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Exploring the environmental pathways and challenges of fluoroquinolone antibiotics: A state-of-the-art review

Masud MAA, Shin WS, Septian A, Samaraweera H, Khan IJ, Mohamed MM, et al.

Sci Total Environ, 2024 May 20;926:171944.
PMID: 38527542 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171944

Fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibiotics have become a subject of growing concern due to their increasing presence in the environment, particularly in the soil and groundwater. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the attributes, prevalence, ecotoxicity, and remediation approaches associated with FQs in environmental matrices. The paper discusses the physicochemical properties that influence the fate and transport of FQs in soil and groundwater, exploring the factors contributing to their prevalence in these environments. Furthermore, the ecotoxicological implications of FQ contamination in soil and aquatic ecosystems are reviewed, shedding light on the potential risks to environmental and human health. The latter part of the review is dedicated to an extensive analysis of remediation approaches, encompassing both in-situ and ex-situ methods employed to mitigate FQ contamination. The critical evaluation of these remediation strategies provides insights into their efficacy, limitations, and environmental implications. In this investigation, a correlation between FQ antibiotics and climate change is established, underlining its significance in addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study further identifies and delineates multiple research gaps, proposing them as key areas for future investigational directions. Overall, this review aims to consolidate current knowledge on FQs in soil and groundwater, offering a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners engaged in environmental management and public health.
Gold Fluorescence Nanoparticles for Enhanced SERS Detection in Biomedical Sensor Applications: Current Trends and Future Directions

Kalashgrani MY, Mousavi SM, Akmal MH, Gholami A, Omidifar N, Chiang WH, et al.

Chem Rec, 2024 Feb 05.
PMID: 38314935 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202300303

Nanotechnology has emerged as a pivotal tool in biomedical research, particularly in developing advanced sensing platforms for disease diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring. Since gold nanoparticles are biocompatible and have special optical characteristics, they are excellent choices for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensing devices. Integrating fluorescence characteristics further enhances their utility in real-time imaging and tracking within biological systems. The synergistic combination of SERS and fluorescence enables sensitive and selective detection of biomolecules at trace levels, providing a versatile platform for early cancer diagnosis and drug monitoring. In cancer detection, AuNPs facilitate the specific targeting of cancer biomarkers, allowing for early-stage diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies. The enhanced sensitivity of SERS, coupled with the tunable fluorescence properties of AuNPs, offers a powerful tool for the identification of cancer cells and their microenvironment. This dual-mode detection not only improves diagnostic accuracy but also enables the monitoring of treatment response and disease progression. In drug detection, integrating AuNPs with SERS provides a robust platform for identifying and quantifying pharmaceutical compounds. The unique spectral fingerprints obtained through SERS enable the discrimination of drug molecules even in complex biological matrices. Furthermore, the fluorescence property of AuNPs makes it easier to track medication distribution in real-time, maximizing therapeutic effectiveness and reducing adverse effects. Furthermore, the review explores the role of gold fluorescence nanoparticles in photodynamic therapy (PDT). By using the complementary effects of targeted drug release and light-induced cytotoxicity, SERS-guided drug delivery and photodynamic therapy (PDT) can increase the effectiveness of treatment against cancer cells. In conclusion, the utilization of gold fluorescence nanoparticles in conjunction with SERS holds tremendous potential for revolutionizing cancer detection, drug analysis, and photodynamic therapy. The dual-mode capabilities of these nanomaterials provide a multifaceted approach to address the challenges in early diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and personalized medicine, thereby advancing the landscape of biomedical applications.
Fulltext Training & development, career development, and organizational commitment as the predictor of work performance

Hosen S, Hamzah SR, Arif Ismail I, Noormi Alias S, Faiq Abd Aziz M, Rahman MM

Heliyon, 2024 Jan 15;10(1):e23903.
PMID: 38261866 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23903

This study aims to justify the mediating effect of organizational commitment in the association between training and development, career development, and work performance. Data was collected from 362 frontline hotel employees through a survey by random sampling technique. The analysis methodology comprises descriptive statistics, measurement, and structure models through SPSS 23 and Smarts PLS 3.0. This study significantly examined the correlation between training and development and work performance, career development, and work performance. Moreover, organizational commitment in the hotel sector is significantly associated with work performance. Furthermore, the significant correlation between training and development and work performance career development among hotel personnel is mediated by organizational commitment. Owners and managers should know the necessary policies to enhance employees' work performance and organizational commitment and consider appropriate behaviour. Besides, all required facilities for enhancing career development and training and development should be implemented to strengthen hotels' present and future demands. It is furthered by the study's explanations of the results and their limitations, which also included suggestions for future research possibilities. This research filled the gap in the hotel industry in Bangladesh, where study works into wide-ranging training and development, career development practices, organizational commitment, and work performance were rare.
Synthesis of Electrical Conductive Metal-Organic Frameworks for Electrochemical Applications

Shoaib Ahmad Shah S, Altaf Nazir M, Mahmood A, Sohail M, Ur Rehman A, Khurram Tufail M, et al.

Chem Rec, 2024 Jan;24(1):e202300141.
PMID: 37724006 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202300141

Electrical conductivity is very important property of nanomaterials for using wide range of applications especially energy applications. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are notorious for their low electrical conductivity and less considered for usage in pristine forms. However, the advantages of high surface area, porosity and confined catalytic active sites motivated researchers to improve the conductivity of MOFs. Therefore, 2D electrical conductive MOFs (ECMOF) have been widely synthesized by developing the effective synthetic strategies. In this article, we have summarized the recent trends in developing the 2D ECMOFs, following the summary of potential applications in the various fields with future perspectives.
Fulltext Assessment of coastal river water quality in Bangladesh: Implications for drinking and irrigation purposes

Uddin MR, Khandaker MU, Ahmed S, Abedin MJ, Hossain SMM, Al Mansur MA, et al.

PLoS One, 2024;19(4):e0300878.
PMID: 38635835 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300878

Saltwater intrusion in the coastal areas of Bangladesh is a prevalent phenomenon. However, it is not conducive to activities such as irrigation, navigation, fish spawning and shelter, and industrial usage. The present study analyzed 45 water samples collected from 15 locations in coastal areas during three seasons: monsoon, pre-monsoon, and post-monsoon. The aim was to comprehend the seasonal variation in physicochemical parameters, including water temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), hardness, and concentrations of Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Fe2+, HCO3-, PO43-, SO42-, and Cl-. Additionally, parameters essential for agriculture, such as soluble sodium percentage (SSP), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), magnesium absorption ratio (MAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), Kelly's ratio (KR), and permeability index (PI), were examined. Their respective values were found to be 63%, 16.83 mg/L, 34.92 mg/L, 145.44 mg/L, 1.28 mg/L, and 89.29%. The integrated water quality index was determined using entropy theory and principal component analysis (PCA). The resulting entropy water quality index (EWQI) and SAR of 49.56% and 63%, respectively, indicated that the samples are suitable for drinking but unsuitable for irrigation. These findings can assist policymakers in implementing the Bangladesh Deltaplan-2100, focusing on sustainable land management, fish cultivation, agricultural production, environmental preservation, water resource management, and environmental protection in the deltaic areas of Bangladesh. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of seasonal variations in the hydrochemistry and water quality of coastal rivers, aiding in the comprehension of salinity intrusion origins, mechanisms, and causes.
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.
Reliability and Validity of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Among Women and Adolescent Girls With Disabilities in Selected Sub-districts of Bangladesh

Murshid ME, Chen S, Rahman MM, Islam MZ, Shimpuku Y, Rahman Era N, et al.

Cureus, 2023 Nov;15(11):e49605.
PMID: 38033436 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49605

Background Adequate community-based or societal collaboration and cooperation are considerably important for the overall welfare of women and adolescent girls with disabilities. "The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS)" has not been evaluated for reliability and validity amid women and adolescent girls with disabilities in the Bangladeshi context. Methods A Bangla-translated form of the MSPSS was constructed, and the survey was conducted among 152 women and adolescent girls with disabilities who were purposefully recruited from Bogura Sadar and Chapainawabganj Sadar sub-districts of Bangladesh. Results The Cronbach's alpha of the entire scale was 0.868, indicating high internal consistency. Cronbach's alpha for the family sub-scale was 0.763, the friends sub-scale was 0.820, and the significant others scale was 0.776. The composite reliability for the family sub-scale was 0.849677, the friends sub-scale was 0.881248, and the significant others sub-scale was 0.859668. Convergence reliability was established following sub-scale-wise scores. It affirms the consistency of measurements. The content validity score was >0.62, following the Lawshe approach. The three-factor model was adopted during confirmatory factor analysis when the three-factor model run in SPSS Amos (version 21) CFI (comparative fit index) was 0.919. Conclusions In Bangladesh, to the best of our knowledge, our study is initially to calculate the perceived societal assistance of women and adolescent girls with disabilities. We validated the Bangla-translated form of the MSPSS from the Bangladeshi perspective. Researchers and clinicians may rely on our accurate and validated MSPSS translation into Bangla when working with this group. Based on our findings, this study endorses implementing the MSPSS for assessing professed community-based collaboration using the three-factor model, especially among women and adolescent girls with disabilities.
Correction to: Heavy metals in popularly sold branded cigarettes in Bangladesh and associated health hazards from inhalation exposure

Hasan M, Hossain MM, Abrarin S, Kormoker T, Billah MM, Bhuiyan MKA, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Oct;30(46):103364.
PMID: 37723402 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29946-z
Selective adsorption of organic dyes from aqueous environment using fermented maize extract-enhanced graphene oxide-durian shell derived activated carbon composite

Obayomi KS, Yon Lau S, Danquah MK, Zhang J, Chiong T, Meunier L, et al.

Chemosphere, 2023 Oct;339:139742.
PMID: 37562502 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139742

A secure aquatic environment is essential for both aquatic and terrestrial life. However, rising populations and the industrial revolution have had a significant impact on the quality of the water environment. Despite the implementation of strong and adapted environmental policies for water treatment worldwide, the issue of organic dyes in wastewater remains challenging. Thus, this study aimed to develop an efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable material to treat methylene blue (MB) in an aqueous environment. In this research, maize extract solution (MES) was utilized as a green cross-linker to induce precipitation, conjugation, and enhance the adsorption performance of graphene oxide (GO) cross-linked with durian shell activated carbon (DSAC), resulting in the formation of a GO@DSAC composite. The composite was investigated for its adsorptive performance toward MB in aqueous media. The physicochemical characterization demonstrated that the cross-linking method significantly influenced the porous structure and surface chemistry of GO@DSAC. BET analysis revealed that the GO@DSAC exhibited dominant mesopores with a surface area of 803.67 m2/g. EDX and XPS measurements confirmed the successful cross-linking of GO with DSAC. The adsorption experiments were well described by the Harkin-Jura model and they followed pseudo-second order kinetics. The maximum adsorption capacity reached 666.67 mg/g at 318 K. Thermodynamic evaluation indicated a spontaneous, feasible, and endothermic in nature. Regenerability and reusability investigations demonstrated that the GO@DSAC composite could be reused for up to 10 desorption-adsorption cycles with a removal efficiency of 81.78%. The selective adsorptive performance of GO@DSAC was examined in a binary system containing Rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene orange (MO). The results showed a separation efficiency (α) of 98.89% for MB/MO and 93.66% for MB/RhB mixtures, underscoring outstanding separation capabilities of the GO@DSAC composite. Overall, the GO@DSAC composite displayed promising potential for the effective removal of cationic dyes from wastewater.
Fulltext Mathematical Modelling and Optimization for Facile Synthesis of Structured Activated Carbon (ACs) from Adansonia kilima (Baobab) Wood Chips Integrating Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis for the Elimination of Lead (II) Cations from Wastewater Effluents

Sellamuthu S, Chowdhury ZZ, Khalid K, Shibly SM, Rahman MM, Rana M, et al.

Molecules, 2023 Sep 15;28(18).
PMID: 37764415 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28186640

In this research, activated carbon (AC) was synthesized from ligno-cellulosic residues of Adansonia kilima (Baobab) wood chips (AKTW) using two-step semi-carbonization and subsequent pyrolysis using microwave-induced heating (MWP) in the presence of a mild activating agent of K2CO3. The influence of process input variables of microwave power (x1), residence time (y1), and amount of K2CO3 (z1) were analysed to yield superior quality carbon having maximum removal efficiencies (R1) for lead (II) cations from waste effluents, fixed carbon percentages (R2), and carbon yield percentages (R3). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to develop relevant mathematical models, with an appropriate statistical assessment of errors. Level factorial response surface methodology (RSM) relying on the Box-Behnken design (BBD) was implemented for the experimental design. The surface area and porous texture of the samples were determined using Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) adsorption/desorption curves based on the N2 isotherm. Surface morphological structure was observed using field emission scanning electron microscopic (FESEM) analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was carried out to observe the thermal stability of the sample. Change in the carbon content of the samples was determined using ultimate analysis. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed to observe the crystalline and amorphous texture of the samples. The retention of a higher proportion of fixed carbon (80.01%) ensures that the synthesized adsorbent (AKTWAC) will have a greater adsorption capacity while avoiding unwanted catalytic activity for our synthesized final sample.
Heavy metals in popularly sold branded cigarettes in Bangladesh and associated health hazards from inhalation exposure

Hasan M, Hossain MM, Abrarin S, Kormoker T, Billah MM, Bhuiyan MKA, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Sep;30(45):100828-100844.
PMID: 37644270 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29491-9

Tobacco products are widely recognized as a major contributor to death. Cigarette smoke contains several toxic chemicals including heavy metals particulate causing high health risks. However, limited information has been available on the health risks associated with the heavy metals in cigarettes commonly sold in the Bangladeshi market. This study evaluated the concentrations and potential health risks posed by ten concerned heavy metals in ten widely consumed cigarette brands in Bangladesh using an atomic absorption spectrometer. The concentration (mg/kg) ranges of heavy metals Pb, Cd, Cr, As, Co, Ni, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn vary between 0.46-1.05, 0.55-1.03, 0.80-1.2, 0.22-0.40, 0.46-0.78, 2.59-3.03, 436.8-762.7, 115.8-184.4, 146.6-217.7, and 34.0-42.7, respectively. We assume that the heavy metals content among cigarette brands is varied due to the differences in the source of tobacco they use for cigarette preparation. The carcinogenic risks posed by heavy metals follow the order of Cr > Co > Cd > As > Ni > Pb, while the non-carcinogenic risks for Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn were greater than unity (HQ > 1), except for Fe. The existence of toxic heavy metals in cigarette tobacco may thus introduce noticeable non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health impacts accompanying inhalation exposure. This study provides the first comprehensive report so far on heavy metal concentration and associated health risks in branded cigarettes commonly sold in Bangladesh. Hence, this data and the information provided can serve as a baseline as well as a reference for future research and have potential implications for policy and legislation in Bangladesh.
The APLAR Gout Registry: A multinational collaboration to better understand people with gout in the Asia-Pacific

Jatuworapruk K, De Vera R, Estrella AM, Sollano MHMZ, Vaidya B, Rahman MM, et al.

Int J Rheum Dis, 2023 Aug;26(8):1432-1434.
PMID: 37527022 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185X.14765
Fulltext Climate Change and Aging Health in Developing Countries

Sarkar SM, Dhar BK, Fahlevi M, Ahmed S, Hossain MJ, Rahman MM, et al.

Glob Chall, 2023 Aug;7(8):2200246.
PMID: 37635700 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202200246

The climate of the Earth has changed throughout history. Climate change negatively impacts human rights in a wide range of ways. The study aims to find out the impact of climate change on aging health in developing countries. The study found that public health will be devastated if climate change continues unabated. Countries that are least responsible for global warming are most susceptible to the effects of higher temperatures, such as death and disease. In low- and middle-income countries, disasters are more likely to happen to people aged 60 and over. Although climate change affects all of us, older people are especially at risk from it, as evidenced by a growing body of research. The study also offers countermeasures and suggestions to develop aging health in developing countries affected by climate change.
Fulltext Engine performance and emissions evaluation of surfactant-free B30 biodiesel-diesel/water emulsion as alternative fuel

Mohd Tamam MQ, Omi MRT, Yahya WJ, Ithnin AM, Abdul Rahman H, Rahman MM, et al.

Sci Rep, 2023 Jun 30;13(1):10599.
PMID: 37391435 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37662-4

Malaysia is one of the top exporters of palm oil, and although currently facing fierce resistance towards palm oil imports in some parts of the globe, one of the ways to utilize this commodity is by increasing palm biodiesel content in local commercial diesel. However, due to the oxygen-rich nature of biodiesel, its utilization suffers from increased nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission compared to conventional diesel. To mitigate this issue and improve diesel engine performance and emissions using biodiesel-diesel blends, this study attempted to investigate implementation of a real-time non-surfactant emulsion fuel supply system (RTES) which produces water-in-diesel emulsion as fuel without surfactants. NOx reducing capability of water-in-diesel produced by RTES has been well documented. Therefore, in this study, 30% biodiesel-diesel (B30) was used as the base fuel while B30-derived emulsions consisting of 10 wt%, 15 wt% and 20 wt% water content were supplied into a 100 kVA, 5.9-L common rail turbocharged diesel engine electric generator. Fuel consumption and exhaust emissions were measured and compared with commercially available Malaysian low grade diesel fuel (D2M). Evidence suggested that emulsified B30 biodiesel-diesel produced by RTES was able to increase brake thermal efficiency (BTE) up to a maximum of 36% and reduce brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) up to 8.70%. Furthermore, B30 biodiesel-diesel emulsions produced significantly less NOx, carbon monoxide and smoke at high engine load. In conclusion, B30 biodiesel-diesel emulsions can be readily utilized in current diesel engines without compromising on performance and emissions.
Fulltext Shockproof Deformable Infrared Radiation Sensors Based on a Polymeric Rubber and Organic Semiconductor H2Pc-CNT Composite

Chani MTS, Karimov KS, Kamal T, Fatima N, Rahman MM, Asiri AM

Polymers (Basel), 2023 Jun 15;15(12).
PMID: 37376337 DOI: 10.3390/polym15122691

Polymeric rubber and organic semiconductor H2Pc-CNT-composite-based surface- and sandwich-type shockproof deformable infrared radiation (IR) sensors were fabricated using a rubbing-in technique. CNT and CNT-H2Pc (30:70 wt.%) composite layers were deposited on a polymeric rubber substrate as electrodes and active layers, respectively. Under the effect of IR irradiation (0 to 3700 W/m2), the resistance and the impedance of the surface-type sensors decreased up to 1.49 and 1.36 times, respectively. In the same conditions, the resistance and the impedance of the sandwich-type sensors decreased up to 1.46 and 1.35 times, respectively. The temperature coefficients of resistance (TCR) of the surface- and sandwich-type sensors are 1.2 and 1.1, respectively. The novel ratio of the H2Pc-CNT composite ingredients and comparably high value of the TCR make the devices attractive for bolometric applications meant to measure the intensity of infrared radiation. Moreover, given their easy fabrication and low-cost materials, the fabricated devices have great potential for commercialization.
Fulltext Predicted changes in future precipitation and air temperature across Bangladesh using CMIP6 GCMs

Kamruzzaman M, Wahid S, Shahid S, Alam E, Mainuddin M, Islam HMT, et al.

Heliyon, 2023 May;9(5):e16274.
PMID: 37234666 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16274

Understanding spatiotemporal variability in precipitation and temperature and their future projections is critical for assessing environmental hazards and planning long-term mitigation and adaptation. In this study, 18 Global Climate Models (GCMs) from the most recent Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) were employed to project the mean annual, seasonal, and monthly precipitation, maximum air temperature (Tmax), and minimum air temperature (Tmin) in Bangladesh. The GCM projections were bias-corrected using the Simple Quantile Mapping (SQM) technique. Using the Multi-Model Ensemble (MME) mean of the bias-corrected dataset, the expected changes for the four Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5) were evaluated for the near (2015-2044), mid (2045-2074), and far (2075-2100) futures in comparison to the historical period (1985-2014). In the far future, the anticipated average annual precipitation increased by 9.48%, 13.63%, 21.07%, and 30.90%, while the average Tmax (Tmin) rose by 1.09 (1.17), 1.60 (1.91), 2.12 (2.80), and 2.99 (3.69) °C for SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5, respectively. According to predictions for the SSP5-8.5 scenario in the distant future, there is expected to be a substantial rise in precipitation (41.98%) during the post-monsoon season. In contrast, winter precipitation was predicted to decrease most (11.12%) in the mid-future for SSP3-7.0, while to increase most (15.62%) in the far-future for SSP1-2.6. Tmax (Tmin) was predicted to rise most in the winter and least in the monsoon for all periods and scenarios. Tmin increased more rapidly than Tmax in all seasons for all SSPs. The projected changes could lead to more frequent and severe flooding, landslides, and negative impacts on human health, agriculture, and ecosystems. The study highlights the need for localized and context-specific adaptation strategies as different regions of Bangladesh will be affected differently by these changes.
Face-to-face interviews versus Internet surveys: Comparison of two data collection methods in the Rome foundation global epidemiology study: Implications for population-based research

Sperber AD, Bor S, Fang X, Bangdiwala SI, Drossman DA, Ghoshal UC, et al.

Neurogastroenterol Motil, 2023 Apr 05.
PMID: 37018412 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14583

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study (RFGES) assessed the prevalence, burden, and associated factors of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) in 33 countries around the world. Achieving worldwide sampling necessitated use of two different surveying methods: In-person household interviews (9 countries) and Internet surveys (26 countries). Two countries, China and Turkey, were surveyed with both methods. This paper examines the differences in the survey results with the two methods, as well as likely reasons for those differences.
METHODS: The two RFGES survey methods are described in detail, and differences in DGBI findings summarized for household versus Internet surveys globally, and in more detail for China and Turkey. Logistic regression analysis was used to elucidate factors contributing to these differences.
RESULTS: Overall, DGBI were only half as prevalent when assessed with household vs Internet surveys. Similar patterns of methodology-related DGBI differences were seen within both China and Turkey, but prevalence differences between the survey methods were dramatically larger in Turkey. No clear reasons for outcome differences by survey method were identified, although greater relative reduction in bowel and anorectal versus upper gastrointestinal disorders when household versus Internet surveying was used suggests an inhibiting influence of social sensitivity.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings strongly indicate that besides affecting data quality, manpower needs and data collection time and costs, the choice of survey method is a substantial determinant of symptom reporting and DGBI prevalence outcomes. This has important implications for future DGBI research and epidemiological research more broadly.
Rejuvenating multiple true-false: proposing fairer scoring methods

Puthiaparampil T, Rahman MM, Sabrina BL, Nariman S, Shazrina AR

Med J Malaysia, 2023 Mar;78(2):213-217.
PMID: 36988533

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has reached a phase where many have been infected at least once. Healthcare workers were not spared from being infected. This study aimed to determine the period prevalence of COVID-19 among the paediatric healthcare workers in Negeri Sembilan as the country transitioned into an endemic phase of the pandemic. Additionally, we investigate potential sociodemographic and occupational characteristics associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the healthcare workers in the paediatric department at three public specialist hospitals in Negeri Sembilan between 15 and 21 April 2022. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire.
RESULTS: Out of the 504 eligible healthcare workers, 493 participated in this study (response rate 97.8%). The overall prevalence of COVID-19 (11 March 2020-15 April 2022) among healthcare workers was 50.9%. The majority (80.1%) were infected during the Omicron wave two months before the survey. Household contacts accounted for 35.9% of infection sources. The proportion of non-doctors in the COVID-19-infected group was significantly higher compared to the non-infected group (74.1% vs 64.0%, p=0.016). The COVID-19-infected group had a higher proportion of schoolgoing children (44.6% vs 30.6%, p=0.001) and children who attended pre-school/sent to the babysitter (49.0% vs 24.4%, p<0.001). There were no significant differences between infection rates among the healthcare workers working in the tertiary hospital and the district hospitals. There were also no significant differences in the proportion of COVID-19- infected doctors and nurses when analysed by seniority.
CONCLUSION: Our study provided an estimate on the prevalence of COVID-19 among paediatric healthcare workers in Negeri Sembilan and the factors associated with infection, which captures the extent and magnitude of this pandemic on the state's paediatric department. Most infections resulted from household contact, with a higher proportion of infected healthcare workers having young children.
Fulltext The United Nations (UN) Card, Identity, and Negotiations of Health among Rohingya Refugees

Rahman MM, Dutta MJ

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2023 Feb 15;20(4).
PMID: 36834082 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043385

Being persecuted and expelled from Myanmar, Rohingya refugees are now distributed throughout the world. The Southeast Asian nation of Malaysia has been a preferred destination for Rohingyas fleeing Myanmar's state-sponsored genocide and more recently in a bid to change their fates from the refugee camps in Bangladesh. Refugees are one of the most vulnerable groups in Malaysia and often face dire circumstances, in which their health and wellbeing are compromised. Amidst a plethora of structural challenges, Rohingya refugees try to claim some of their rights with the aid of the UN card (UNHCR ID cards) in Malaysia. Guided by the culture-centered approach (CCA), this study examined the perspectives and experiences of healthcare among Rohingya refugees while living in Malaysia, now resettled in Aotearoa, New Zealand. The participants' narratives showed that the UN card not only materialized their refugee status in Malaysia but also offered them a way of living in a world where documents anchor the materiality of health.
Removing methylene blue from water: A study of sorption effectiveness onto nanoparticles-doped activated carbon

Obayomi KS, Lau SY, Zahir A, Meunier L, Zhang J, Dada AO, et al.

Chemosphere, 2023 Feb;313:137533.
PMID: 36528163 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137533

In this present study, silver (Ag) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were successfully deposited on coconut shell-derived activated carbon (CSAC), to synthesize a novel nanocomposite (CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs) for the adsorption of Methylene Blue (MB) dye from aqueous solution. The fabricated CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs nanocomposite was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) equipped with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) detector, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscope (XPS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The successful deposition of AgNPs and TiO2NPs on CSAC surface was revealed by the TEM/EDX, SEM, and XPS analysis. The mesopore structure of CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs has a BET surface area of 301 m2/g. The batch adsorption studies were conducted and the influence of different parameters, i.e., adsorbent dose, adsorption time, initial dye concentration, pH and temperature were investigated. The nonlinear isotherm and kinetic modelling demonstrated that adsorption data were best fitted by Sips isotherm and pseudo-second-order models, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of MB onto CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs by the Sips model was 184 mg/g. Thermodynamic results revealed that the adsorption was endothermic, spontaneous and physical in nature. CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs revealed that MB absorption by CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs was spontaneous and endothermic. The uptake capacity of MB was influenced significantly by the presence of competing ions including, NO3-, HCO3, Ca2+, and Na+. Repeated tests indicated that the CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs can be regenerated and reused six times before being discarded. The primary separation mechanism between MB dye and CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs was the electrostatic interaction. Thus, CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs was an outstanding material, which displayed good applicability in real water with ≥ 97% removal of MB dye.

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