ABSTRACT
We conducted a cluster-randomized trial to measure the effect of community-level mask distribution and promotion on symptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in rural Bangladesh from November 2020 to April 2021 (N = 600 villages, N = 342,183 adults). We cross-randomized mask type (cloth versus surgical) and promotion strategies at the village and household level. Proper mask-wearing increased from 13.3% in the control group to 42.3% in the intervention arm (adjusted percentage point difference = 0.29; 95% confidence interval = [0.26, 0.31]). The intervention reduced symptomatic seroprevalence (adjusted prevalence ratio = 0.91 [0.82, 1.00]), especially among adults ≥60 years old in villages where surgical masks were distributed (adjusted prevalence ratio = 0.65 [0.45, 0.85]). Mask distribution with promotion was a scalable and effective method to reduce symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Subject(s)
COVID-19/prevention & control , Communicable Disease Control , Health Promotion , Masks , Age Factors , Bangladesh/epidemiology , COVID-19/epidemiology , Cluster Analysis , Female , Humans , Male , Physical Distancing , Public Health , Rural Population , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Sex FactorsABSTRACT
Through a simple PEG-conjugation of the natural product Amorfrutin B, we enhanced its pharmacokinetic profile. The PEGylated molecule displayed significantly improved gastrointestinal absorption (p<0.05) and had a longer systemic circulation life (p<0.05). Oral glucose tolerance study showed PEGylated Amorfrutin B displayed longer protection against oral glucose load compared to Amorfrutin B (p<0.05). It also showed significant improvement in glucose uptake in-vitro by T3T-L1 adipocytes (p<0.05). The PEGylated molecule also showed reduced propensity of crossing the blood brain barrier and accumulating in the brain (p<0.05). It also showed reduced accumulation in the adipose tissue. Preliminary liver and kidney toxicity screening showed no significant alteration in liver or kidney function of Amorfrutin B or its PEGylated form. In conclusion, PEG modification can be an attractive strategy to reduce lipophilicity and enhance pharmacokinetic properties of natural products, derived from traditional medicine.
