circumstances and excessive drug use, the number of multidrug-resistant pathogenic microbes is continuously rising. To solve this issue, novel, safe and effective antimicrobial agents are needed urgently. Biosynthesized ZnONPs could be novel and effective antimicrobial agents because of their safe and non-toxic nature and powerful antimicrobial characteristics. It is proven that biosynthesized ZnONPs have strong antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic microorganisms including multidrug-resistant bacteria. The possible antimicrobial mechanisms of ZnONPs are the generation of reactive oxygen species, physical interactions, disruption of the cell walls and cell membranes, damage to DNA, enzyme inactivation, protein denaturation, ribosomal destabilization and mitochondrial dysfunction. In this review, the biosynthesis of ZnONPs using microbes and plants and their characterization have been reviewed comprehensively. Also, the antimicrobial applications and mechanisms of biosynthesized ZnONPs against various pathogenic microorganisms have been highlighted.

Easy synthesis of PPy/TiO2/ZnO composites with superior photocatalytic performance, efficient supercapacitors and nitrite sensor.

The synthesis of Polypyrrole (PPy)/TiO2/ZnO composites involved a chemical oxidative polymerization process, wherein the addition of TiO2/ZnO was varied from 1 to 10 wt%. The composites' photocatalytic capabilities, supercapacitor performance, and potential use as a nitrite sensor were thoroughly assessed, alongside investigations into their photoluminescence (PL) and morphological characteristics. The strong interaction between TiO2/ZnO and PPy was confirmed using FTIR, UV-Vis, and PL spectroscopy techniques. The composites demonstrated aggregated and spherical-shaped morphological features investigated by FESEM. Such morphological structures of the composites were distinct from the TiO2/ZnO (rod-like) and similar to PPy structure (spherical). However, such composites showed dominating spherical-shaped morphology ensuring a diameter in the range of 50-200 nm. The PPy/TiO2/ZnO composites exhibited significantly enhanced photocatalytic efficiency in methylene blue (MB) removal, achieving a range of 88-93% compared to PPy alone, which only achieved 77.2% MB removal. The Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) data exhibited a promising hybrid supercapacitor performance of the composites with a high capacitance value, good energy density, as well as an excellent power density. The fabricated supercapacitor was capable of lightened up a single red 5 mm LED for a few minutes, indicating the commendable energy storage capacity. A newly developed PPy/TiO2/ZnO composite is potentially used to develop as a sensor probe for the detection of nitrite chemicals using the linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) technique in three electrodes system in room conditions. It is found an excellent sensor results in terms of sensitivity as well as detection limit and satisfactory results when validated with the real samples. These results offer novel insights into the fabrication of PPy/TiO2/ZnO photocatalysts for addressing organic waste treatment, while also presenting promising prospects for potential applications in supercapacitors and sensors.

Reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health intervention coverage in 70 low-income and middle-income countries, 2000-30: trends, projections, and inequities.

BACKGROUND: Monitoring the progress in reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH) using the composite coverage index (CCI) is crucial to evaluate the advancement of low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) towards the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal target 3. We present current benchmarking for 70 LMICs, forecasting to 2030, and an analysis of inequities within and across countries. METHODS: In this cross-sectional secondary data analysis, we extracted 291 data points from the WHO Equity Monitor, and Demographic and Health Survey Statcompiler for 70 LMICs. We selected countries on the basis of whether they belonged to LMICs, had complete information about the predictors between 2000 and 2030, and had at least one data point related to CCI. CCI was calculated on the basis of eight types of RMNCH interventions in four domains, comprising family planning, antenatal care, immunisations, and management of childhood illnesses. This study examined CCI as the main outcome variable. Bayesian hierarchical models were used to estimate trends and projections of the CCI at regional and national levels, as well as the area of residence, educational level, and wealth quintile. FINDINGS: Despite progress, only 18 countries are projected to reach the 80% CCI target by 2030. Regionally, CCI is projected to increase in all regions of Asia (in southern Asia from 51·8% in 2000 to 89·2% in 2030; in southeastern Asia from 58·8% to 84·4%; in central Asia from 70·3% to 87·0%; in eastern Asia from 76·8% to 82·1%; and in western Asia from 56·5% to 72·1%), Africa (in sub-Saharan Africa from 46·3% in 2000 to 72·2% in 2030 and in northern Africa from 55·0% to 81·7%), and Latin America and the Caribbean (from 67·0% in 2000 to 83·4% in 2030). By contrast, southern Europe is predicted to experience a decline in CCI over the same period (70·1% in 2000 to 55·2% in 2030). Across LMICs, CCIs are higher in urban areas, in populations in which women have higher education levels, and in populations with a high income. INTERPRETATION: Governments of countries where the universal target of 80% CCI has not yet been reached must develop evidence-based policies aimed at enhancing RMNCH coverage. Additionally, they should focus on reducing the extent of existing inequalities within their populations to drive progress in RMNCH. FUNDING: Hitotsubashi University and Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.

Assessing the sustainability of two independent voucher-based family planning programs in Pakistan: a 24-months post-intervention evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Family planning vouchers have emerged as a promising approach to improve coverage of underserved groups or underutilized services. The current study was designed to measure the residual/longer-term impact of two-independent FP voucher programs on women's practices beyond the program's life program. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey conducted, as part of the two-independent larger mixed-method studies, approximately 24 months after the close-down of Marie Stopes Society and Greenstar Social Marketing family planning voucher intervention programs in Punjab, Pakistan. Following necessary ethics approvals, 338 voucher MSS clients & 324 voucher GSM clients were interviewed using a structured questionnaire at the household level. RESULTS: Compared with end-line data, a significant decrease in the modern contraceptive uptake in both MSS (90% at endline to current (or post-endline) 52%) and GSM (from 84% to current 56%) intervention sites among the voucher clients was noted. Among MSS voucher clients, the highest decline in use was observed in IUCD (54% at endline versus to current 13%); however no change between the surveys was noted among GSM clients. In both projects, following closure of voucher intervention 34% of the discontinued users in MSS and 29% in GSM sites adopted/switched to a new modern contraceptive again. In the post-intervention survey, wealth-based inequality in GSM data depicts more pro-rich utility for modern methods, indicating pro-rich inequality, in contrast, the post-intervention survey in MSS found mixed results such as pro-poor inequality for any method and modern method use. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence for contraception in two-independent study sites, following closure of voucher intervention remained high than national average. This study provides evidence that family planning vouchers can bring about an enduring positive change in clients' behaviours in using modern contraceptive methods among poor populations among both intervention models. These results are useful to design family planning programs that will sustain when the donor funding terminates.