Explore the vast range of titles available.

Objective: Despite the development of several vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, the need for an additional prophylactic agent is evident. In recent in silico studies, isovitexin exhibited a higher binding affinity against the human angiotensin converting-enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor than existing antiviral drugs. The research aimed to find out the point specificity of isovitexin for the hACE2 receptor and to assess its therapeutic potential, depending on the stability of the isovitexin–hACE2 complex. Materials and Methods: The pharmacokinetic profile of isovitexin was analyzed. The crystal structure of the hACE2 receptor and the ligand isovitexin were docked to form a ligand-protein complex following molecular optimization. To determine the isovitexin–hACE2 complex stability, their binding affinity, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions were studied. Lastly, the root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation, solvent accessible surface area, molecular surface area, radius of gyration (Rg), polar surface area, and principal component analysis values were found by simulating the complex with molecular dynamic (MD). Results: The predicted Lethal dose50 for isovitexin was 2.56 mol/kg, with an acceptable maximum tolerated dose and no hepatotoxicity or AMES toxicity. Interactions with the amino acid residues Thr371, Asp367, Glu406, Pro346, His345, Phe274, Tyr515, Glu375, Thr347, Glu402, and His374 of the hACE2 protein were required for the high binding affinity and specificity of isovitexin. Based on what was learned from the MD simulation, the hACE2 receptor-blocking properties of isovi¬texin were looked at. Conclusions: Isovitexin is a phytochemical with a reasonable bioactivity and safety profile for use in humans, and it can potentially be used as a hACE2-specific therapeutic to inhibit COVID-19 infection.

Objectives: This research aimed to isolate, identify, and characterize a new strain of Bacillus cereus through different molecular biology approaches so that it could be further studied for therapeutic purposes against selective enteric pathogens. Materials and Methods: Pure isolates of B. cereus were prepared from buffalo yogurt samples in REMBA medium. Initially, the morphological, physiological, and biochemical properties were studied accordingly. Following the tests, the molecular identification for the strain identification was conducted through plasmid DNA extraction, PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, and 16S rRNA sequencing up to 1.37 kb. Afterward, the antibiotic sensitivity [Epsilometer test (E-Test)] and anti¬fungal activity were tested considering different concentrations. Being classified from the aforementioned tests, a comprehensive antimicrobial activity test was conducted using the cell-free-su¬pernatant (CFS) of the test strain against selective enteric pathogens in humans in vitro. Besides, the different clusters of genes were identified and characterized for understanding the presump¬tive bacteriocins present in the CFS of the strain in silico, where molecular string properties were calculated. Finally, the evolutionary relationship among diversified bacteriocins synthesized by different Bacillus strains was studied to predict the CFS-containing bacteriocins of the new strain. Results: Purified isolates of B. cereus were Gram-positive rods and showed significant tolerance (p < 0.0001) to different concentrations of pH, phenol, bile salt, and NaCl. 16S rRNA revealed the strain as LOCK 1002, which was strongly sensitive to all the antibiotics used and resistant to selec¬tive antifungal agents. The CFS of B. cereus LOCK 1002 was found to be a very promising antago¬nist to all the enteric pathogens used in the culture condition. Two gene clusters were predicted to be interconnected and responsible for different presumptive bacteriocins. Conclusion: The newly identified LOCK 1002 can be a very potent strain of B. cereus in use as an antimicrobial agent for having different bacteriocin coding gene clusters.

Aim This study aimed to investigate the career preferences among Bangladeshi medical students, identify the factors that influence their present choices, and additionally report the role of gender and academic year behind their decisions. Methods This cross-sectional study conducted in Bangladesh from August 2022 to April 2023 included 801 medical students conveniently selected from medical colleges in eight divisions. Data were collected using a web-based survey and analysed using STATA version 16.0. Statistical tests included the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, frequency, and Kruskal-Wallis H test. The response rate was 94.6%, and the CHERRIES guideline was followed for reporting the results. Result The majority of the participants were female (64.42%) and under the age of 23 years (58.8%). The study revealed that medicine was the preferred career choice for the majority of students (65%), with surgery being the most popular first choice (30.21%) among them. Female medical students showed a significantly higher preference for gynaecology & obstetrics ( p  < 0.001), while male students had a significantly higher tendency to choose general practice ( p  = 0.002). There is a significant gender difference ( p  < 0.05) in the career preference factors, including professional prestige, role model influence, easy money, family time, promotion opportunities, income for lifestyle, and research opportunities. Academic year differences were also observed, with increasing interest in medicine and public health ( p  < 0.001), a decrease in interest in surgery ( p  < 0.001), and a decline in preference for non-medical careers as students progressed through their MBBS life ( p  < 0.05). Conclusion Overall, medicine was the most popular speciality choice, however, male students preferred general practice and female students preferred gynaecology and obstetrics more. Personal passion, opportunities for contribution to society, professional prestige, having a direct dealing with patients, and income will allow an enjoyable lifestyle were the most important factors in the choice of their career.

Mpox (Monkeypox) is a zoonotic Orthopox virus of the Poxviridae family. The general public in Bangladesh should be informed about Mpox to reduce the burden of a possible epidemic in the community. The study aimed to determine the level of public awareness and knowledge about Mpox among the general community to provide information regarding future preventive measures. From May to August 2022, this nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted in eight administrative divisions in Bangladesh with a semi-structured questionnaire consisting of knowledge-based questions about Mpox. Among the total of 1,711 respondents, almost two-thirds (N = 1139) of the respondents had heard about Mpox prior to the study. But we observed poor knowledge scores about the transmission pathways (0.71 ± 0.73), vaccination (0.09 ± 0.27), and the signs and symptoms of Mpox (1.91 ± 1.50). Most participants were also unaware of the treatment options of Mpox (0.22 ± 0.59). Educational status and occupation were found to affect the knowledge significantly (p value < 0.001). This study showed that the higher the education level, the higher the knowledge level. Overall, our results suggest that the general community has a minimal understanding of the spread of Mpox and its prevention. Thereby to combat and prevent a potential endemic, it is essential to implement either live or virtual awareness programs about this virus in Bangladesh and similar countries.

Objectives This study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medication practices and explore knowledge and practices related to antibiotic use among readymade garment (RMG) workers in Bangladesh. Study design This large-scale cross-sectional survey was conducted among garment workers in three different garment factories in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Methods Data were collected from 1743 participants, using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive and regression analyses were performed to examine sociodemographic factors, medication patterns, and antibiotic knowledge and practices among the workers. Results A significant proportion of the participants (42.4%) only had a primary level of education and majority (80.3%) were not engaged in lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or chewing betel leaves (80.3%). Cough, cold, and fever were the most reported health complications (66.0%). Most of the participants obtained their medications from pharmacies (66.4%). Self-medication was reported by 93.4% of them, with 55.9% practiced it thinking the disease was not severe. Poor knowledge and practice levels about antibiotics were observed. Gender and educational background influenced the participants' knowledge, while the presence of common diseases affected the practice score. Conclusion The study demonstrated a high prevalence of self-medication practices among garment workers in Bangladesh, particularly with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The findings suggest developing interventions to improve knowledge and practices related to antibiotic use and promote responsible self-medication practices among garment workers to mitigate potential risks and adverse effects.