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Fulltext Guar gum/poly ethylene glycol/graphene oxide environmentally friendly hybrid hydrogels for controlled release of boron micronutrient

Azeem MK, Islam A, Khan RU, Rasool A, Anees Ur Rehman Qureshi M, Rizwan M, et al.

R Soc Open Sci, 2023 Dec;10(12):231157.
PMID: 38094268 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231157

The present study was aimed at synthesis of polymeric hydrogels for controlled boron (B) release, as B deficiency is a major factor that decreases crops yield. Thus, graphene oxide incorporated guar gum and poly (ethylene glycol) hydrogels were prepared using the Solution Casting method for boron release. 3-Glycidyloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (GLYMOL) was used as a cross-linker. Characterizations of hydrogels were carried out by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis and Scanning Electron scope. The FTIR outcomes confirmed the existence of functional groups, bindings and development of hydrogel frameworks from incorporated components. The quantity of GLYMOL directly increased the thermal stability and water retention but decreased the swelling %. The maximum swelling for the hydrogel formulations was observed at pH 7. The addition of GLYMOL changed the diffusion from quasi-Fickcian to non-Fickcian diffusion. The maximum swelling quantities of 3822% and 3342% were exhibited by GPP (control) and GPP-8 in distilled water, respectively. Boron release was determined in distilled water and sandy soil by azomethine-H test using UV-Visible spectrophotometer while 85.11% and 73.65% boron was released from BGPP-16, respectively. In short, water retentive, water holding capacities, swelling performances, biodegradability and swelling/deswelling features would offer an ideal platform for boron release in sustained agricultural applications.
Fulltext In silico prediction of interaction between Nipah virus attachment glycoprotein and host cell receptors Ephrin-B2 and Ephrin-B3 in domestic and peridomestic mammals

Hoque AF, Rahman MM, Lamia AS, Islam A, Klena JD, Satter SM, et al.

Infect Genet Evol, 2023 Dec;116:105516.
PMID: 37924857 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105516

Nipah virus (NiV) is a lethal bat-borne zoonotic virus that causes mild to acute respiratory distress and neurological manifestations in humans with a high mortality rate. NiV transmission to humans occurs via consumption of bat-contaminated fruit and date palm sap (DPS), or through direct contact with infected individuals and livestock. Since NiV outbreaks were first reported in pigs from Malaysia and Singapore, non-neutralizing antibodies against NiV attachment Glycoprotein (G) have also been detected in a few domestic mammals. NiV infection is initiated after NiV G binds to the host cell receptors Ephrin-B2 and Ephrin-B3. In this study, we assessed the degree of NiV host tropism in domestic and peridomestic mammals commonly found in Bangladesh that may be crucial in the transmission of NiV by serving as intermediate hosts. We carried out a protein-protein docking analysis of NiV G complexes (n = 52) with Ephrin-B2 and B3 of 13 domestic and peridomestic species using bioinformatics tools. Protein models were generated by homology modelling and the structures were validated for model quality. The different protein-protein complexes in this study were stable, and their binding affinity (ΔG) scores ranged between -8.0 to -19.1 kcal/mol. NiV Bangladesh (NiV-B) strain displayed stronger binding to Ephrin receptors, especially with Ephrin-B3 than the NiV Malaysia (NiV-M) strain, correlating with the observed higher pathogenicity of NiV-B strains. From the docking result, we found that Ephrin receptors of domestic rat (R. norvegicus) had a higher binding affinity for NiV G, suggesting greater susceptibility to NiV infections compared to other study species. Investigations for NiV exposure to domestic/peridomestic animals will help us knowing more the possible role of rats and other animals as intermediate hosts of NiV and would improve future NiV outbreak control and prevention in humans and domestic animals.
A critical review and prospect of NO2 and SO2 pollution over Asia: Hotspots, trends, and sources

Jion MMMF, Jannat JN, Mia MY, Ali MA, Islam MS, Ibrahim SM, et al.

Sci Total Environ, 2023 Mar 13;876:162851.
PMID: 36921864 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162851

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are two major atmospheric pollutants that significantly threaten human health, the environment, and ecosystems worldwide. Despite this, only some studies have investigated the spatiotemporal hotspots of NO2 and SO2, their trends, production, and sources in Asia. Our study presents a literature review covering the production, trends, and sources of NO2 and SO2 across Asian countries (e.g., Bangladesh, China, India, Iran, Japan, Pakistan, Malaysia, Kuwait, and Nepal). Based on the findings of the review, NO2 and SO2 pollution are increasing due to industrial activity, fossil fuel burning, biomass burning, heavy traffic movement, electricity generation, and power plants. There is significant concern about health risks associated with NO2 and SO2 emissions in Bangladesh, China, India, Malaysia, and Iran, as they pay less attention to managing and controlling pollution. Even though the lack of quality datasets and adequate research in most Asian countries further complicates the management and control of NO2 and SO2 pollution. This study has NO2 and SO2 pollution scenarios, including hotspots, trends, sources, and their influences on Asian countries. This study highlights the existing research gaps and recommends new research on identifying integrated sources, their variations, spatiotemporal trends, emission characteristics, and pollution level. Finally, the present study suggests a framework for controlling and monitoring these two pollutants' emissions.
Fulltext A comprehensive photovoltaic study on tungsten disulfide (WS2) buffer layer based CdTe solar cell

Emon EI, Islam AM, Sobayel MK, Islam S, Akhtaruzzaman M, Amin N, et al.

Heliyon, 2023 Mar;9(3):e14438.
PMID: 36950573 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14438

Transition metal di-chalcogenides (TMCDs)-Tungsten disulfide (WS2) exhibit excellent optoelectronic properties such as suitable bandgap, high absorption coefficient, good conductivity, high carrier mobility, etc. to be used as a photovoltaic material for thin-film solar cells. In the present work, we have replaced the traditional buffer CdS and ITO/ZnO window layer in CdTe solar cells with the non-toxic, earth-abundant WS2 buffer and SnO2 window layer, respectively. The SCAPS-1D solar simulator is used to investigate the potentiality of WS2 as buffer material in CdTe solar cells. This numerical study provides a comparison of the performances between the proposed structure: SnO2/WS2/CdTe/Au and the baseline structure: ITO/ZnO/CdS/CdTe/Au. The impacts of the charge carrier generation rate, spectral response, current-voltage characteristics, bulk defect density, defect density at buffer/absorber interface, operating temperature, and capacitance-voltage characteristics on the solar cell performance parameters have also been analyzed. The tolerance level of defect density in WS2 bulk and WS2/CdTe interface are found to be 1017 cm-3 and 1012 cm-3, respectively. The temperature study reveals the poor structural robustness and thermal stability of the proposed cell. The conversion efficiency of the proposed cell has found to be 20.55% at the optimized device structure. Nevertheles, these findings may provide an insight to fabricate viable, environment friendly, and inexpensive CdTe thin-film solar cells.
Author Correction: Predicting the potential for zoonotic transmission and host associations for novel viruses

Pandit PS, Anthony SJ, Goldstein T, Olival KJ, Doyle MM, Gardner NR, et al.

Commun Biol, 2023 Jan 10;6(1):25.
PMID: 36627372 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04364-y
Fulltext Modifiable and nonmodifiable factors associated with anxiety, depression, and stress after one year of the COVID-19 pandemic

Islam A, Mahbuba P, Ahmed T, Haque S

PLoS One, 2023;18(3):e0283422.
PMID: 36952537 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283422

BACKGROUND: People worldwide have experienced various mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates the modifiable and nonmodifiable predictors of anxiety, depression, and stress among Bangladeshi participants after one year of the pandemic.
METHOD: A large group of adult participants (N = 1897), recruited from eight administrative divisions in Bangladesh, completed an online survey in May and June 2021 when the Movement Control Order was in place. We used the Beck Anxiety Inventory, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Perceived Stress Scale-4 to assess the participants' anxiety, depression, and stress. We also gave the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale and Life-Orientation Test-Revised to assess mindfulness and optimism.
RESULTS: The results revealed that the prevalence rates for anxiety and depression were 62.5% and 45.3%, respectively. Multivariate analyses showed that several nonmodifiable factors, such as those who were students, unmarried and females, and those living in the Northern region (Rajshahi and Mymensingh division) and dwelling in the rural areas, suffered from worse mental health (accounted for 5%-23% of the variances in the mental health outcome scores). Modifiable factors accounted for an additional 10%-25% of the variances in the same outcome variables. Adults with higher mindfulness and optimism, living in the country's Southern region (Chattogram division) and those who took both vaccine doses and had no history of mental illness reported better mental health.
CONCLUSION: Anxiety, depression, and stress remained high in Bangladeshi adults after one year of the pandemic. The community-based interventions should aim to increase the mindfulness and optimism levels among the sufferers. More accelerated vaccination programs across the country could protect people from suffering from overall mental distress.
Fulltext Living Safely With Bats: Lessons in Developing and Sharing a Global One Health Educational Resource

Martinez S, Sullivan A, Hagan E, Goley J, Epstein JH, Olival KJ, et al.

Glob Health Sci Pract, 2022 Dec 21;10(6).
PMID: 36951282 DOI: 10.9745/GHSP-D-22-00106

As part of a public health behavior change and communication strategy related to the identification of a novel ebolavirus in bats in Sierra Leone in 2016, a consortium of experts launched an effort to create a widely accessible resource for community awareness and education on reducing disease risk. The resulting picture book, Living Safely With Bats, includes technical content developed by a consortium of experts in public health, animal health, conservation, bats, and disease ecology from 30 countries. The book has now been adapted, translated, and used in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia. We review the processes used to integrate feedback from local stakeholders and multidisciplinary experts. We also provide recommendations for One Health and other practitioners who choose to pursue the development and evaluation of this or similar zoonotic disease risk mitigation tools.
Fulltext Predicting the potential for zoonotic transmission and host associations for novel viruses

Pandit PS, Anthony SJ, Goldstein T, Olival KJ, Doyle MM, Gardner NR, et al.

Commun Biol, 2022 Aug 19;5(1):844.
PMID: 35986178 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03797-9

Host-virus associations have co-evolved under ecological and evolutionary selection pressures that shape cross-species transmission and spillover to humans. Observed virus-host associations provide relevant context for newly discovered wildlife viruses to assess knowledge gaps in host-range and estimate pathways for potential human infection. Using models to predict virus-host networks, we predicted the likelihood of humans as hosts for 513 newly discovered viruses detected by large-scale wildlife surveillance at high-risk animal-human interfaces in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Predictions indicated that novel coronaviruses are likely to infect a greater number of host species than viruses from other families. Our models further characterize novel viruses through prioritization scores and directly inform surveillance targets to identify host ranges for newly discovered viruses.
Fulltext Living-in-history effect in the dating of important autobiographical memories

Islam A, Haque S

Mem Cognit, 2021 Nov 30.
PMID: 34846637 DOI: 10.3758/s13421-021-01250-6

The tendency of a person to frequently use public (i.e., historical) events as temporal landmarks when dating personal memories is termed the living-in-history (LiH) effect. We investigated the LiH effect in autobiographical memories of Bangladeshi older adults who lived through the 1960s Bengali nationalist movement and the 1971 Bangladesh War of Independence. 476 participants (mean age = 67.16 years; SD = 5.96 years), including 62 independence war veterans, retrieved and dated three important memories from their life and completed two scales: (a) a transitional impact-of-war scale and (b) a generational identity scale. Results showed that nearly one-third of the total memories (32%) were dated using public event references, demonstrating a LiH effect. However, this effect was twice as strong among veterans (58%) than among nonveterans (28%). The memory content analysis revealed that public event references were mostly used to date public memories (e.g., war and political struggle) and the memories with negative valence. Multivariate analyses showed that veteran identity, material changes due to war and participants' age significantly predicted the use of public event references to date one, two or three memories relative to no use of those references. The public memories that were personally significant and the extent participants experienced the material changes due to war mainly caused the LiH effect. We discuss the results considering current theories of autobiographical memory.
Fabrication and dialysis performance of functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes integrated cellulose acetate/poly(vinylpyrrolidone) membranes

Ashraf MA, Islam A, Butt MA, Hussain T, Khan RU, Bashir S, et al.

Int J Biol Macromol, 2021 Nov 30;191:872-880.
PMID: 34571131 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.09.131

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) of cellulose acetate/poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (CA/PVP) infused with acid functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) were fabricated by an immersion phase separation technique for hemodialysis application. Membranes were characterized using FTIR, water uptake, contact angle, TGA, DMA and SEM analysis. The FTIR was used to confirm the bonding interaction between CA/PVP membrane matrix and f-MWCNTs. Upon addition of f-MWCNTs, TGA thermograms and glass transition temperature indicated improved thermal stability of MMMs. The surface morphological analysis demonstrated revealed uniform distribution of f-MWCNTs and asymmetric membrane structure. The water uptake and contact angle confirmed that hydrophilicity was increased after incorporation of f-MWCNTs. The membranes demonstrated enhancement in water permeate flux, bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection with the infusion of f-MWCNTs; whereas BSA based anti-fouling analysis using flux recovery ratio test shown up to 8.4% improvement. The urea and creatinine clearance performance of MMMs were evaluated by dialysis experiment. It has been found that f-MWCNTs integrated membranes demonstrated the higher urea and creatinine clearance with increase of 12.6% and 10.5% in comparison to the neat CA/PVP membrane. Thus, the prepared CA/PVP membranes embedded with f-MWCNTs can be employed for wide range of dialysis applications.
Fulltext Target specificity of selective bioactive compounds in blocking α-dystroglycan receptor to suppress Lassa virus infection: an in silico approach

Arefin A, Ismail Ema T, Islam T, Hossen S, Islam T, Al Azad S, et al.

J Biomed Res, 2021 Nov 06;35(6):459-473.
PMID: 34857680 DOI: 10.7555/JBR.35.20210111

Lassa hemorrhagic fever, caused by Lassa mammarenavirus (LASV) infection, accumulates up to 5000 deaths every year. Currently, there is no vaccine available to combat this disease. In this study, a library of 200 bioactive compounds was virtually screened to study their drug-likeness with the capacity to block the α-dystroglycan (α-DG) receptor and prevent LASV influx. Following rigorous absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) profiling, molecular docking was conducted with the top ligands against the α-DG receptor. The compounds chrysin, reticuline, and 3-caffeoylshikimic acid emerged as the top three ligands in terms of binding affinity. Post-docking analysis revealed that interactions with Arg76, Asn224, Ser259, and Lys302 amino acid residues of the receptor protein were important for the optimum binding affinity of ligands. Molecular dynamics simulation was performed comprehensively to study the stability of the protein-ligand complexes. In-depth assessment of root-mean-square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), polar surface area (PSA), B-Factor, radius of gyration (Rg), solvent accessible surface area (SASA), and molecular surface area (MolSA) values of the protein-ligand complexes affirmed that the candidates with the best binding affinity formed the most stable protein-ligand complexes. To authenticate the potentialities of the ligands as target-specific drugs, an in vivo study is underway in real time as the continuation of the research.
Probing the self-defining period in memories of the Bangladesh independence war generation

Islam A, Haque S

Memory, 2021 Nov;29(10):1296-1307.
PMID: 34534045 DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2021.1978500

This study investigated the self-defining periods (SPs) in private and public memories of Bangladeshi older adults (N = 476; mean age = 67.16 years) who, during adolescence and early adulthood, witnessed the 1960s Bengali nationalist movement and the 1971 Bangladesh War of Independence. Each participant retrieved three private and three public memories they considered to be highly significant. The lifespan distributions for private and public memories were identical; in both cases, participants recalled more than half of their memories from 10 to 29 years of age. The calendar-year distributions revealed that nearly one-fourth of private and one-third of public memories were recalled from the year of the War of Independence. The memory content analysis showed that participants sampled more negative than positive memories: 55% versus 45% for private memory and 66% versus 34% for public memory. The enhanced recollection of private and public memories from 10 to 29 years of age was predominantly shaped by memories of the independence struggle-a period that was self-defining for the entire Bangladeshi society.
Health risk estimation of metals bioaccumulated in commercial fish from coastal areas and rivers in Bangladesh

Bristy MS, Sarker KK, Baki MA, Quraishi SB, Hossain MM, Islam A, et al.

Environ Toxicol Pharmacol, 2021 Aug;86:103666.
PMID: 33895355 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2021.103666

Metal contaminations in commercial fish have become a great public health concern worldwide including Bangladesh. The current study was conducted to provide preliminary evidence of nine metals in three commercially significant fish namely Pampus argenteus, Sardinella longiceps and Tenualosa ilisha collected from four coastal stations- Kuakata, Pathorghata, Cox's Bazar, and Pirojpur, and eight stations of five rivers- Padma, Meghna, Jamuna, Katcha, and Nobogonga in Bangladesh. High magnitudes of Pb (0.74-4.59 mg/kg ww), Cd (0.07-0.24 mg/kg ww), and Mn (0.45-2.03 mg/kg ww) were recorded in the sampling stations that exceeded the maximum permissible limits (MPL) proposed by different recognized organizations. Significant mean differences of metal concentrations were observed (p 
Fulltext Phytochemical Constituents and Allelopathic Potential of Parthenium hysterophorus L. in Comparison to Commercial Herbicides to Control Weeds

Motmainna M, Juraimi AS, Uddin MK, Asib NB, Islam AKMM, Ahmad-Hamdani MS, et al.

Plants (Basel), 2021 Jul 15;10(7).
PMID: 34371648 DOI: 10.3390/plants10071445

The allelopathic effect of various concentrations (0, 6.25, 12.5, 50 and 100 g L-1) of Parthenium hysterophorus methanol extract on Cyperus iria was investigated under laboratory and glasshouse conditions. No seed germination was recorded in the laboratory when P. hysterophorus extract was applied at 50 g L-1. In the glasshouse, C. iria was mostly injured by P. hysterophorus extract at 100 g L-1. The phytochemical constituents of the methanol extract of P. hysterophorus were analyzed by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS=MS. The results indicated the presence of phenolic compounds, terpenoids, alkaloids, amino acids, fatty acids, piperazines, benzofuran, indole, amines, azoles, sulfonic acid and other unknown compounds in P. hysterophorus methanol extract. A comparative study was also conducted between P. hysterophorus extract (20, 40 and 80 g L-1) with a synthetic herbicide (glyphosate and glufosinate ammonium at 2 L ha-1) as a positive control and no treatment (negative control) on Ageratumconyzoides, Oryzasativa and C. iria. The growth and biomass of test weeds were remarkably inhibited by P. hysterophorus extract. Nevertheless, no significant difference was obtained when P. hysterophorus extract (80 g L-1) and synthetic herbicides (glyphosate and glufosinate ammonium) were applied on A.conyzoides.
Fulltext Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Ageratum conyzoides, Oryza sativa f. spontanea (Weedy Rice) and Cyperus iria to Parthenium hysterophorus Methanol Extract

Motmainna M, Juraimi AS, Uddin MK, Asib NB, Islam AKMM, Ahmad-Hamdani MS, et al.

Plants (Basel), 2021 Jun 14;10(6).
PMID: 34198474 DOI: 10.3390/plants10061205

The current study was designed to investigate the effect of Parthenium hysterophorus L. methanol extract on Ageratum conyzoides L., Oryza sativa f. spontanea (weedy rice) and Cyperus iria L. in glasshouse condition. Here, Parthenium hysterophorus methanol extract at 20, 40, and 60 g L-1 concentrations was applied on the test species to examine their physiological and biochemical responses at 6, 24, 48 and 72 h after spraying (HAS). The phytotoxicity of P. hysterophorus was strong on A. conyzoides compared to weedy rice and Cyperus iria at different concentrations and exposure times. There was a reduction in photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration, chlorophyll content and carotenoid content when plants were treated with P. hysterophorus extract concentrations. Exposure to P. hysterophorus (60 g L-1) at 24 HAS increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline content by 152% and 130%, respectively, in A. conyzoides compared with control. The activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD)) were also increased in the presence of P. hysterophorus extract. Present findings confirm that the methanol extract of P. hysterophorus can disrupt the physiological and biochemical mechanism of target weeds and could be used as an alternative to chemical herbicides.
Novel micro-structured carbon-based adsorbents for notorious arsenic removal from wastewater

Islam A, Teo SH, Ahmed MT, Khandaker S, Ibrahim ML, Vo DN, et al.

Chemosphere, 2021 Jun;272:129653.
PMID: 33486455 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129653

The contamination of groundwater by arsenic (As) in Bangladesh is the biggest impairing of a population, with a large number of peoples affected. Specifically, groundwater of Gangetic Delta is alarmingly contaminated with arsenic. Similar, perilous circumstances exist in many other countries and consequently, there is a dire need to develop cost-effective decentralized filtration unit utilizing low-cost adsorbents for eliminating arsenic from water. Morphological synthesis of carbon with unique spherical, nanorod, and massive nanostructures were achieved by solvothermal method. Owing to their intrinsic adsorption properties and different nanostructures, these nanostructures were employed as adsorption of arsenic in aqueous solution, with the purpose to better understanding the morphological effect in adsorption. It clearly demonstrated that carbon with nanorods morphology exhibited an excellent adsorption activity of arsenite (about 82%) at pH 3, remarkably superior to the two with solid sphere and massive microstructures, because of its larger specific surface area, enhanced acid strength and improved adsorption capacity. Furthermore, we discovered that iron hydroxide radicals and energy-induced contact point formation in nanorods are the responsible for the high adsorption of As in aqueous solution. Thus, our work provides insides into the microstructure-dependent capability of different carbon for As adsorption applications.
Source, distribution and emerging threat of micro- and nanoplastics to marine organism and human health: Socio-economic impact and management strategies

Mofijur M, Ahmed SF, Rahman SMA, Arafat Siddiki SY, Islam ABMS, Shahabuddin M, et al.

Environ Res, 2021 04;195:110857.
PMID: 33581088 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110857

The nature of micro- and nanoplastics and their harmful consequences has drawn significant attention in recent years in the context of environmental protection. Therefore, this paper aims to provide an overview of the existing literature related to this evolving subject, focusing on the documented human health and marine environment impacts of micro- and nanoplastics and including a discussion of the economic challenges and strategies to mitigate this waste problem. The study highlights the micro- and nanoplastics distribution across various trophic levels of the food web, and in different organs in infected animals which is possible due to their reduced size and their lightweight, multi-coloured and abundant features. Consequently, micro- and nanoplastics pose significant risks to marine organisms and human health in the form of cytotoxicity, acute reactions, and undesirable immune responses. They affect several sectors including aquaculture, agriculture, fisheries, transportation, industrial sectors, power generation, tourism, and local authorities causing considerable economic losses. This can be minimised by identifying key sources of environmental plastic contamination and educating the public, thus reducing the transfer of micro- and nanoplastics into the environment. Furthermore, the exploitation of the potential of microorganisms, particularly those from marine origins that can degrade plastics, could offer an enhanced and environmentally sound approach to mitigate micro- and nanoplastics pollution.
Fulltext Genetic diversity of Nipah virus in Bangladesh

Rahman MZ, Islam MM, Hossain ME, Rahman MM, Islam A, Siddika A, et al.

Int J Infect Dis, 2021 Jan;102:144-151.
PMID: 33129964 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.10.041

BACKGROUND: Nipah virus (NiV) infection, often fatal in humans, is primarily transmitted in Bangladesh through the consumption of date palm sap contaminated by Pteropus bats. Person-to-person transmission is also common and increases the concern of large outbreaks. This study aimed to characterize the molecular epidemiology, phylogenetic relationship, and the evolution of the nucleocapsid gene (N gene) of NiV.
METHODS: We conducted molecular detection, genetic characterization, and Bayesian time-scale evolution analyses of NiV using pooled Pteropid bat roost urine samples from an outbreak area in 2012 and archived RNA samples from NiV case patients identified during 2012-2018 in Bangladesh.
RESULTS: NiV-RNA was detected in 19% (38/456) of bat roost urine samples and among them; nine N gene sequences were recovered. We also retrieved sequences from 53% (21 out of 39) of archived RNA samples from patients. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all Bangladeshi strains belonged to NiV-BD genotype and had an evolutionary rate of 4.64 × 10-4 substitutions/site/year. The analyses suggested that the strains of NiV-BD genotype diverged during 1995 and formed two sublineages.
CONCLUSION: This analysis provides further evidence that the NiV strains of the Malaysian and Bangladesh genotypes diverged recently and continue to evolve. More extensive surveillance of NiV in bats and human will be helpful to explore strain diversity and virulence potential to infect humans through direct or person-to-person virus transmission.
Fulltext Construction and Validation of a Generational Identity Scale on Bangladeshi Older Adults

Islam A, Haque S

Front Psychol, 2021;12:703237.
PMID: 34421755 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.703237

There is a lack of a psychometric tool for generational identity. We have conducted two studies involving Bangladeshi older adults who have witnessed the Bangladesh liberation war in 1971 to develop a new generational identity scale (GIS). The first study (N = 300) prepared an initial pool of 31 items and got them vetted by expert judges, which retained 21 items to form the provisional GIS (GIS-21). An exploratory factor analysis on GIS-21 excluded eight items and offered a two-factor solution: (i) identification with the generation and (ii) awareness of the generational importance. The second study (N = 176) ran a confirmatory factor analysis on the resulting GIS-13 and dropped another item to achieve a better model fit (SRMR =0.058, GFI = 0.986, AGFI = 0.980, and NFI = 0.980). The remaining 12-item GIS (GIS-12) showed excellent reliability (Mc Donald's omega = 0.898) and satisfactory temporal stability (ICC = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.27-0.77) over a 4-week interval. The scale's moderate correlation with another measure for generational identification demonstrates its convergent validity. Participants' transitional experience caused by the Bangladesh independence war in 1971 was also moderately correlated with the GIS-12 supporting further theoretical convergence of this scale. We recommend that researchers could use this scale on different populations and age groups upon appropriate validation.
Hemoprotozoa and Anaplasma spp. in rodents and shrews of Bangladesh

Islam S, Rahman MK, Ferdous J, Rahman M, Akter S, Faraque MO, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2020 Dec 01;37(4):842-851.
PMID: 33612737 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.4.842

Hemoprotozoans are important pathogens of animals and humans, among which some species have zoonotic significance. The prevalence of different hemoprotozoa and Anaplasma spp. in larger mammals have been reported from different regions of the world. But, very few studies have been conducted to estimate the prevalence of hemoprotozoa in rodents and shrews of South-East Asia. The study assessed the prevalence of hemoprotozoa and Anaplasma spp. in rodents and shrews of Bangladesh. Blood samples (n=451) were collected from rodents and shrews between June 2011 and June 2013 and July-December 2015 from 4 land gradients of Bangladesh. Giemsa-stained blood smears revealed that 13% of animals were harboring hemoprotozoa (4.7% Babesia spp., 0.67% Plasmodium spp.), and Anaplasma spp. (7.5%). The study may serve as a guide for future hemoparasitic research of rodents and shrews.

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