Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) among older individuals of rural Bangladesh: findings from a face-to-face interview.

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) stand as the foremost contributor to global mortality, claiming roughly 17.9 million lives each year, constituting 32.1% of total fatalities. Their impact is notably profound in economies such as Bangladesh, exacting a substantial economic burden. Consequently, grasping the landscape of knowledge, attitudes, and practices is essential for timely identification and prevention strategies. Methods: This cross-sectional study, carried out between January and May 2023 in the rural regions of Zirani, Savar Upazila, Dhaka, Bangladesh, utilized convenient sampling and conducted face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. It encompassed socio-demographic factors, as well as knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning CVDs. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and regression analyses, utilizing both the R programming language and SPSS (Version 26). Result: A total of 424 participants aged 60 years and above were included. The majority were male (60.8%), and the mean age was 71.21 ± 9.21 years, 57.3% were between 60 and 70 years old. Factors such as education, monthly family income, high blood pressure, diabetes, and non-smoking. Were significantly associated with higher knowledge, attitudes and practices scores. Conclusion: This study illuminates CVD-related KAP among rural Older Individuals in Bangladesh, revealing significant associations between factors such as education, monthly family income, high blood pressure, and non-smoking, with higher scores in knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cardiovascular health. These insights underscore the importance of addressing socio-economic factors and health behaviors in developing targeted interventions for the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases in this demographic.

Climate-adaptive strategies for enhancing agricultural resilience in southeastern coastal Bangladesh: Insights from farmers and stakeholders.

Climate change impacts crop production worldwide, and coastal regions are particularly vulnerable to its adverse effects. Given the projected rise in temperature and shifting precipitation patterns, it is crucial to examine the current challenges faced by farmers in coastal Bangladesh. Using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), we assessed the perceptions and experiences of farmers and stakeholders regarding the existing agricultural practices, the challenges they face in crop cultivation, and the adoption of climate-adaptive practices in 2 sub-districts in the southeastern coastal region of Bangladesh. Moreover, using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and the Standardized Terrestrial Water Storage Index (STI), we assessed the frequency and intensity of different climatic conditions in these two sub-districts. Results show that 100% of the respondents reported an increase in dry climatic conditions, the occurrence of untimely precipitation, and a decline in irrigation water during the cropping season. All the respondents in the FGDs expressed a loss of crop production because of these climate-induced disturbances. Despite these challenges, farmers have been implementing several climate-adaptive practices. Among the 9 mentioned climate-adaptive practices, 50% of FGD respondents utilize organic fertilizers, 42% cultivate heat- and drought-resilient crop varieties, use improved irrigation and harvest rainwater, and 25% cultivate integrated crops. The results of quantitative analysis of 3- and 6-month SPEI and STI values show that this region experienced frequent and intense dry climatic conditions during the growing-season, which supports the farmers' and stakeholders' concern about the increasing occurrence of droughts during crop growing periods. The results suggest that despite adopting climate-resilient practices under increasing growing-season droughts, farmers require support from the government and NGOs in capacity-building training and input support (e.g., stress-resilient seeds). This study holds practical implications for government, NGOs, and policymakers for ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity in the coastal region of Bangladesh.

Conformal zinc sulfide coating of vertically aligned ZnO nanorods by two-step hydrothermal synthesis on wide bandgap seed layers for lead-free perovskite solar cells.

Vertically aligned ZnO nanorods (NRs) were grown hydrothermally on the wide bandgap (∼3.86 - 4.04 eV) seed layers (SLs) of grain size ∼162 ± 35 nm, prepared using ball-milled derived ZnO powder. The synthesized ZnO NRs were further decorated with ZnS nanocrystals to achieve a ZnO NR-ZnS core-shell (CS)-like nano-scaffolds by a subsequent hydrothermal synthesis at 70 °C for 1 h. UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy, x-ray diffractometry (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) coupled with Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses confirmed the formation of ZnS atop the vertically aligned ZnO NR arrays of ∼1.79 ± 0.17µm length and ∼165 ± 27 nm diameter. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)/EDX analyses revealed that vertically aligned ZnO NRs (core dia. ∼181 ± 12 nm) arrays are conformally coated by an ultrathin ZnS (∼25 ± 7 nm) shell layer with a preferential ZnS{111}/ZnO{10-10}-like partial epitaxy. The ZnO NRs exhibited a sharp band edge near ∼384 nm having optical bandgap energy (Eg) of ∼3.23 eV. However, the ZnO NR-ZnS CS exhibited double absorption bands atEg∼ 3.20 eV (ZnO-core) andEg∼ 3.78 eV (ZnS-shell). The ZnS{111}/ZnO{10-10}-nano-scaffolds could be utilized to facilitate the enhanced absorption of UV photons as well as the radial junction formation between the Pb-free perovskite absorber and ZnS/ZnO NRs layers.

Long-term prediction of algal chlorophyll based on empirical models and the machine learning approach in relation to trophic variation in Juam Reservoir, Korea.

This study analyzed spatiotemporal variation and long-term trends in water quality indicators and trophic state conditions in an Asian temperate reservoir, Juam Reservoir (JR), and developed models that forecast algal chlorophyll (CHL-a) over a period of 30 years, 1993-2022. The analysis revealed that there were longitudinal gradients in water quality indicators along the reservoir, with notable influences from tributaries and seasonal variations in nutrient regimes and suspended solids. The empirical model showed phosphorus was found to be the key determinant of algal biomass, while suspended solids played a significant role in regulating water transparency. The trophic state indices indicated varying levels of trophic status, ranging from mesotrophic to eutrophic. Eutrophic states were particularly observed in zones after the summer monsoons, indicating a heightened risk of algal blooms, which were more prevalent in flood years. The analysis of trophic state index deviation suggested that phosphorus availability strongly influences the reservoir trophic status, with several episodes of non-algal turbidity at each site during Mon. Increases in non-algal turbidity were more prevalent during the monsoon in flood years. This study also highlighted overall long-term trends in certain water quality parameters, albeit with indications of shifting pollution sources towards non-biodegradable organic matter. According to the machine learning tests, a random forest (RF) model strongly predicted CHL-a (R2 = 0.72, p < 0.01), except for algal biomass peaks (>60 µg/L), compared to all other models. Overall, our research suggests that CHL-a and trophic variation are primarily regulated by the monsoon intensity and predicted well by the machine learning RF model.

Evaluation of Aflatoxins and Heavy Metals Exposure in the Local Feeds of Fish and Shrimp in Bangladesh.

This study aims to comprehensively assess the presence of aflatoxins, pervasive fungal toxins, and heavy metals (lead, chromium, cadmium) in the local feed of fish and shrimp. Forty-eight samples of the fish and shrimp feed were collected from the Dhaka and Sathkhira districts of Bangladesh respectively. Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2) were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detector, and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) was used for the heavy metal detection after sample digestion. The standard analytical methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists were followed for analyzing the proximate composition of the feed samples. The findings revealed the high toxic concentration of total aflatoxins particularly in fish feed (196.25 µg/kg). Concurrently, varying concentrations of heavy metals, including lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr), were detected, with the highest levels found in shrimp feed at 3.324 and 174.6 mg/kg, respectively. In comparison, highest contamination of cadmium (Cd) was found in fish feed at 0.398 mg/kg. The outcomes are growing concerns regarding the quality of locally sourced feed and emphasizing the need for prompt corrective actions. Otherwise, neglecting this concern may lead to the possibility of both fish and, ultimately, humans who consume them being vulnerable to the absorption and accumulation of these assessed toxic compounds.

Effect of natural thickener on printing performance over cotton woven fabric.

Execution of natural thickener (wild taro corm) over pretreated cotton woven fabric with reactive dye has been explored in this research work. Taro root was collected from Sherpur in Bangladesh and made into a fine powder using a grinder. Thickener pastes were prepared by using different concentrations of taro powder, then their viscosity was measured to find out the difference with sodium alginate thickener, which is traditionally used for reactive printing. A suitable thickener stock paste concentration was selected from a number of trials and depending on the result of visual sharpness of the printed samples. A suitable reactive printing method was selected between all in (1 step) and 2 step methods of reactive printing and finally the amount of thickener on the printing recipe was optimized. The color fastness to wash, color fastness to rubbing, bending length, K/S value, levelness, penetration%, print paste adds on and visual sharpness were measured to assess the printing quality. The findings indicate that when Taro corm powder is combined with boiled water, it produces a solution with higher viscosity. Additionally, a mixture of 15 % taro and boiled water yields the most distinct print outline. Comparatively, the 2-step reactive printing method offers a superior outline compared to the 1-step (all in one) method. Moreover, using 50 to 60 gm of taro corm thickening paste for every 100 g of print paste results in a higher K/S value. The results revealed that the wild taro corm could be used successfully as thickener for reactive printing. Finally, the cost was also calculated, and it was found economical as well compared to sodium alginate.

Elucidating Gender-Specific Distribution of Imipramine, Chloroquine, and Their Metabolites in Mice Kidney Tissues through AP-MALDI-MSI.

Knowledge of gender-specific drug distributions in different organs are of great importance for personalized medicine and reducing toxicity. However, such drug distributions have not been well studied. In this study, we investigated potential differences in the distribution of imipramine and chloroquine, as well as their metabolites, between male and female kidneys. Kidneys were collected from mice treated with imipramine or chloroquine and then subjected to atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (AP-MALDI-MSI). We observed differential distributions of the drugs and their metabolites between male and female kidneys. Imipramine showed prominent distributions in the cortex and medulla in male and female kidneys, respectively. Desipramine, one of the metabolites of imipramine, showed significantly higher (*** p < 0.001) distributions in the medulla of the male kidney compared to that of the female kidney. Chloroquine and its metabolites were accumulated in the pelvis of both male and female kidneys. Interestingly, they showed a characteristic distribution in the medulla of the female kidney, while almost no distributions were observed in the same areas of the male kidney. For the first time, our study revealed that the distributions of imipramine, chloroquine, and their metabolites were different in male and female kidneys.

Development of sustainable dual core-spun yarns using several filaments and recycled cotton sourced from pre-consumer fabric waste.

Textile industries are now focusing on sustainable issues in manufacturing operations to save the environment. The study focuses on the use of cotton fibers (recycled) sourced from fabric (knitted) waste (pre-consumer) to manufacture elastic yarn (dual-core) for denim fabric. The study involves the production of yarns (dual-core) using a redesigned ring spinning method with different elastomeric components, including T400® (Polyethylene terephthalate)/Polytrimethylene terephthalate), Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), Polyester (PES), Lycra® (elastane), virgin cotton and cotton (recycled) fiber. The study investigates various yarn (Ne 18/1) characteristics such as strength, IPI (imperfection index), elongation %, unevenness %, and hairiness. It is noticed that the elongation and strength of recycled yarn (double core) are lower and IPI (Imperfection index), unevenness %, and hairiness values are higher than 100 % cotton (virgin) yarn (double core). One-way ANOVA (statistical analysis) is employed to assess the significance of differences among yarns manufactured from various core materials and found significant variation for all characteristics. Additionally, the article introduces the MOORA (multi-objective optimization based on ratio analysis) technique as a decision-making tool to determine the best yarn among three alternatives (PES yarn, PBT yarn, and T400 yarn) based on their properties, considering attributes and finding T400 filament containing yarn as the best option. The study introduces a sustainable approach using recycled cotton in yarn (double core) production and employs decision-making tools to assess and rank the performance of different yarn alternatives.

Low-Temperature Plasma Pretreatment Enhanced Cholesterol Detection in Brain by Desorption Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry Imaging.

Cholesterol is a primary lipid molecule in the brain that contains one-fourth of the total body cholesterol. Abnormal cholesterol homeostasis is associated with neurodegenerative disorders. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) technique is a powerful tool for studying lipidomics and metabolomics. Among the MSI techniques, desorption electrospray ionization-MSI (DESI-MSI) has been used advantageously to study brain lipidomics due to its soft and ambient ionization nature. However, brain cholesterol is poorly ionized. To this end, we have developed a new method for detecting brain cholesterol by DESI-MSI using low-temperature plasma (LTP) pretreatment as an ionization enhancement. In this method, the brain sections were treated with LTP for 1 and 2 min prior to DESI-MSI analyses. Interestingly, the MS signal intensity of cholesterol (at m/z 369.35 [M + H - H2O]+) was more than 2-fold higher in the 1 min LTP-treated brain section compared to the untreated section. In addition, we detected cholesterol, more specifically excluding isomers by targeted-DESI-MSI in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode and similar results were observed: the signal intensity of each cholesterol transition (m/z 369.4 → 95.1, 109.1, 135.1, 147.1, and 161.1) was increased by more than 2-fold due to 1 min LTP treatment. Cholesterol showed characteristic distributions in the fiber tract region, including the corpus callosum and anterior commissure, anterior part of the brain where LTP markedly (p < 0.001) enhanced the cholesterol intensity. In addition, the distributions of some unknown analytes were exclusively detected in the LTP-treated section. Our study revealed LTP pretreatment as a potential strategy to ionize molecules that show poor ionization efficiency in the MSI technique.

Ontogenetic Expression of Aquaporins in the Kidney and Urinary Bladder of the Japanese Tree Frog, Dryophytes japonicus.

For adult anuran amphibians, the kidney and urinary bladder play important osmoregulatory roles through water reabsorption. In the present study, we have examined ontogenetic expression of aquaporins, i.e., AQP2, AQPamU (AQP6ub, AQPa2U), and AQP3, in these organs using the Japanese tree frog, Dryophytes japonicus. Immunohistochemistry using the metamorphosing larvae at stages 40-43 localized AQP2 protein to the collecting ducts in the dorsal zone of the mesonephric kidney. At prometamorphic stages 40 and 41, labelling of AQP2 protein was observed in the apical/ subapical regions of the collecting duct cells. At climax stages 42 and 43, labels for AQP2 and AQP3 became observed in the apical/subapical regions and basolateral membrane of the collecting duct cells, respectively, as seen in the adults. As for the urinary bladder, immuno-positive labels for AQPamU were localized to the apical/subapical regions of granular cells in the mucosal epithelium at stages 40-43. On the other hand, AQP3 immunoreactivity was hardly observed in the urinary bladder at stage 40, and weakly appeared in many granular cells at stage 41. Thereafter, labels for AQP3 became evident along the basolateral membrane of granular cells at stages 42 and 43, together with AQPamU in the apical/subapical regions. These results suggest that the kidney and urinary bladder might be capable of water reabsorption, via AQP2, AQPamU, and AQP3, at stage 42, contributing to the acclimation of the tree frogs to terrestrial environments.

Fabrication and synergistically enhanced photocatalytic activity of ternary kaolinite, TiO2, and Al2O3 (K65T30A5) nanocomposite for visible-light-induced degradation of methylene blue and remazol red dye.

The ternary photocatalyst ((Al2Si2O5 (OH)4/TiO2/Al2O3) composites (where w/w = 65, 30, and 5 wt%) denoted K65T30A5 were successfully synthesized and examined for their efficiency in removing cationic (Methylene Blue, MB) and anionic (Remazol Red, RR) dye from aqueous medium under visible-light irradiation. A series of nanocomposites with varied wt% of kaolinite, TiO2, and Al2O3 were prepared through sonication followed by calcination at 600 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the crystallinity of the synthesized materials and established their average crystal size to be 83.87 nm. The morphological structure, composite molecule, and surface properties of the resulting K65T30A5 were characterized using FTIR, FE-SEM, and EDS analyses to confirm the successful fabrication of the nanocomposite. FTIR and EDS elemental mapping analyses confirmed the presence of Al, Si, Ti, and O elements in the nanocomposites. The composites exhibited photocatalytic behaviour across the UV-visible spectra, with values varying from the ultraviolet to the visible region with a sharp increase in reflectance at 510 nm. Near-complete degradation of MB (97.66 %) was achieved within 90 min at pH 9 and a 10 mg/L dye concentration, while RR removal reached 90.66 % within 120 min at pH 3.5 and the same dye concentration under visible light irradiation. The catalyst exhibited robust stability, retaining its efficiency by removing 85.09 % of MB and 80.21 % of RR dye after three reuse cycles. The composite catalyst discussed in this study emerges as a promising material for straightforward fabrication techniques, featuring a high percentage of kaolinite and proving to be a cost-effective solution for large-scale water and wastewater treatment processes.

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.

Factors influencing interprofessional collaboration in long-term care from a multidisciplinary perspective: a case study approach.

Systematic assessments of interprofessional collaboration barriers and enablers in long-term care settings are critical for delivering person-centered healthcare. However, research on factors influencing interprofessional collaboration in long-term care settings is limited. For this study, 65 healthcare professionals across multiple facilities experienced in long-term care in Japan participated in online focus group discussions and individual interviews to discuss cases. The qualitative data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Seven themes emerged: coordination, the need for care manager training, hierarchy among healthcare professionals, specialization but not the mind-set of overspecialization, casual conversations, electronic group communication tools, and excessive fear of personal information protection. These findings highlight the need to develop coordinator roles and for interprofessional education on the proper approach to personal information protection laws. Furthermore, daily casual conversations, the use of online platforms, and the prevention of patients being left behind due to overspecialization are required.

Spatiotemporal mapping of rice acreage and productivity growth in Bangladesh.

Technological advancements have long played crucial roles in rice productivity and food security in Bangladesh. Seasonal variation over time and regional differences in rice production, however, pose a threat to agricultural sustainability but remain unexplored. We performed a spatial-temporal mapping of rice cultivation area, production, and yield from 2006-2007 to 2019-2020 using secondary data for disaggregating 64 districts in Bangladesh. Growth and multivariate approaches were employed to analyze time-series data. Results showed that Mymensingh had the highest rice cultivated area and production, while Bandarban had the lowest. The 14 years highest average rice yield was found in Gopalganj and Dhaka (3.63 tons/ha), while Patuakhali (1.73 tons/ha) had the lowest. For the Aus, Aman, and Boro, the rice cultivation area in 19 districts, 11 districts, and 13 districts declined significantly. The overall rice production increased significantly in most districts. For the Aus, Aman, and Boro seasons, the rice yield in 54, 50, and 37 districts demonstrated a significant upward trend, respectively. The adoption rate of modern varieties has risen dramatically. However, there are notable variances between regions and seasons. A significant increasing trend in Aus (0.007% to 0.521%), Aman (0.004% to 0.039%), and Boro (0.013% to 0.584%) were observed in 28, 34, and 36 districts, respectively, with an increase of 1% adaptation of HYV. Predictions revealed that rice cultivation area and production of Aus, Aman, and Boro seasons will be increased in most of the regions of Bangladesh by 2030. Based on spatiotemporal cluster analysis, the five identified cluster groupings illustrated that clusters lack spatial cohesion and vary greatly seasonally. This suggests increasing rice production by expanding cultivable land, adopting high-yielding varieties, and integrating faster technological advancement in research and extension. The findings will assist scientists in developing region-specific production technologies and policymakers in designing decentral region-specific policies to ensure the future sustainability of rice production.

Stress biomarkers and child development in young children in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Hundreds of millions of children in low- and middle-income countries are exposed to chronic stressors, such as poverty, poor sanitation and hygiene, and sub-optimal nutrition. These stressors can have physiological consequences for children and may ultimately have detrimental effects on child development. This study explores associations between biological measures of chronic stress in early life and developmental outcomes in a large cohort of young children living in rural Bangladesh. METHODS: We assessed physiologic measures of stress in the first two years of life using measures of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (salivary cortisol and glucocorticoid receptor gene methylation), the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) system (salivary alpha-amylase, heart rate, and blood pressure), and oxidative status (F2-isoprostanes). We assessed child development in the first two years of life with the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories (CDI), the WHO gross motor milestones, and the Extended Ages and Stages Questionnaire (EASQ). We compared development outcomes of children at the 75th and 25th percentiles of stress biomarker distributions while adjusting for potential confounders using generalized additive models, which are statistical models where the outcome is predicted by a potentially non-linear function of predictor variables. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 684 children (49% female) at both 14 and 28 months of age; we included an additional 765 children at 28 months of age. We detected a significant relationship between HPA axis activity and child development, where increased HPA axis activity was associated with poor development outcomes. Specifically, we found that cortisol reactivity (coefficient -0.15, 95% CI (-0.29, -0.01)) and post-stressor levels (coefficient -0.12, 95% CI (-0.24, -0.01)) were associated with CDI comprehension score, post-stressor cortisol was associated with combined EASQ score (coefficient -0.22, 95% CI (-0.41, -0.04), and overall glucocorticoid receptor methylation was associated with CDI expression score (coefficient -0.09, 95% CI (-0.17, -0.01)). We did not detect a significant relationship between SAM activity or oxidative status and child development. CONCLUSIONS: Our observations reveal associations between the physiological evidence of stress in the HPA axis with developmental status in early childhood. These findings add to the existing evidence exploring the developmental consequences of early life stress.

Bioactivities of morroniside: A comprehensive review of pharmacological properties and molecular mechanisms.

Morroniside (MOR) is an iridoid glycoside and the main active principle of the medicinal plant, Cornus officinalis Sieb. This phytochemical is associated with numerous health benefits due to its antioxidant properties. The primary objective of the present study was to assess the pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms of MOR, utilizing published data obtained from literature databases. Data collection involved accessing various sources, including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and SpringerLink. Our findings demonstrate that MOR can be utilized for the treatment of several diseases and disorders, as numerous studies have revealed its significant therapeutic activities. These activities encompass anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, lipid-lowering capability, anticancer, trichogenic, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, osteoprotective, renoprotective, and cardioprotective effects. MOR has also shown promising benefits against various neurological ailments, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, cerebral ischemia, and neuropathic pain. Considering these therapeutic features, MOR holds promise as a lead compound for the treatment of various ailments and disorders. However, further comprehensive preclinical and clinical trials are required to establish MOR as an effective and reliable therapeutic agent.

A qualitative exploration of purchasing, stockpiling, and use of drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic in an urban city of Bangladesh.

Objectives: This research was conducted to explore the patterns and behavior of panic purchasing, stockpiling, and use of drugs during COVID-19 in the Sylhet city, Bangladesh. Study design: The study adopted qualitative exploratory research design. Methods: 25 in-depth interviews with drug sellers and clients and 7 key informant interviews were conducted with pharmacists and medical representatives of pharmaceutical companies in Sylhet city in Bangladesh from October 2020 to March 2021. Thematic analysis was used to evaluate the primary data. Results: The findings revealed that individuals sought out, purchased, and stockpiled prescription-only drugs for self-medication purposes during the COVID-19 pandemic. News and rumor spread by social media, television, and everyday interactions concerning the severity of infections and the number of deaths caused an increase in self-medication as a preventive measure. The reason for this panic buying of drugs was identified as a fear of drug shortages, price hikes, the rise of infection, and the availability of medicines and home delivery services during the pandemic. Conclusion: The purchasing, stockpiling and use of drugs by pharmacies varied based on the person dispensing the drugs, the customer, and the COVID-19 pandemic situation. Furthermore, the role of social media in spreading rumor and (dis) misinformation about drug use, a greater tendency to self-medicate, and poor regulation, influenced the individual's use of drugs. Therefore, the drug regulatory authorities and policymakers need to consider the real level of local drug use in order to encourage more rational use of drugs which will help to ensure that there is reliable access to safe, effective, and high-quality medicines and vaccines for all.

A stroke prediction framework using explainable ensemble learning.

The death of brain cells occurs when blood flow to a particular area of the brain is abruptly cut off, resulting in a stroke. Early recognition of stroke symptoms is essential to prevent strokes and promote a healthy lifestyle. FAST tests (looking for abnormalities in the face, arms, and speech) have limitations in reliability and accuracy for diagnosing strokes. This research employs machine learning (ML) techniques to develop and assess multiple ML models to establish a robust stroke risk prediction framework. This research uses a stacking-based ensemble method to select the best three machine learning (ML) models and combine their collective intelligence. An empirical evaluation of a publicly available stroke prediction dataset demonstrates the superior performance of the proposed stacking-based ensemble model, with only one misclassification. The experimental results reveal that the proposed stacking model surpasses other state-of-the-art research, achieving accuracy, precision, F1-score of 99.99%, recall of 100%, receiver operating characteristics (ROC), Mathews correlation coefficient (MCC), and Kappa scores 1.0. Furthermore, Shapley's Additive Explanations (SHAP) are employed to analyze the predictions of the black-box machine learning (ML) models. The findings highlight that age, BMI, and glucose level are the most significant risk factors for stroke prediction. These findings contribute to the development of more efficient techniques for stroke prediction, potentially saving many lives.

Polyphenols: Role in Modulating Immune Function and Obesity.

Polyphenols, long-used components of medicinal plants, have drawn great interest in recent years as potential therapeutic agents because of their safety, efficacy, and wide range of biological effects. Approximately 75% of the world's population still use plant-based medicinal compounds, indicating the ongoing significance of phytochemicals for human health. This study emphasizes the growing body of research investigating the anti-adipogenic and anti-obesity functions of polyphenols. The functions of polyphenols, including phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, glycosides, and phenolic acids, are distinct due to changes in chemical diversity and structural characteristics. This review methodically investigates the mechanisms by which naturally occurring polyphenols mediate obesity and metabolic function in immunomodulation. To this end, hormonal control of hunger has the potential to inhibit pro-obesity enzymes such as pancreatic lipase, the promotion of energy expenditure, and the modulation of adipocytokine production. Specifically, polyphenols affect insulin, a hormone that is essential for regulating blood sugar, and they also play a role, in part, in a complex web of factors that affect the progression of obesity. This review also explores the immunomodulatory properties of polyphenols, providing insight into their ability to improve immune function and the effects of polyphenols on gut health, improving the number of commensal bacteria, cytokine production suppression, and immune cell mediation, including natural killer cells and macrophages. Taken together, continuous studies are required to understand the prudent and precise mechanisms underlying polyphenols' therapeutic potential in obesity and immunomodulation. In the interim, this review emphasizes a holistic approach to health and promotes the consumption of a wide range of foods and drinks high in polyphenols. This review lays the groundwork for future developments, indicating that the components of polyphenols and their derivatives may provide the answer to urgent worldwide health issues. This compilation of the body of knowledge paves the way for future discoveries in the global treatment of pressing health concerns in obesity and metabolic diseases.