Comprehensive molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium species in Japan.

Cryptosporidium species, causing diarrheal illnesses in humans and animals worldwide, are under investigation for their molecular epidemiology in Japan. The study focuses on detecting Cryptosporidium species in humans, animals, water, and the environment, revealing three species in people: C. parvum, C. meleagridis, and C. hominis. Subtype IIa of the C. parvum gp60 gene is prevalent, indicating potential zoonotic transmission. Animal studies identified sixteen species, mainly cattle and pets, with C. parvum (subtype IIa) common in cattle and C. canis and C. felis prevalent in pets. Additionally, C. bovis and C. ryanae were found in cattle and sika deer. Knowledge gaps exist, particularly in water and environmental source typing, with limited research revealing five species and five genotypes, suggesting a significant role of water in transmission. Further research is needed to understand the molecular diversity and transmission dynamics across humans, animals, water, and the environment in Japan.

Transparency interventions to improve health system outcomes in low and middle-income countries: a narrative systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the types of transparency interventions in the health systems of the low-income and middle-income countries and the outcomes of such interventions in those systems. METHOD: We searched major medical databases including PubMed, Embase and Scopus, for any kind of interventional study on transparency in health systems. We also looked for additional sources of information in organisational websites, grey literature and reference checking. Using the PRISMA algorithm for identifying related studies, we included 24 articles. RESULTS: Our initial search, from 1980 to August 2021, retrieved 407 articles, 24 of which were narratively analysed. Response to a problem (mostly corruption) was the main reason for the initiation of a transparency intervention. Transparency interventions differed in terms of types, performance methods, collaboration partners and outcomes. They help improve the health system mostly in the short term and in some cases, long term. CONCLUSION: Although our findings revealed that transparency initiatives could reduce some problems such as counterfeit drugs and corruption, and improve health indicators in a short term, still their sustainability remains a concern. Health systems need robust interventions with clearly defined and measured outcomes, especially sustainable outcomes to tackle corruption fundamentally.

Determinants of stunting among under-five children: Evidence from Cambodian Demographic and Health Survey 2021-2022.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological and nutritional modifications are causing an increase in stunting in many low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), which will eventually result in juvenile diseases and mortality. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the influential factors contributing to stunting among under-five children in Cambodia. METHODS: A secondary dataset consisting of 3268 under-five children was extracted from the latest Cambodian Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS)-2021/2022 dataset. The Chi-square test and Boruta algorithm were used for covariate selection, and logistic regression approaches were used to determine the influence of demographic, socioeconomic and other factors on the presence of stunting. RESULTS: Findings revealed that about 21% of under-five children were stunted, and the prevalence of stunting was higher in rural areas than in urban areas. The prevalence of child stunting was lower in families with highly educated parents. A child whose father had a secondary education had 0.71 times lower (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.520-0.969) chance of stunting than a child whose father had no education. Findings revealed that Ratnak Kiri, Mondul Kiri, Stung Treng, Pursat and Kampot had a greater prevalence of stunting than other places, ranging from 27.11% to 35.70%, whereas Banteay Meanchey, Phnom Penh and Kandal had the lowest rates, ranging from 12.80% to 16.00%. Results of the Boruta algorithm and logistic regression suggested that under-five stunting is significantly influenced by factors such as the child's age, size at birth, mother's age at first birth, mother's body mass index (BMI), father's educational status, cooking fuel, and wealth index. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to take initiatives for reducing the prevalence of stunted children prioritising the identified factors that ultimately help to reduce the burden of child health. The authors believed that the findings of this study will be helpful for policymakers in designing the appropriate policies and actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by reducing stunting among under-five children in Cambodia.

Evaluation of In Vitro Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic, Thrombolytic, and Antiarthritic Property of Different Parts of Bari Orchid.

Many different herbal extracts have historically been utilized to treat microbe-induced infections, injuries, cancer, thrombosis, and arthritis. The purpose of this study was to determine the antibacterial, cytotoxic, in vitro thrombolytic, and in vitro antiarthritic properties of ethanolic extracts of stem and seed of Bari orchid 1 (BO) plant. This orchid plant was developed by the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI) in Gazipur. Fourteen microbes were employed in the antimicrobial investigation, and samples of orchids were compared to ciprofloxacin as a reference. The BO/seed extract was found to possess more antibacterial activity. The lethality test of brine shrimps was used to assess the LC50 values. The BO/stem extract exhibited a higher cytotoxicity potential, in comparison to the BO/seed extract. Two concentrations (1000 and 100 ppm) and two incubation times (24 hours and 1.5 hours) were used to assess the thrombolytic activity of the extracts. Regarding the thrombolytic effect, the BO/stem extract has demonstrated greater promise. Furthermore, the herbal extract's antiarthritic activity was investigated at four different concentrations, and the results were evaluated in comparison with those of diclofenac sodium. When comparing BO/stem extract to other extracts, the greatest values for protein denaturation were obtained.

Stalling of Transcription by Putative G-quadruplex Sequences and CRISPR-dCas9.

Putative G-quadruplex forming sequences (PQS) have been identified in promoter sequences of prominent genes that are implicated among others in cancer and neurological disorders. We explored mechanistic aspects of CRISPR-dCas9-mediated gene expression regulation, which is transient and sequence specific unlike alternative approaches that lack such specificity or create permanent mutations, using the PQS in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and c-Myc promoters as model systems. We performed in vitro ensemble and single molecule investigations to study whether G-quadruplex (GQ) structures or dCas9 impede T7 RNA polymerase (RNAP) elongation process and whether orientation of these factors is significant. Our results demonstrate that dCas9 is more likely to block RNAP progression when the non-template strand is targeted. While the GQ in TH promoter was effectively destabilized when the dCas9 target site partially overlapped with the PQS, the c-Myc GQ remained folded and stalled RNAP elongation. We also determined that a minimum separation between the transcription start site and the dCas9 target site is required for effective stalling of RNAP by dCas9. Our study provides significant insights about the factors that impact dCas9-mediated transcription regulation when dCas9 targets the vicinity of sequences that form secondary structures and provides practical guidelines for designing guide RNA sequences.

Economic instability, income, and unemployment effects on mortality: using SUR panel data in Iran.

This study aims to investigate the effects of socioeconomic factors on mortality in Iran. To this end, this research examines how economic instability, income, and unemployment affect mortality using a seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) with panel data for 30 provinces in Iran from 2004 to 2019. The results indicate that unemployment and mortality have a countercyclical relationship among the working age-groups 20-59 but a procyclical pattern among old-age (60+), except for rural mortality. This result is harmonious between employment and age-group mortality. This finding implies that unemployment increases mortality in working age-groups due to psychological stress and poverty risk. In addition, the income level decreases mortality in all ages over 40 years due to the provision of higher access to health and medical services and social welfare. However, it increases mortality in rural areas and age-group 20-39 because of their hazardous, unsafe, and stressful work conditions. Therefore, policymakers should plan for an inclusive economic growth to reduce poverty and out-of-pocket payments and increase the quality and accessibility of public health services, especially for beneficiaries of lower social groups. Moreover, they should adopt strategies to alleviate the burden of premature, preventable, and treatable deaths.

Examining the molecular epidemiology of Giardia and Eimeria species in Japan: a comprehensive review.

Globally, animals and humans suffer from diarrheal illnesses due to protozoan parasites such as Giardia and Eimeria species. The molecular epidemiology of these parasites in Japan is summarized in this review. In humans, researchers found only one main species of Giardia, which is most referred to as G. lamblia, but it's also known by different names like G. duodenalis or G. intestinalis. However, within this species, six assemblages (A, B, C, D, E, and F) were found in animals, and assemblage B was frequently recorded in human and monkey populations, whereas assemblages A and E were predominant in calves. Assemblage A was found in sika deer and assemblages A, C, D, and F were predominant in dogs, cats, and ferret. Eimeria bovis, E. zuernii, and other species found in animals made up the group of species known as Eimeria spp., with E. bovis and E. zuernii being the most common in cattle. Our review highlighted a notable lack of data investigations regarding these two pathogens in water and environmental sources. Giardia cysts were found in the few studies that have been done on water sources, suggesting that water may play a significant role in the transmission of Giardia species. Our review suggests that further research is necessary to fully comprehend the molecular diversity and dynamics of transmission of Giardia spp. and Eimeria spp. in humans, animals, and environmental sources in Japan.

CLU (clusterin) and PPARGC1A/PGC1α coordinately control mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis for oral cancer cell survival.

Mitophagy involves the selective elimination of defective mitochondria during chemotherapeutic stress to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis and sustain cancer growth. Here, we showed that CLU (clusterin) is localized to mitochondria to induce mitophagy controlling mitochondrial damage in oral cancer cells. Moreover, overexpression and knockdown of CLU establish its mitophagy-specific role, where CLU acts as an adaptor protein that coordinately interacts with BAX and LC3 recruiting autophagic machinery around damaged mitochondria in response to cisplatin treatment. Interestingly, CLU triggers class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PtdIns3K) activity around damaged mitochondria, and inhibition of mitophagic flux causes the accumulation of excessive mitophagosomes resulting in reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent apoptosis during cisplatin treatment in oral cancer cells. In parallel, we determined that PPARGC1A/PGC1α (PPARG coactivator 1 alpha) activates mitochondrial biogenesis during CLU-induced mitophagy to maintain the mitochondrial pool. Intriguingly, PPARGC1A inhibition through small interfering RNA (siPPARGC1A) and pharmacological inhibitor (SR-18292) treatment counteracts CLU-dependent cytoprotection leading to mitophagy-associated cell death. Furthermore, co-treatment of SR-18292 with cisplatin synergistically suppresses tumor growth in oral cancer xenograft models. In conclusion, CLU and PPARGC1A are essential for sustained cancer cell growth by activating mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis, respectively, and their inhibition could provide better therapeutic benefits against oral cancer.

MATRESHCA: Microtesla Apparatus for Transfer of Resonance Enhancement of Spin Hyperpolarization via Chemical Exchange and Addition.

We present an integrated, open-source device for parahydrogen-based hyperpolarization processes in the microtesla field regime with a cost of components of less than $7000. The device is designed to produce a batch of 13C and 15N hyperpolarized (HP) compounds via hydrogenative or non-hydrogenative parahydrogen-induced polarization methods that employ microtesla magnetic fields for efficient polarization transfer of parahydrogen-derived spin order to X-nuclei (e.g., 13C and 15N). The apparatus employs a layered structure (reminiscent of a Russian doll "Matryoshka") that includes a nonmagnetic variable-temperature sample chamber, a microtesla magnetic field coil (operating in the range of 0.02-75 microtesla), a three-layered mu-metal shield (to attenuate the ambient magnetic field), and a magnetic shield degaussing coil placed in the overall device enclosure. The gas-handling manifold allows for parahydrogen-gas flow and pressure control (up to 9.2 bar of total parahydrogen pressure). The sample temperature can be varied either using a water bath or a PID-controlled heat exchanger in the range from -12 to 80 °C. This benchtop device measures 62 cm (length) × 47 cm (width) × 47 cm (height), weighs 30 kg, and requires only connections to a high-pressure parahydrogen gas supply and a single 110/220 VAC power source. The utility of the device has been demonstrated using an example of parahydrogen pairwise addition to form HP ethyl [1-13C]acetate (P13C = 7%, [c] = 1 M). Moreover, the Signal Amplification By Reversible Exchange in SHield Enables Alignment Transfer to Heteronuclei (SABRE-SHEATH) technique was employed to demonstrate efficient hyperpolarization of 13C and 15N spins in a wide range of biologically relevant molecules, including [1-13C]pyruvate (P13C = 14%, [c] = 27 mM), [1-13C]-α-ketoglutarate (P13C = 17%), [1-13C]ketoisocaproate (P13C = 18%), [15N3]metronidazole (P15N = 13%, [c] = 20 mM), and others. While the vast majority of the utility studies have been performed in standard 5 mm NMR tubes, the sample chamber of the device can accommodate a wide range of sample container sizes and geometries of up to 1 L sample volume. The device establishes an integrated, simple, inexpensive, and versatile equipment gateway needed to facilitate parahydrogen-based hyperpolarization experiments ranging from basic science to preclinical applications; indeed, detailed technical drawings and a bill of materials are provided to support the ready translation of this design to other laboratories.

Prediction of phase composition and mechanical properties Fe-Cr-C-B-Ti-Cu hardfacing alloys: Modeling and experimental Validations.

Alloys of the Fe-Cr-C-B-Ti alloy system are characterized by brittleness, which can be eliminated by the copper alloy, while corrosion resistance and abrasive wear resistance are significantly reduced. In this article, comprehensive investigations are carried out on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the proposed high-copper boron-containing alloy 110Cr4Cu7Ti1VB. Systematic theoretical and experimental studies encompassed thermodynamic calculations in ThermoCALC, production of flux-cored wires for hardfacing and welding, receipt of SEM images, acquisition of load and unload diagrams (discharge) via instrumental indentation on various phases of the deposited metal, and determination of chemical composition at indentation points through local chemical analysis. Mechanical properties of some phases such as γ-Fe phase (austenite), hemioboride Fe2(В,С) and boron cementite Fe3(В,С) and titanium carbide TiC in Fe-Cr-C-B-Ti-Сг alloy were determined by using density functional theory (DFT) implemented in the CASTEP code. We also compared these compounds; properties with other available commercial compounds, where available. With the knowledge of calculated elastic constants, the moduli, the Pugh's modulus ratio G/B, the Poisson's ratio v and the hardness of the title phases, 110Cr4Cu7Ti1VB were further predicted and discussed.

Socio-economic status and autism spectrum disorder: A case-control study in Bangladesh.

There are unexpectedly a few statistics about the socio-economic status (SES) and related socio-demographic factors (SDFs) of parents having child with ASD in Bangladesh. The prevalence of ASD might correlate with SES and related SDFs. A case-control study was conducted in 24 locations across 21 districts, encompassing all divisions, to assess the association between SES and the risk of developing ASD in Bangladesh. The structured questionnaire was administered through face-to-face interviews with 620 parents of the subject (310 ASD and 310 healthy controls) from January 2020 to June 2021. For univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses, IBM SPSS version 23 was employed. The significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05, and the Odds Ratio (OR) within a 95 % CI was used to determine whether the variable poses a higher odd or not. After adjusting all significant covariates of binary logistic regression (including some dummy variables) in forward logistic regression model analysis, the higher level of SES, advanced level of father's education (≥master), 22-35 years old age group of the father, and nuclear family were strongly associated with decreased odds of ASD compared to healthy controls. Only the male gender was strongly associated with an increased odds of ASD compared to the control. The results will aid policymakers in developing plans considering the SES and related SDFs that influence the risk of developing ASD in Bangladesh. Further research using population-based cohorts or nested case-control designs with matched control is necessary to observe and generalize the association.

Linking green supply chain management practices and environmental performance in the manufacturing industry: a hybrid SEM-ANN approach.

This research determines the influence of green supply chain management practices (GSCM) on environmental performance. It also investigates the moderating role of supply chain environmental cooperation on GSCM practices and environmental performance relationships. A total of 370 employees of several Bangladeshi manufacturing companies were conveniently chosen as respondents. To verify the data validity and reliability and to test the hypotheses, we used SmartPLS. Finally, we employed an artificial neural network (ANN) to examine the relationship. Green design and green manufacturing have significant positive impacts on environmental performance, while green procurement and green distribution do not. Moreover, environmental cooperation moderates the relationships of green design and green distribution with environmental performance. The moderating effect of supply chain environmental cooperation in the relationship between GSCM practices and environmental performance in the manufacturing industry adds knowledge to the existing literature by incorporating a hybrid model combining PLS-SEM and ANN. Our study adds to the current body of knowledge by delving into the literature on GSCM from the perspective of Bangladesh's industrial sector. This study fills a knowledge gap by shedding light on the interactions of GSCM and environmental performance. Indeed, this study represents a step forward from classic linear regression-based models to an ANN-based nonlinear model. It also demonstrates new contributions to the literature on green supply chain management and environmental performance.

Strategies for improving the financing of family medicine program: Evidence from Iran.

Background and Aims: The impact of health financing on the performance of the entire health system, including access, quality, and efficiency of healthcare, has been emphasized in the Astana Declaration, and the need to strengthen primary healthcare (PHC) and policy integration has been emphasized. After about two decades, the family medicine (FM) program in Iran is still facing great challenges. The aim of this study is to explore strategies for strengthening financing of the FM program in Iran, a vital component of PHC. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in 2021. Purposeful sampling was used to select 34 policymakers, managers, and experts from various levels of the Ministry of Health, Iran universities of medical sciences, plan and budget organization of Iran, and health insurance organization in Iran. Thirty-four semistructured interviews were conducted to collect data, which were analyzed by content analysis. Results: Through the analysis of interviews, our study has identified five strategies (identification and management of sustainable resources, pooling of sustainable resources, modeling of service provision, payment system model and its implementation process, and FM management structure), and 13 actions for strengthening financing of the FM program in Iran. Conclusion: Our study has identified five strategies and 13 actions for strengthening the financing of the FM program in Iran. These strategies and actions should be considered by policymakers during the review of the FM program in Iran. Without implementation of the suggested strategies and action, allocated resources may be wasted.

Graphene-like emerging 2D materials: recent progress, challenges and future outlook.

Owing to the unique physical and chemical properties of 2D materials and the great success of graphene in various applications, the scientific community has been influenced to explore a new class of graphene-like 2D materials for next-generation technological applications. Consequently, many alternative layered and non-layered 2D materials, including h-BN, TMDs, and MXenes, have been synthesized recently for applications related to the 4th industrial revolution. In this review, recent progress in state-of-the-art research on 2D materials, including their synthesis routes, characterization and application-oriented properties, has been highlighted. The evolving applications of 2D materials in the areas of electronics, optoelectronics, spintronic devices, sensors, high-performance and transparent electrodes, energy conversion and storage, electromagnetic interference shielding, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and nanocomposites are discussed. In particular, the state-of-the-art applications, challenges, and outlook of every class of 2D material are also presented as concluding remarks to guide this fast-progressing class of 2D materials beyond graphene for scientific research into next-generation materials.

Acceptability of a head-mounted assistive mouse controller for people with upper limb disability: An empirical study using the technology acceptance model.

Due to limited motor capabilities, people with upper limb disabilities have trouble utilizing a typical mouse while operating a computer. Different wearable Assistive Mouse Controllers (AMCs) have been developed to overcome their challenges. However, these people may not be able to realize the importance, ease of use, and social approval of these AMCs due to their fear of new technology, lack of confidence, and lack of ingenuity. These may negatively affect their attitude and intention toward accepting AMCs for equitable human-computer interaction. This study presents the development of a sensor-based head-mounted AMC, followed by an empirical analysis of its acceptance using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) from the socioeconomic perspective of Bangladesh. In a similar vein, we examined the effects of three additional psychological constructs-technology anxiety, confidence, and innovation, on its acceptance along with the original components of the TAM. A total of 150 individuals with stroke-induced upper limb disability participated in an online survey, and their responses were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling, following the general least square method. Analysis revealed, about 96.44% of the participants had positive attitude towards the AMC, and almost 88.56% of them had positive intentions to accept it. Furthermore, about 68.61% of them expressed signs of anxiety, 96.35% were confident, and 94.16% of them had an innovative mindset in terms of device usage. The findings imply that individuals with an innovative mentality are more capable of comprehending the practical implications of a new technology than those without one. It is also feasible to reduce technological anxiety and boost a user's confidence while using an AMC by combining an innovative mentality with straightforward device interaction techniques. Additionally, peer encouragement and motivation can significantly enhance their positive attitude towards accepting the AMC for facilitating their interaction with a computer.

Preparation and characterization of short date palm mat (DPM) fiber reinforced polystyrene composites: Effect of gamma radiation.

The utilization of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites is growing fast in numerous sectors. In this study, the effect of the addition of short date palm mat (DPM) fibers in polystyrene matrix on the physico-mechanical and thermal properties were studied. Short DPM fiber reinforced polystyrene composites were produced by compression moulding process and the fiber content was 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 wt%. Physico-mechanical and thermal properties were examined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis of the composites were also done. The findings from the investigates exposed that the composites with 10 % fiber content showed improved mechanical and thermal characteristics as compared to other composites. The morphological analysis also supported the results where good interfacial bonding among fiber and polystyrene matrix was found for the composites with 10 % fiber content. The optimized (10 % fiber content) composites were exposed to gamma radiation (2.5-7.5 kGy) and the best result was found at 5.0 kGy radiation dose. Degradation of gamma irradiated composites was conducted in four different media such as water, acid, base, and brine.

Determinants of coexisting forms of undernutrition among under-five children: Evidence from the Bangladesh demographic and health surveys.

In many underdeveloped and developing countries, epidemiological and nutritional transitions are leading to an increase in malnutrition, resulting in pediatric diseases and eventually deaths. Therefore, this study intents to determine the important factors of the presence of coexisting forms of malnutrition (CFM), i.e., pediatric undernutrition. This study used the latest Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS)-2017/18 dataset consisting of 7127 under-five children. The logistic regression model has been utilized to gain explicit and in-depth knowledge of the relationship between the presence of pediatric undernutrition with socioeconomic and demographic factors. Findings revealed that about 31%, 22%, and 8% suffered from stunted, underweight, and wasted, respectively. The prevalence of stunted, underweighted, wasted, and CFM among children in the Sylhet division is higher than in any other region. A child of a secondary-level completed mother is 27.6% (OR: 0.724, 95% CI: 0.58-0.90) less likely to suffer from undernutrition than a child of an uneducated mother. The rate of undernutrition of children was less among children of highly educated parents. Age, birth order of the child, twin status, mother's age, body mass index (BMI), working status, parental educational qualification, cooking fuel, toilet facility, region, residence, and wealth index are important for determining the nutritional status of a child. The authors believe that the study findings will be helpful to the policymakers to take proper actions for achieving the sustainable development goal (SDGs) by reducing pediatric undernutrition in Bangladesh by 2030.

Challenges of Budgeting and Public Financial Management in Iran's Health System: A Qualitative Study.

Background: Efficient and effective management of budgets and financial resources is critical for health systems to achieve their goals; in this regard, countries may face budgetary and financial challenges owing to the weak prediction of resources and consumptions, and lack of prioritization for their budget. This study aims to identify the most critical policies and events that have affected public financial management and health budgeting and existing challenges in Iran. Methods: We conducted the present study in 2022 using a 2-stage qualitative method. First, by reviewing upstream documents and laws, we identified evidence related to health budgeting. Then, we conducted 13 semi-structured interviews with informed people in the health budgeting field that led us toward the main challenges through thematic content analysis. Results: After reviewing 48 upstream documents related to health budgeting, we identified 85 policies. After reviewing the articles, we achieved 11 themes and 71 subthemes. The most critical challenges of the budgeting cycle were as follows: (I) budget formulation, including inappropriate budget structure, conflicts of interest and infringement, lack of financial sustainability, and transparency; (II) budget execution, including a nonexecutable approved budget, complicated allocation process, and ineffective allocations; and (III) monitoring, reporting, and evaluation (MR&E), including fragmentation of MR&E processes, ineffective monitoring and evaluation, weak evaluation of platforms, and inadequate transparency. Conclusion: Most challenges in the health budgeting system are related to the budget formulation and approval stage that have their roots in implementation, monitoring, and reporting. In addition, Iran's macroeconomic and financial issues have also damaged the budgeting of the health sector. Budget problems affect the goals and outcomes of this sector, especially the health system.

Human exposures to multiple water sources in the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh: water quality, pollution sources, and preliminary health risks appraisals.

The coastal areas of Bangladesh have poor accessibility to fresh drinking water and the groundwater is not suitable for drinking, cooking, and other domestic uses due to high levels of salinity and potentially toxic elements. The current study focuses on understanding of the distribution of some physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH, EC, TDS, and salinity) and chemical elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cu, Co, Pb, As, Cr, Cd, and Ni) with health perspective in drinking water from the southwestern coastal area of Bangladesh. The physicochemical properties of the water samples were examined with a multiparameter meter, while the elemental concentrations were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometer. Water quality index (WQI) and irrigation indices were utilized to determine the drinking water quality and irrigation feasibility, respectively, whereas hazard quotients (HQs) and hazard index (HI) were used to assess the probable pathways and the associated potential risks to human health. The concentrations of some toxic elements in measured samples were relatively higher compared to drinking water guidelines, indicating that ground and surface water are not apt for drinking and/or domestic uses. The multivariate statistical approaches linked the source of the pollutants in the studied water body mostly to the geogenic origin including saline water intrusion. WQI values ranged from 18 to 430, reflecting excellent to unsuitable categories of water quality. The assessment of human health risks due to exposure to contaminated water demonstrated both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks in the exposed residents of the study area. Therefore, appropriate long-term coastal area management strategies should be adopted in the study region for environmental sustainability. The findings of this research will be supportive in understanding the actual situation of fresh drinking water in the area for policymakers, planners, and environmentalists to take effective necessary measures to ensure safe drinking water in the study area.