Perception of mucormycosis infection among Bangladeshi healthcare workers: an exploratory cross-sectional study in the year following the COVID-19 pandemic

Background Mucormycosis, a severe fungal infection, is an emerging public health concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the perception of mucormycosis among Bangladeshi healthcare workers. Results An exploratory cross-sectional study was carried out among the Bangladeshi healthcare workers from May 25, 2021, to June 5, 2021. The study found 422 responses from the healthcare workers of Bangladesh. Among the respondents, nearly half of them (45.26%) were doctors (n = 191). This study explored that the healthcare workers’ mucormycosis perception scores were significantly associated with their age, gender, profession, monthly income, marital status, job type, and death of friends and family members due to COVID-19. Conclusions This study emphasized the healthcare workers’ mucormycosis perception along with other associated factors. The findings could help policymakers to mitigate mucormycosis and related infectious diseases emergencies in the post-COVID-19 situation.

Production, characterization, and antitumor efficiency of l-glutaminase from halophilic bacteria

Background Halophiles are an excellent source of enzymes that are not only salt stable, but also can withstand and carry out reaction efficiently under extreme conditions. l-glutaminase has attracted much attention with respect to proposed applications in several fields such as pharmaceuticals and food industries. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anticancer activity of l-glutaminase produced by halophilic bacteria. Various halophilic bacterial strains were screened for extracellular l-glutaminase production. An attempt was made to study the optimization, purification, and characterization of l-glutaminase from Bacillus sp. DV2-37. The antitumor activity of the produced enzyme was also investigated. Results The potentiality of 15 halophilic bacterial strains isolated from the marine environment that produced extracellular l-glutaminase was investigated. Bacillus sp. DV2-37 was selected as the most potent strain and optimized for enzyme production. The optimization of fermentation process revealed that the highest enzyme activity (47.12 U/ml) was observed in a medium supplemented with 1% (w/v) glucose as a carbon source, 1% (w/v) peptone as a nitrogen source, 5% (w/v) NaCl, the initial pH was 7.0, at 37 °C, using 20% (v/v) inoculum size after 96 h of incubation. The produced crude enzyme was partially purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and dialysis. Of the various parameters tested, pH 7, 40 °C, and 5% NaCl were found to be the best for l-glutaminase activity. The enzyme also exhibited high salt and temperature stability. The antitumor effect against human breast (MCF-7), hepatocellular (HepG-2), and colon (HCT-116) carcinoma cell lines revealed that l-glutaminase produced by Bacillus sp. DV2-37 showed potent cytotoxic activity of all the tested cell lines in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 3.5, 3.4, and 3.8 µg/ml, respectively. Conclusions The present study proved that l-glutaminase produced by marine bacteria holds proper features and it has a high potential to be useful for many therapeutic applications.

Medicinal herbs as a panacea for biogenic silver nanoparticles

Background Scientists created a new area known as "green nanotechnology" by combining the concept of sustainability with nanotechnology. Its goal is to eliminate the use of chemicals in nanoparticle manufacturing by replacing them with plant-based materials. Green synthesis is promoted as the best alternative to the traditional method of nanoparticle synthesis in this new domain. Plants that constitute a major portion of our biodiversity are embraced with inherent potentiality to be transformed as miracle medicine due to its phytochemicals. These phytochemicals efficiently replace the classical wet chemical ingredients involved in nanoparticle synthesis by upgrading to greener method for its synthesis. By incorporating plant-based sources as the chief ingredient of nanoparticle synthesis, we are able to reduce the hazards of greenhouse gas emissions and enlighten the insights of our scientific community with nanotechnology for green innovation. Hence, this review simultaneously aims at promoting plant extracts as the most efficient as well as renewable recipe for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and preparing earth for a greener tomorrow. Methodology Scientific articles and publications were selected from reputed journals and sorted out with pertinent keywords of this review. Electronic sources like Google Scholar, PubMed, Research Gate, Science Direct, Wiley Online Library, Web of Science and Scopus were searched for potential articles and recent breakthroughs published in the area of silver nanoparticle synthesis via green chemistry and biological methods using plant extracts. Scientific names of medicinal plants were checked using botanical databases like Plant List and International Plant Names Index. Conclusion This review pinpoints on empowering better life on earth by protecting it from hazardous effects of conventional nanotechnological production through replacing the former with sustainable green synthesis approach. Ergo, it outlines that by incorporating plant-based sources as the chief ingredient of nanoparticle synthesis, we are able to reduce the hazards of greenhouse gas emissions in turn by slowing down increasing climate change disasters globally and enlighten the insights of our scientific community with nanotechnology for green innovation.

Ecological risk factors of soil-transmitted helminths infections in Ifedore district, Southwest Nigeria

Background Soil-Transmitted Helminths are a group of parasites that cause gastrointestinal infections in humans and require the soil to develop into their infective forms. Ecological factors such as soil temperature, soil pH and rainfall patterns are, however, important determinants for the successful transmission of soil helminths as they play a major role in their abundance and survival in the soil. The study investigated the ecological factors influencing the transmission of soil-transmitted helminths in Ifedore district, Southwest Nigeria. Results Out of the one hundred and ninety-two (192) soil samples from the study area, one hundred and fifty-two 152 (79.2%) were positive for the presence of soil helminths’ larvae and ova. Higher occurrence of soil helminths was recorded during the rainy months (n = 416) than during the months with no records of rainfall (n = 290). Sandy soil had the highest number of soil helminths 285 (40.4%), while clay soil recorded the least 88 (12.5%). Soil temperature showed negative correlations with the occurrence of Ancylostoma duodenale (r = − 0.53) and Strongyloides stercoralis larvae (r = − 0.36), while soil conductivity showed positive correlations with the occurrence of Ascaris lumbricoides (r = 0.28) and A. duodenale (r = 0.34). Conclusion It is evident from the study that ecological factors played a significant role in the occurrence and abundance of soil-transmitted helminths. This research is important for predicting and monitoring soil-transmitted helminthiasis in endemic countries, and to devise effective control measures.

Management of large multiple oral papillary lesions suspected Acanthosis Nigricans: a case report

Background Papillary oral pathologies are a heterogenous group. Both virus-associated and non-virus-associated, malignant and benign entities may enter the differential diagnosis. In some cases, oral papillary lesions are part of a variety of skin or systemic disorders and syndromes. It is a challenge for clinicians to identify and treat the various etiology of oral papillary lesions. Case presentation This case report describes the successful management of large multiple oral papillary lesions in a 65-year-old female. Combined the clinical features, pathological findings and medical history, the patient was tended to be the diagnosis of Acanthosis Nigricans and was successfully managed. The neuro-endocrine-immune network and mechanical factors in the pathogenesis of oral papillary lesions of Acanthosis Nigricans were discussed. Common questions regarding differential diagnosis, the management of oral papillary lesions of Acanthosis Nigricans patients and follow-up visits are addressed. Conclusions The neuro-endocrine-immune network and mechanical factors play important roles in the pathogenesis of oral papillary lesions with Acanthosis Nigricans. Removing traumatic factors of oral mucosa and the treatment of underlying systemic diseases is necessary for Acanthosis Nigricans patients with oral papillary lesions. The clinical management plan should comprise both the local treatments of oral papillary lesions and the systemic treatment of underlying diseases. Multidisciplinary correlation is helpful and the patient’s collaboration is necessary to arrive at the correct diagnosis and successful long-term treatment effect. From the clinician’s perspective, recognizing various causes and clinical presentations of oral papillary lesions will help guide management.

Association between preference and e-learning readiness among the Bangladeshi female nursing students in the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

Background The COVID-19 pandemic jeopardized the traditional academic learning calendars due to the closing of all educational institutions across the globe. To keep up with the flow of learning, most of the educational institutions shifted toward e-learning. However, the students’ e-learning preference and e-learning readiness did not identify, particularly among the Bangladeshi female nursing students, where those can pose serious challenges. A cross-sectional study was carried out among the female nursing students between December 26, 2020, and January 11, 2021. A total of 237 students were recruited who have enrolled in e-learning at least the last 30 days of the participation. Multivariable linear regression models were fitted to find the association of students’ preference, e-learning readiness domains, and other variables. Results A cross-sectional study was conducted among the female nursing students to assess perceived e-learning readiness in the subdomains of readiness; availability, technology use, self-confidence, acceptance and training. The findings of the study revealed that the prevalence of preference for e-learning was 43.46%. The students did not prefer e-learning compared to ‘prefer group’ has significantly less availability of technology (β = − 3.01, 95% CI − 4.46, − 1.56), less use of technology (β = − 3.08, 95% CI − 5.11, − 1.06), less self-confidence (β = − 4.50, 95% CI − 7.02, − 1.98), less acceptance (β = − 5.96, 95% CI − 7.76, − 4.16) and less training need (β = − 1.86, 95% CI − 2.67, − 1.06). The age, degree, residence, parents’ highest education, having a single room, and having any eye problems were significantly associated with the variation of availability of technology, use of technology, self-confidence, acceptance, and training need of e-learning. Conclusions The outcomes of the study could be helpful while developing an effective and productive e-learning infrastructure regarding the preparedness of nursing colleges for the continuation of academia in any adverse circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic.

The impact of COVID-19 on consumers' eating and purchasing habits of agricultural products in China: key determinants and policy implications

Background The study looks at a changed in consumer’s eating and purchasing habits during COVID-19 period. There are several modes of transmission but transmission through food as being speculated is one area that has not been confirmed through research. The study, therefore, looks at how speculations about COVID-19 spreading through food has affected consumers' eating and purchasing habits. This study through probit model analysed how consumers' eating and purchasing habits have been influenced. Results The result shows that age, gender and education have negatively influenced consumer’s eating and purchasing habits during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic period. The preference for imported food items, preference for frozen food, been infected or knowing someone who has been infected by the virus, and been infected through agricultural source or knowing someone who has been infected by the COVID-19 through agricultural source have negatively affected consumers' eating and purchasing habits compared to pre-pandemic period. The result, however, suggests that consumers who trust in the cold-chain food systems ability to limit the spread of the COVID-19 still maintain a positive eating and purchasing habits. Conclusions The study provides evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on consumer’s eating and purchasing habits. Therefore, there is the need to institute proper sanitary measures, especially at cold-chain food systems to help curb the spread and also boost consumers’ confidence.

What do we know about evidence-informed priority setting processes to set population-level health-research agendas: an overview of reviews

Background This overview aimed to synthesize existing systematic reviews to produce a draft framework of evidence-informed health priority setting that supports countries in identifying appropriate steps and methods when developing and implementing national research agendas. Main body We searched Ovid MEDLINE® and the WHO Institutional Repository for Information Sharing from 2010 to 2020 for critical or systematic reviews that evaluated research priority setting exercises. We adapted the AMSTAR checklist to assess the quality of included reviews and used adapted frameworks for data extraction and analysis. The search resulted in 2395 titles, of which 31 were included. Populations included in the reviews typically involved patients, families and carers, researchers, clinicians, policymakers and research funders. The topics covered in the reviews varied from specific diseases or conditions, approaches for healthcare practice or research priority setting methods itself. All the included systematic reviews were of low or critically low quality. The studies were thematically grouped based on their main focus: identifying and engaging with stakeholders; methods; context; and health area. Conclusion Our overview of reviews has reconfirmed aspects of existing frameworks, but has also identified new concepts for countries to consider while developing their national research agendas. We propose a preliminary framework for consideration that highlights four key phases: (1) preparatory, (2) priority setting, (3) follow-up phase and (4) sustainability phase, which have thirteen sub-domains to consider.

Palm oil extracts protected against cadmium chloride poisoning via inhibition of oxidative stress in rats

Background The probable mechanism of an earlier reported capacity of palm oil extracts to confer protection against high dose cadmium poisoning in rats was reported in this study. Similar experimental design earlier reported by us was retained. Rats therefore were sacrificed at intervals of twelve; twenty four and forty eight hours post CdCl2 insult. Results Oxidative stress and antioxidant status (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione) were assessed in tissues (liver, kidney, heart, brain, muscle) and serum. Oxidative stress indicators showed a significantly (p < 0.05) increased lipid peroxidation and alterations in antioxidant defence systems occasioned by drop in catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes (serum, liver, heart, brain and kidneys) of the rats. Also observed were significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the non-enzymatic antioxidant reduced glutathione over time. Pre-administration of rats with the crude palm oil and its extracts modulated cadmium mediated depletion of the antioxidant capacities of rats acutely exposed to cadmium and rising lipid peroxidation profile. Conclusions Regulation of stress and antioxidant response was the underlying mechanism by which the extracts conferred protection against high dose cadmium insult thus suggesting its potential as a viable therapeutic target against its deleterious effects. Graphical Abstract

Improvement of drought tolerance in rice using line X tester mating design and biochemical molecular markers

Background Water stress, specifically the limited water resources needed to grow strategic crops, especially rice, poses a great threat to crop productivity. So, it was imperative that scientists all work together to try genetically improving the rice for drought tolerance in light of these environmental challenges. The aim of this study is trying to know the genetic behavior responsible for water-deficit tolerance in rice genotypes but at the molecular level. Moreover, this attempt will be an important leap in the process of genetic improvement in rice for water stress tolerance in Egypt. Results Twenty-three rice genotypes including eight parents and their fifteen F1 crosses or (the first hybrid generation) by line X tester analysis were evaluated for water stress tolerance during two experiments (the control and drought experiment) besides some molecular–biochemical studies for eight parents and the highest selected five crosses for water stress tolerance. The research revealed that five rice crosses out of fifteen hybrids were highly tolerant to water stress compared to the normal conditions. Data of biochemical markers indicated the presence of bands that are considered as molecular genetic markers for water-deficit tolerance in some rice genotypes, and this is the scientific progress achieved in this research. This was evident by increasing the density and concentration of SDS-protein electrophoresis besides enhancing the activities of peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) under water-deficit conditions, which confirmed the tolerance of drought stress in the eight rice genotypes and the best five crosses from the first hybrid generation. Conclusion The five promising and superior rice hybrids showed an unparalleled tolerance to water stress in all evaluated traits under water stress treatment compared to the standard experiment. Also, biochemical and molecular parameters evidence confirmed the existence of unquestionable evidence that it represents the main nucleus for producing rice lines tolerated for drought stress under Egyptian conditions.