A REVIEW ON THE ANTIPARASITIC DRUG IVERMECTIN FOR VARIOUS VIRAL INFECTIONS AND POSSIBILITIES OF USING IT FOR NOVEL SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME CORONAVIRUS 2: NEW HOPE TO TREAT CORONAVIRUS DISEASE-2019

The novel coronavirus infection has spread all over the world. With no specific drug or vaccine, the process of “drug repurposing” becomes a feasible solution. As severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has 80% sequence similarity with the SARS-CoV, the nuclear import inhibitor “Ivermectin” (IVM) has recently been studied as a possible treatment option for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). The article aims to provide a review on structure and immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2, indications of IVM for viral diseases, its possible mechanism on COVID-19 with a brief discussion on IVM structure, pharmacokinetics, adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, and contraindications. Further, we made possible comparisons of IVM with solidarity trial drugs and analyzed its major advantages, limitations and gave necessary recommendations for its use in future in vivo studies in the treatment of COVID-19

Perception and experiences of adolescent mothers and communities in caring for their preterm babies: findings from an in-depth study in rural Bangladesh.

BackgroundA significant concern for Bangladesh is the high prevalence of adolescent pregnancy and the associated negative consequences for mother and baby, including a teen-related increased risk of preterm birth (PTB). Bangladesh also has one of the highest incidences of PTB (19%). Despite these high numbers of adolescent pregnancies and PTB, little is reported about the experiences of adolescent mothers in caring for their preterm babies, and the interventions needed to support them. The aim of this study was to explore gaps and opportunities for improved care for preterm babies among adolescent mothers and communities in rural Bangladesh.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study in rural villages of Baliakandi sub-district of Bangladesh. Data collection involved in-depth interviews with adolescent mothers of premature and term babies, adult mothers with premature babies, and family members (n = 36); focus groups with community members (n = 5); and key informant interviews with healthcare providers (n = 13). Adolescent mothers with term and adult mothers with PTBs were included to elicit similarities and differences in understanding and care practices of PTB. A thematic approach was used for data analysis.ResultsWe explored two major themes- perceptions and understanding of PTB; care practices and care-seeking for illnesses. We observed gaps and variations in understanding of preterm birth (length of gestation, appearance, causes, problems faced) and care practices (thermal management, feeding, weight monitoring) among all, but particularly among adolescents. Immediate natal and marital-kins were prominent in the narratives of adolescents as sources of informational and instrumental support. The use of multiple providers and delays in care-seeking from trained providers for sick preterm babies was noted, often modulated by the perception of severity of illness, cost, convenience, and quality of services. Health systems challenges included lack of equipment and trained staff in facilities to provide special care to preterm babies.ConclusionA combination of factors including local knowledge, socio-cultural practices and health systems challenges influenced knowledge of, and care for, preterm babies among adolescent and adult mothers. Strategies to improve birth outcomes will require increased awareness among adolescents, women, and families about PTB and improvement in quality of PTB services at health facilities

Green fabricated zinc oxide nanoformulated media enhanced callus induction and regeneration dynamics of Panicum virgatum L.

The current study focuses on the usage of bio synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles to increase the tissue culture efficiency of important forage grass Panicum virgatum. Zinc being a micronutrient enhanced the callogenesis and regeneration efficiency of Panicum virgatum at different concentrations. Here, we synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles through Cymbopogon citratus leaves extract to evaluate the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on plant regeneration ability in switchgrass. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) validate phase purity of green synthesize Zinc oxide nanoparticles whereas, electron microscopy (SEM) has illustrated the average size of particle 50±4 nm with hexagonal rod like shape. Energy dispersive spectroscopy X-ray (EDS) depicted major peaks of Zn (92.68%) while minor peaks refer to Oxygen (7.32%). ZnO-NPs demonstrated the incredibly promising results against callogenesis. Biosynthesized ZnO-NPs at optimum concentration showed very promising effect on plant regeneration ability. Both the explants, seeds and nodes showed dose dependent response and upon high doses exceeding 40 mg/L the results were recorded negative, whereas at 30 mg/L both explants demonstrated 70% and 76% regeneration frequency. The results conclude that ZnO-NPs enhance the plant growth and development and tailored the nutritive properties at nano-scale. Furthermore, eco-friendly approach of ZnO-NPs synthesis is strongly believed to improve in vitro regeneration frequencies in several other monocot plants

Biogenic iron oxide nanoparticles enhance callogenesis and regeneration pattern of recalcitrant Cicer arietinum L.

This study is the first report on the biosynthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) which mediate in-vitro callus induction and shoot regeneration in economically important recalcitrant chickpea crop (Cicer arietinum L.). Here, we used leaf extract of Cymbopogon jwarancusa for the synthesis of IONPs in order to achieve a better biocompatibility. The bioactive compounds in C. jwarancusa leaf extract served as both reducing and capping agents in the fabrication process of IONPs. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) revealed rods like surface morphology of IONPs with an average diameter of 50±0.2 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) depicted formation of pure IONPs with 69.84% Fe and 30.16% O2. X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) validate the crystalline structure, chemical analysis detect the presence of various biomolecular fingerprints in the as synthesized IONPs. UV-visible absorption spectroscopy depicts activity of IONPs under visible light. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) displayed thermal loss of organic capping around 500°C and confirmed their stabilization. The biosynthesized IONPs revealed promising results in callus induction, shoot regeneration and root induction of chickpea plants. Both chickpea varieties Punjab-Noor 09 and Bittle-98 explants, Embryo axes (EA) and Embryo axes plus adjacent part of cotyledon (EXC) demonstrated dose-dependent response. Among all explants, EXC of Punjab-Noor variety showed the highest callogenesis (96%) and shoot regeneration frequency (88%), while root induction frequency was also increased to 83%. Iron content was quantified in regenerated chickpea varieties through inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The quantity of iron is significantly increased in Punjab-Noor regenerated plants (4.88 mg/g) as compare to control treated plants (2.42 mg/g). We found that IONPs enhance chickpea growth pattern and keep regenerated plantlets infection free by providing an optimum environment for rapid growth and development. Thus, IONPs synthesized through green process can be utilized in tissue culture studies in other important recalcitrant legumes crops

Perception and experiences of adolescent mothers and communities in caring for their preterm babies: findings from an in-depth study in rural Bangladesh

Background A significant concern for Bangladesh is the high prevalence of adolescent pregnancy and the associated negative consequences for mother and baby, including a teen-related increased risk of preterm birth (PTB). Bangladesh also has one of the highest incidences of PTB (19%). Despite these high numbers of adolescent pregnancies and PTB, little is reported about the experiences of adolescent mothers in caring for their preterm babies, and the interventions needed to support them. The aim of this study was to explore gaps and opportunities for improved care for preterm babies among adolescent mothers and communities in rural Bangladesh. Methods We conducted a qualitative study in rural villages of Baliakandi sub-district of Bangladesh. Data collection involved in-depth interviews with adolescent mothers of premature and term babies, adult mothers with premature babies, and family members (n = 36); focus groups with community members (n = 5); and key informant interviews with healthcare providers (n = 13). Adolescent mothers with term and adult mothers with PTBs were included to elicit similarities and differences in understanding and care practices of PTB. A thematic approach was used for data analysis. Results We explored two major themes- perceptions and understanding of PTB; care practices and care-seeking for illnesses. We observed gaps and variations in understanding of preterm birth (length of gestation, appearance, causes, problems faced) and care practices (thermal management, feeding, weight monitoring) among all, but particularly among adolescents. Immediate natal and marital-kins were prominent in the narratives of adolescents as sources of informational and instrumental support. The use of multiple providers and delays in care-seeking from trained providers for sick preterm babies was noted, often modulated by the perception of severity of illness, cost, convenience, and quality of services. Health systems challenges included lack of equipment and trained staff in facilities to provide special care to preterm babies. Conclusion A combination of factors including local knowledge, socio-cultural practices and health systems challenges influenced knowledge of, and care for, preterm babies among adolescent and adult mothers. Strategies to improve birth outcomes will require increased awareness among adolescents, women, and families about PTB and improvement in quality of PTB services at health facilities